Meghan Markle is leaving her "uber-glam" days behind her and channelling a "more hip, edgier side of the fashion fence", according to a celebrity stylist.
The Duchess of Sussex has been seen embracing a more relaxed style since moving to California with her husband Prince Harry after the pair stepped down from their Royal roles.
Meghan was honoured at the Women of Vision Awards on Tuesday evening and stepped out wearing a dazzling gold gown.
The 41-year-old sported a strapless dress with scalloped pattern detailing by the brand Johanna Oritz, which retails at $1,850 (£1,487).
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, royal fashion expert Miranda Holder said Meghan chose the "absolutely perfect" dress to match her new style.
"Meghan looked polished and beautiful, but for me the outfit lacked the wow-factor, falling short of the show-stopping, statement look I was hoping for.
"Perhaps this is the new, post-Royal life version of Meghan who prefers to leave the uber-glam days behind, preferring instead to sit just slightly on the more hip, edgier side of the fashion fence - for which this outfit is absolutely perfect," Miranda said.
The stylist added: "It was a joy to see Meghan out on the town last night as she stepped out looking glamorous in gold to collect her Women of Vision award.
"Following several recent glimpses of Meghan channelling a more relaxed, California-cool aesthetic in shorts suits and even hiking boots, it was exciting to see the Duchess literally radiating beauty and sophistication looking really well in this sultry figure-hugging golden sheath dress by Columbia-born designer Johanna Ortiz."
Meghan was recognised at the awards ceremony for "her global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls."
She used her acceptance speech to tell young women and girls: "It's just never too late to start. You can be the visionary of your own life."
Miranda said Meghan's wardrobe also offered a subtle feminist message.
"As usual with the Duchess, who is well versed in the power of visual representation through her wardrobe, the outfit was so much more than a great dress.
"Johanna Ortiz is also a great supporter of social causes and women's empowerment, making this outfit the perfect political statement to reinforce such a worthy cause."
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