There is no doubt in our minds that Meghan Markle is a fan of the boat neck neckline. While we’ve seen it on her in the past, it’s been her use of the neckline as a member of the Royal Family at a regular frequency that has us wondering if this silhouette will be one that will come to define her style for the foreseeable future.
While you may have overlooked the Theory blazer worn back for Meghan’s first visit to Wales as having a boatneck, it’s highly unlikely that you missed her clavicle bearing wedding dress, or her bespoke Carolina Herrera Trooping the Colour dress. Or her bespoke Dior for the RAF ceremonies. Or the Ralph Lauren for Prince Louis’ Christening. Those are just some of the more contemporary examples of Meghan in a boatneck.
But Meghan Markle before the Duchess was also a fan of the boatneck. Her striped J.Crew boatneck top was one she often referenced and wore in her social media posts (as seen below), as was a Banana Republic striped version.
We thought we’d look a little at the boatneck’s history, other famous women who have been fond of the style, try and surmise if we can call it a signature silhouette just yet and suggest some new and exciting options that we’d love to see Meghan in in the future.
The boatneck (also called a bateau neck – the French word for boat – or the Sabrina) is a wide neckline that runs horizontally, front and back, almost to the shoulder points, across the collarbone. Many will associate the look with naval uniforms of France (in fact, Meghan did in her Bobo vs. Breton article on the Tig) as the style itself originates from sailors in the French Navy dating back to 1858, who wore the ‘marinière‘ style so they could easily escape the garment should the need arise on the seas.
The boatneck’s incorporation into modern fashion is thanks to Coco Chanel, who introduced it into her fashion line just before World War I in 1917. It was quite the statement collection at the time as it broke away from the so-tight-you-can’t-breathe corsets of the era and welcomed in a more relaxed look for women. (Thanks, Coco!)
The look is forever tied to the inimitable Audrey Hepburn, who loved and greatly popularized the look. In her 1956 film ‘Funny Face’, Audrey wore a navy striped Breton look, and she often showcased her elegance in the look, such as in this photoshoot.
Meghan has definitely developed a fondness for the neckline, sharing in her article about Bobo vs Breton French style that:
Frankly, I think most of us find ourselves in a crossroads of relatively put together + a polished throwback on any given day. The classic Breton shirt has that Cape Cod nod, Jackie O approved, but with distressed jeans. But that is life. It can’t always be perfect and yet it can feel remotely pulled together – à la Breton.
It’s definitely a style that has had many questioning if this is a “signature” look for Meghan, or just where her fashion heart lies at the moment. We think it’s definitely liable to become a signature look.
Why? Well, firstly, it’s a style Meghan has worn in the past. It’s a classic look, and we’re talking about a woman with rather classic styling inclinations. She had numerous breton-striped boatneck shirts in her closet and we’d be willing to wager given her fondness for them that they made the jaunt across the pond with her. Second, Meghan had her choice of designer and neckline when designing her wedding gown, which would be an iconic “Meghan” look for years to come- and she chose the boatneck. And lastly, it really suits her! Boatneck necklines do not tend to suit women with short or wide necks, neither problems Meghan has.
So what kind of boatneck styles might we see HRH The Duchess of Sussex indulge in in years to come? We played stylist for a few minutes and found some gorgeous options that she could consider.
Bateau Neck Dresses
Boat Neck Blouses
Boatneck Breton Shirts
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Banana Republic Sailor Stripe Boat-Neck Pullover
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Brandon Maxwell Sleeveless Yellow Dress
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Carolina Herrera Bespoke Peach Dress
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J.Crew Striped Boatneck T-Shirt
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Stella McCartney High Neck Wedding Gown
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Theory Hadley Off-The-Shoulder Jacket
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Tracy Reese Three-Quarter Sleeve Floral Boatneck Dress
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Like it when you guys play stylist – some interesting options presented. I could see the Duchess in the Victoria Beckham option for sure. The Olympia dress seems too busy based on her style.
I must admit, I have a bit of an obsession with striped boatneck tops from JCrew and have 9 in my closet ?. I’m hoping the Duchess might wear this style top during the Invictus Games later this year.
Great recap of the classic style! It’s a beautiful way of highlighting the collarbone and neck area of the body. I love it on the HRH Duchess of Sussex and it’s one of the styles I wear often. 🙂
I think it is definitely here to stay for her because it is a good way to show a bit of skin that is still classy. If she wore something short to show off her legs or something v-necked that may show a bit of cleavage, there would be some pearl clutchers out there who would lose their minds. So this is a way to not be stuffy but not offend the more conservative people out there. I like it, personally. I hate having stuff around my neck, so whenever Kate wears her buttoned-up-to-the-throat looks I start having sympathy strangulation pains.
Wonderful reply, you had me giggling. I agree. I don’t like tight clothing near my throat, so a boat neckline is great, and it shows of shoulders giving an elegant neckline. I think Meghan, like Kate, will use a variety of designers, but stick to lines/styles that suit their shape, practical, and wont date, like a uniform, for a professional events, and use jewellery that is more personal and sentimental.
If the boat neckline becomes Meghan’s signature style then I’m all for it!!! I think most of us have a certain cut, style, color that works for us and that we gravitate to time and again, I don’t see why Meghan can’t do that too. And the boat/bateau neckline certainly looks great on her, it really highlights her long elegant neck and accentuates her great posture. I think Meghan is off to a great start building her new royal wardrobe with pieces that will be just as beautiful and look just as great on her for years to come.
Quick question, the first photo of the dress she wore to the Trooping, is that really a boat neckline or an off-the-shoulder neckline? Imho, it’s more off the shoulder then most boat necklines.