Duchess Meghan is bringing the boatneck back: How you can pull off the look too
Meghan Markle is bringing the boatneck neckline back in fashion.
The Duchess of Sussex has rocked the look at seven -- and counting -- official appearances, beginning with her May 19 wedding to Prince Harry.
Duchess Meghan's Givenchy wedding dress featured a boat neckline that has quickly become her signature style.
"The boatneck is a classic neckline that allows Meghan to bare some skin but not be too revealing," said Kristen Saladino, fashion director at Good Housekeeping. "She is following in the footsteps of some very chic ladies: Audrey Hepburn, Princess Grace and Jackie O [Onassis Kennedy]."
Just as Meghan wears the boatneck for any occasion, you can too, experts say.
"It's the perfect balance between edgy and still sophisticated," said Melissa Garcia, an on-air fashion correspondent, celebrity stylist and fashion expert.
"What’s great also is that almost no woman ever says she's not confident about her collarbone and neck area, so it’s a great place to be able to show a little skin," she said. "It's flattering on any woman's body shape and size and a trend any woman can embrace and wear."
The only mistake a woman can make when wearing a boatneck is to show her bra straps, according to Saladino, who recommends wearing a strapless undergarment in order to "keep the neckline clean."
Garcia also recommends keeping the neckline clean by skipping a necklace and making the boatneck silhouette your statement.
While the boatneck look is often seen on A-line styles, like Meghan has worn, Garcia thinks the exposure will bring a resurgence of boatneck to more casual styles.
"Now that Meghan bringing it back in the fashion forefront I do think we’ll be seeing different variations of it," she said.
Ready to dive into the boatneck trend? Try these looks.
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Mackenzie Linen Sundress by Eva Mendes Collection
Price: $69.96 (on sale)
A great way to try out the boatneck trend is one of Meghan's favorite ways to wear it, a dress. This NY & Co. dress has a similar silhouette and similar button details to two of the pale pink boatneck dresses Meghan has worn since her wedding.
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Modern long sleeve boatneck tee by Gap
Price: $14.99 - $24.95
Another great way to try the boatneck style, but without making a huge commitment, is with your top. This olive green top from the Gap for only $25 is a great way to try the trend without spending a ton of money.
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Boat-neck dress by H&M
Price: $39.99
Heading into the fall, one of the best ways to incorporate the boatneck trend into your wardrobe is with plaid boatneck, like this H&M dress. Meghan wore a Plaid boatneck jacket by Theory on a visit to Wales in January.
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Seamed boatneck midi dress by DKNY
Price: $79.99 (on sale)
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Paradise multistripe top by Vince Camuto
Price: $47.40 (on sale)
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Graduation dress by Betsey Johnson
Price: $44.97 (on sale)
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Ottoman boatneck one-piece by Lauren Ralph Lauren
Price: $150
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Stretch pique sheath dress by Maggy London
Price: $88.80 (on sale)
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Swirl textured knit dress by Gabby Skye
Price: $39.97 (on sale)
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