Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been making headlines with her stylish outfits at the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany. The former actress, who joined Prince Harry for the paralympics-style sporting event for veterans, has shown her knack for mixing high-end and high-street brands in her wardrobe. One of her most notable pieces is a black J.Crew sleeveless sweater that she wore for the wheelchair basketball final on day four of the games.
A Classic and Cozy Layering Piece
The black J.Crew sleeveless sweater, which is made of cashmere and has a crewneck, is a classic and cozy layering piece that can be worn in different seasons and occasions. Markle paired it with high-waisted cropped skinny jeans from Frame and black pumps from Aquazzura for a casual yet polished look. She also accessorized with minimal gold jewelry, including Luna Skye’s baguette diamond leaf studs, Lorraine Schwartz diamond rings, a yellow-gold Cartier Tank Française watch, and her Cartier Love bangle.
The sweater vest, which is also available in ivory and navy, is currently on sale for less than $100 on J.Crew’s website. The brand has updated its description for the item, adding “sporting events” as one of the possible scenarios where it can be worn, apparently as a subtle nod to Markle’s appearance at the games.
A Fan of J.Crew’s Sweater-Blazers
This is not the first time that Markle has worn a sweater-blazer from J.Crew. The day before, she sported an ivory version of the oversized knit jacket over a black tank top and linen shorts, along with Chanel flats and dainty gold jewelry. The look was praised by fans online for its effortless chicness and versatility.
However, Markle’s influence on her loyal followers was so strong that it caused J.Crew’s website to crash shortly after her appearance. The fashion brand confirmed that the site was down due to “planned maintenance” and apologized for any inconvenience caused to customers.
Markle has also worn the same sweater-blazer in navy during her royal tour of South Africa in 2019, when she visited a local charity organization with Prince Harry and their son Archie. She styled it with a white button-down shirt, black skinny jeans, and black flats for a simple yet elegant outfit.
A Lesson in Early Fall, High-Low Dressing
Markle’s appearance at the Invictus Games marks her longest public engagement of the year and offers the most extensive look at her current style. The Duchess of Sussex has worn five outfits over three days, all in neutral tones, from a mixture of high-end and high-street brands.
She has shown her preference for vibrant colors and pieces with subtly sultry details, such as a gold strapless cutout dress by Johanna Ortiz for the Women of Vision Awards and an emerald number by Giorgio Armani during a trip to Indianapolis. She has also coordinated with Prince Harry in classy camel outfits for an Archewell video.
Markle’s fashion choices reflect her personality and values, as well as her support for sustainable and ethical brands. She has also paid sartorial homage to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana on many occasions, such as wearing Givenchy at the 2018 Royal Ascot and a red-and-purple colorblock outfit while pregnant with Archie.
Markle’s five Invictus Games outfits are a lesson in early fall, high-low dressing that can inspire anyone who wants to look stylish and comfortable at the same time.