Americans love people with lots of spirit – individuals who are willing to push boundaries – in the best sense of the word. And, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has done this with her flair for fashions that really work. This is why we love her.
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex appearing in a lovely outfit with a bateau neckline
Photo: Courtesy of Town & Country, November 2018
Appearing on the world stage in a Givenchy wedding dress with this type of neckline definitely made a stylistic impression: it was classic, sophisticated but still a little edgy. Put differently, the collarbone and neck lets one show a little skin. And, unlike many other fashion trends, this is one that all of us can wear with confidence.
This type of neckline needs to be left on its own – a clean, crisp look is best. That’s why a longline strapless bra, for example, works best under a wedding or cocktail dress. No bra straps should show, even for more casual tops. Gold chains or necklaces are a no-no. The bateau neckline does all the work. Or, as Coco Chanel always said, “Less is more.”
The Duchess of Sussex wears the bateau neckline with no adornment except earrings and a charming, fanciful hat
Photo: Courtesy of Royal Life, 2018
The Duchess of Sussex has brought back a fashion that first appeared in the pages of Vogue magazine in the forties where it appeared on upper-crust ladies vacationing on the beaches in New England. In the fifties, the boatneck signified glamour and money. For eveningwear, it brings the names Hubert de Givenchy, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly to mind.
This brings us to the present where the current thinking is that it’s a great shape for the body’s figure – most people can wear it. Or, as one fashion editor is quoted as saying, “I think it’s traditionally a very elegant neckline. It tends to make the waist look smaller by drawing the eye to the top. For example, Markle’s wedding dress had to be modest so she did this by wearing a boatneck. Keep in mind the neck or clavicle is a woman’s best asset. Nothing is more sexy!” And, the duchess is making it work for her so it makes sense – she is under constant scrutiny. The royal family’s dress code dictates how much skin she can show so the boatneck is a conservative way to do it.
As we all know, the Duchess can sell out a dress in an instant. But can she revive a trend? Yes, we think so. Since her big day, she is officially wearing this timeless silhouette. For her tour of Ireland with her husband she appeared in an olive bateau-neck by Roland Mouret. And, for an event with the royal family she was in a little black dress by Dior with the same neckline.
Over the years, this style has always been popular in the bridal market but now it seems to be moving into ready-to-wear. So of course, Adea is offering a 3/4 sleeve boatneck top in white, black or lilac..
It’s our version of a chic, sophisticated look that you’ll love.
Shaun Nelson-Henrick
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