How Meghan Markle is bringing back the boatneck

For her much-anticipated wedding to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle opted for a simple white gown designed by Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller. The ivory silk outfit featured a boat neckline, three-fourth sleeves and an A-line silhouette. A 16-foot long hand-embroidered veil with flowers from 53 countries of the Commonwealth completed the look. Since then, Meghan has worn the same cut for a number of her royal engagements, making the wide neckline almost a style staple. For her nephew Prince Louis’ christening, the Duchess of Sussex flaunted an olive green belted Ralph Lauren dress with the bateau neckline. At the Royal Air Force centenary celebration, she chose a similar shoulder-bearing style black Dior dress channelling a modern-day Audrey Hepburn. A blush Prada outfit was her choice for the Young Leaders award, while she opted for a sunny yellow Brandon Maxwell dress with the same neck for another event. Meghan has sparked an increase in searches for “boat neck” with more women eager to adopt the skin-baring cut.

Empowering Style

There’s something about the boat neckline that exudes much elegance. This makes it an ideal sartorial choice for the royal family. It’s also a throwback to the ’50s, when actresses like Audrey made the silhouette their own, even opting for it on her wedding day. “It’s an empowering style. It works well for certain kind of women who are strong, humble and aware of their sense of being,” says designer Nikhil Mehra. It’s a favourite of Robin Wright on House Of Cards.

It lends itself equally well to ethnic wear. If a sari is not too heavy, it can be paired with a blouse with this cut. He also suggests some styling tips. “Earrings go really well with this silhouette. Avoid anything around the neck. If wearing a bateau dress, team it with a belt around the waist,” he adds.

(From left to Righ: At the Royal Air Force centenary celebration, she chose a similar shoulder-bearing style black Dior dress; She sported a sunny yellow Brandon Maxwell dress; Meghan Markle in a blush pink Prada; Meghan Markle attends Prince Louis’ christening with Prince Harry)

Clean And Classic Look

The bateau neckline is a wide style running from one shoulder point to another, sitting high on the chest and horizontally across one’s collarbones. It’s rather flattering for the shoulders and lengthens the neck, too, opines designer Maheka Mirpuri. No wonder then that Angelina Jolie attended the Order of St Michael and St George in a grey Ralph & Russo dress with a draped bateau neckline. The polished look was completed with colour-coordinated gloves and matching headgear. “This style works amazingly well for people with a beautiful collarbone like Angelina. It is a clean and classic look and suits Meghan, too, as it is sexy in its own way, flaunting the right amount of skin. It gracefully frames her shoulders emphasising her slender sculpted waist,” she adds.

Copy With Caution

The bateau offers a more demure option to those wary about going all out in a strapless or cold shoulder number. Celebrity stylist Isha Bhansali suggests recreating this style with caution. “Though flattering, it doesn’t work for all body types, especially apple-shaped women. This cut can make the shoulders look broader. Also, women should wear a full cup strapless bra with tops and dresses in this neckline. Bras with plastic straps tend to look tacky,” she warns. Pair a fitted boatneck top, with paper bag waist trousers. Another more elegant option is wearing a twin set top and skirt or a dress with a matching belt and court shoes. With this cut, it’s nice to have the rest of the silhouette really fitted. And does she feel Meghan has sparked a trend of sorts? “While it won’t be a rage, we will see more of high street brands and luxury brands showcasing this simple yet elegant cut,” adds Isha.