How Meghan Markle is using fashion for good on Australia royal tour

Even prior to becoming a member of the royal family, Meghan Markle had an impressive portfolio of charitable work - something that she is keen to carry on as the Duchess of Sussex.

Since taking up her royal title five months ago, Meghan has already launched her first solo royal project, a charity cookbook for the victims of Grenfell, and in due time will become a patron of numerous charities and organisations, a custom of the royal family.

In the meantime, the 37-year-old former actress has found another way to champion good causes on a regular basis: through her wardrobe.

Her wardrobe choices whilst on the couple's first official royal tour of Australia are, for example, a case in point.

Meghan, who recently announced that she is pregnant with her first child, has been serving up effortless maternity style, which from the outset may just look like yet another perfectly put together ensemble. But, if you dig a little deeper, the brands she has carefully picked out have charity and sustainability at their core.

Here are the conscientious fashion brands Meghan has shone a spotlight on so far:

The Sustainable Shoes

Meghan has a long history of championing eco-friendly brands, most notably on her wedding day, when she donned a sustainable Stella McCartney gown for the evening reception.

However, her nod towards sustainable fashion in Sydney was far more subtle.

Meghan slipped out of her heels and into a pair of black pumps in order to catch a boat from Taronga Zoo, marking the first time she has been seen in flats for a public engagement.

The £95 black pumps are by sustainable brand, Rothy's, who make each pair of shoes from recycled water bottles.

"Rothy’s knit uppers are made from 100% post-consumer plastic water bottles," it explains on the website.

Their mission being: "to create a new kind of shoe for women: one that is versatile, chic and durable. And we want to do it right, with as little waste and impact to the environment as possible."

And, the sensible shoe choice is obviously growing on Meghan, as she re-wore the shoes on day three on the royal tour whilst on a trip to Melbourne Beach.

The Do-Good Denim

For a trip to Dubbo on day two of their royal tour, Meghan chose a casual ensemble made up of an oversized shirt, blazer and skinny jeans.

Although the outfit may have been simple, it highlighted a meaningful charitable cause.

The black jeans were made by Outland Denim, a company founded by James Bartle, who set up the clothing line in order to help women who have survived human trafficking in Cambodia.

The designs are ethically made by women who are at risk of falling into poverty and survivors who demonstrate an interest in sewing.

"We know each of our seamstresses by name," it states on Outland Denim's website. "They earn a living wage and are given support to build a bright future for themselves. They are the reason we do what we do."

Thanks to 'Meghan Effect' we're sure a surge in denim orders will be changing many women's lives over the course of the coming months.

The Eco-Conscious Designer

By now it's no secret that Meghan is a fan of luxury designer labels, but amongst the Givenchy, Prada and Ralph Lauren in her wardrobe sits one designer that is undeniably more sustainable than the rest: Stella McCartney.

Meghan, who chose to wear the British designer on her wedding day for the evening reception, once again chose to sport the brand for an important event, the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games 2018, where she stunned in a midnight blue Cady Cape Dress.

Over the years McCartney has become known for its cruelty-free and eco-conscious designs, which ranges from trainers made out of biodegradable products to an engrained sustainable business model that sees 45 per cent of office and stores powered by renewable green energy.

Duchess Meghan, looking stylish and helping to protect the planet, one Stella McCartney dress at a time.