The mishaps in the Duchess of Sussex’s Nigeria outfits that scream ‘royal tour’

There is some evidence that Meghan has been planning her wardrobe unguided. Although rumours persist that she is working with Adele’s Montecito-based stylist Jamie Mizrahi, sources close to both parties denied this to The Telegraph in March. 

This may explain why the Heidi Merrick dress is far too long – the first thing a stylist would do is have it taken up. “Her choices are usually better,” observes personal stylist Annabel Hodin. “She has lovely ankles and legs and a midi length would be more flattering.”

It failed to hit the mark on cut, too. “The dress needed a weightier fabric, as a backless design needs structure to sit well at the front,” Hodin explains. “The break at the waist creates a square silhouette… It needed a slightly raised waistline.”

The white Altuzarra look was a misfire for Hodin, too. “It’s not a suit, as the blazer and trouser are different. If doing a top-to-toe suit look, the pieces must match,” she says. “The jacket is pulling at the waist button, and the flare trouser is too tight at the thigh. I’d also lose the T-shirt and team it with a silky blouse instead.”

Camp Sussex is keen to make clear that Meghan styles herself, and if that’s the case, she does a decent job for the most part. Far better than many Hollywood stars if parted from their stylists and personal shoppers. The Duchess clearly enjoys fashion and discovering new brands.

That said, even the best-dressed people need a second pair of eyes; someone to appraise a look from every angle, and to give honest feedback when something isn’t right – particularly when one is in the public eye.

As Meghan prepares to launch her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, perhaps a guiding hand would be a worthwhile investment. It would inject a level of polish and professionalism that she clearly demands from every other aspect of her work and life.