Meghan Markle’s Modern Royal Wedding Style: Looks Fit For An American Princess

Saturday’s royal nuptials signal a change: It’s a mood that combines Princess Di’s beloved freshness with the rebellious air of Wallis Simpson. (The bride-to-be is a divorcee? Gasp!) As American actress Meghan Markle gets set to walk down the aisle to that handsome devil Prince Harry, we ponder wedding style suited for a most modern aristocracy.

How will Markle weave her Tinsletown taste with the obligations of British aristocratic style? Will she don that notorious messy bun to her royal wedding, or trade it for a more polished look? For her gown, will she opt, as is now rumored, for Burberry (a British staple!) or break convention and go for a non-British designer? How will Kensington Palace cover the wedding on Instagram? And what, oh what, will @garyjanetti say about it all?

Personally, our thoughts are that Markle will eventually carve out her own stylish niche that is one-part Wedgwood, another part Fred Segal; high tea mixed with the occasional late night at Harry’s Bar. Here, a few items fit for a next-gen princess.

Pressure getting a little much with all the Markle-family drama? (Daddy Dearest is unable to walk her down the aisle. Will her sister continue to stage paparazzi photos?) Perhaps Meghan and Harry should pull a fast one on HRH and elope in Mexico, with a beachside wedding and many, many margaritas.

If that’s the plan, this casual Stella McCartney is what Ms. Markle should wear.

For the love of memories, anyone attending this wedding should be jotting a journal after returning home from the reception. Smythson gives a nod to British author Jane Austen with this special-edition notebook, an apropos accessory for the big day. (Don’t worry, you won’t be judged if your post-wedding diary notes are a bit hard to read due to copious Champagne consumption throughout the night.)

How refreshing would it be if post-wedding Megs traded the traditional rock for something like this yellow gold and diamond signet ring by Foundrae. You know, something a bit more practical.

Much has been rumored about which tiara Queen E will allow Meghan to wear on the big day. Here’s a thought: Ring Harry Winston. (The jewelry house from Meghan’s homeland!) This crown is subtle, elegant and — see below! — converts into a necklace. It’s right in line with the palace’s efforts toward practicality — and, well, Ms. Markle can still wear it should things not work out as a princess.

For the couple that has everything? I like to imagine Meghan and Harry packing this chic picnic hamper up for al fresco meals during their next trip to Africa. After all, what says “I’m a British royal on safari” more than Fortnum & Mason wicker? OK, maybe this is better suited for Kensington Gardens.

Gloves! Hats! Fascinators! Morning suits! This is what really gets me excited about the royal wedding. If I was an invited guest, I would have special ordered a pair of Cornelia James gloves before even deciding what the rest of my look would consist of. Old world. Avant-garde. Count me in.

While we’re on the subject of what guests should wear to the wedding, it would be remiss to leave London hat designer Philip Treacy out of the conversation. With apologies to Treacy, we hope all guests remember the Beatrice and Eugenie hat flop from Kate and Wills’ wedding and go for something a bit more elegant. Yes, it can still be over-the-top, but please, keep things pretty.

Imagine this: Meghan Markle, now a princess, decides to ditch her gown post ceremony for a late-night reception outfit, consisting of this Tabitha Simmons heel and a sleek white tux … What would the old guard say?!

One of my favorite wedding looks of all time comes by way of Lou Lou de la Falaise. (The turban!) It was for a hot second rumored that Erdem would design Meghan Markle’s gown. Frankly, I loved that idea. And if she went for this type of unconventional gown, I wouldn’t be surprised. It’s perfectly slouchy — that California-esque “I’m not trying too hard” way of dressing.

Do you think Meghan will pen her own thank you notes? If so, wouldn’t it be bold of her to use storied American stationery house Mrs. John L. Strong? These include tiny crowns, but surely Megs could have custom notes made with her new family crest.