Best shirt dresses to recreate Meghan Markle’s Royal Ascot look

Meghan Markle arrived at Royal Ascot in a horse drawn carriage accompanied by her husband Prince Harry.

For the newly titled Duchess of Sussex, this marks her very first Ascot in which she dressed accordingly in a white Givenchy number, which she paired with a black and white fascinated by Philip Treacy.

Exactly one month after her wedding day, in which she also wore a Givenchy bateau wedding dress by Clare Waight Keller, the royal opted for a custom button-front collared shirt dress with floral embroidery and a belt to cinch the silhouette.

Taking inspiration from this look, we’ve gathered the best shirt dresses to tap into the Meghan effect.

The closest alternative

Givenchy Cotton-blend Shirt Dress

From the same label Meghan wore at Ascot, this Givenchy number is a close replica of the Duchess’s custom dress. It features a button front fastening, an oversized belt detail and it is composed of a crisp cotton blend.

£824 | My Theresa | Buy it now

The Dupes

New Look Shirt Dress

For a lower cost alternative, this New Look dress will certainly see you off to races in wholly affordable style. The button front shirt dress is available in white, khaki and mid pink – but the white gives Meghan’s Givenchy number a run for its money. The dress has a collared addition and a tie waist belt.

£17.99 | New Look | Buy it now

Crystal Detail Shirt Dress

Mango’s answer to a shirt dress has a very similar look to that of Meghan’s but with a crystal embellishment on the collar. The maxi dress has a cinched waist, long sleeves and a button front.

£69.99 | Mango | Buy it now

Lipsy Flute Hem Shirt Dress

This white shirt dress from Lipsy gives a more casual alternative to Meghan’s sophisticated option. In a midi length, the dress has a chic peplum trim addition as well as cuffed sleeves and a belted waist.

£30 | Next | Buy it now

Best Variations

Stripe Shirt Dress

We are loving this shirt dress on offer at Topshop - think Montenegro afternoons with an oversized sun hat. Featuring a tie front and buttoned cuffs, this modern monochrome is a year-round winner.

£49 | Topshop | Buy it now

Belted Shirt Dress

Ideal for summer, this bold green Mango shirt dress will fit right at home in your seasonal wardrobe. The bold patterned dress has a button fastening and a drawstring waist belt, pair it with white trainers sleek black flats.

£39.99 | Mango | Buy it now

Pleated Wrap Dress

In a bold red hue, this shirt dress will take you from the office to the BBQ with ease. The dress has a wrap front with a belted waist. What’s more, the chic pleated skirt has an on-trend asymmetric hem.

£58 | Next | Buy it now

Kamala Belted Spot Shirt Dress

This playful polka-dot print shirt dress may just be the versatile piece you have been looking for. The transseasonal design allows you to wear season after season while the black and white design will ensure

you can pair with heels for a more sophisticated look or biker boots for an edgier style.

£99 | Whistles | Buy it now

Striped Shirt Dress

A summer wardrobe staple, this blue and white striped dress from Zara is set to become your go-to. The dress has an adorable white floral design, a button front and a tie waist belt addition.

£39.99 | Zara | Buy it now

Ralph Lauren Striped Shirt Dress

Ideal for chilly summer days, you could easily pair this Ralph Lauren red and white striped dress with an XXL sun hat for a picnic in the park or with oversized sunglasses. The dress has long sleeves, a front button detail and a tie waist belt.

£120 | House of Fraser | Buy it now