This August, the documentary Cookie Queens will be released—a film that perhaps only Meghan Markle (and Prince Harry’s) Archewell Productions could have executive produced. It explores the highs and lows of being part of the $800 million Girl Scout Cookies industry. After all, this is the same woman who built her own business around imperfect, homemade goods that, in her view, always stood for something much bigger. As she once described a hastily put-together Christmas cracker on With Love, Meghan: “The perfect imperfection that comes from human connection.”
Photo: Getty Images
“[It] is probably the cutest at the festival,” the Duchess of Sussex said while introducing the project at Sundance earlier this year, “but I’m also going to go out on a limb and say it’s one of the most powerful and meaningful portrayals of something that’s an American tradition, rooted in nostalgia.” If Meghan Markle’s involvement in the documentary felt true to form, so did the outfit she wore to a screening at The Grove in Los Angeles last night: an oversized Valentino blazer, a crew-neck Anine Bing T-shirt, wide-legged Tracy James jeans in various shades of cream, and some Cartier jewelry—exactly the kind of look that, thanks to post-Palace Meghan, has come to be known as “Montecito casual.”
Photo: Getty Images
But look down, and the formula starts to shift. The Duchess swapped her usual Hermès Oran sandals—which tend to take her everywhere, most recently between Portugal and Princess Diana’s childhood home—for the brand’s Santorini sandals. These have the same signature “H” cut-out across the toes but come with an adjustable ankle strap. It’s hardly a dramatic change—she hasn’t suddenly stepped out in heelless Pleasers or anything—but maybe that’s the best proof yet of just how solid her personal brand has become: an ankle strap has got us talking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Meghan Markle upgrading her favorite summer flats written in a natural tone with clear direct answers
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What summer flats is Meghan Markle wearing
Shes been spotted wearing a classic pair of Tabistyle ballet flats The upgrade is that shes added a small chunky block heel to the usually flat sole
2 Why did she upgrade them
The main reason is likely comfort and practicality A small heel takes pressure off the arch of the foot making them easier to wear all day for running errands or events without sacrificing the flats elegant look
3 Are they still considered flats
Technically notheyre now a lowblock heel But in fashion terms theyre often called kittenheel flats or elevated flats because the heel is very short and chunky keeping the same casual vibe
4 Where can I buy a similar pair
You can find similar styles at The Row Reformation Everlane or Mango Look for block heel ballet flats or kitten heel flats
5 Do these flats look good with jeans or dresses
Yes Theyre very versatile They look polished with wideleg trousers or jeans and theyre elegant with midi skirts or summer dresses The chunky heel keeps them from looking too formal
Intermediate Questions
6 Whats the difference between her old flats and the upgraded version
The old flats were completely flat The upgrade adds a small squaredoff heel that lifts the back of the foot improving posture and reducing strain on the Achilles tendon
7 Are these flats better for walking long distances
Yes for most people The slight heel helps cushion the heel strike and can reduce fatigue compared to completely flat shoes which can cause heel pain or plantar fasciitis over time