Meghan Markle’s red cape dress is the ultimate outfit inspiration for party season

We can't get over this stunning look...

Meghan Markle
(Image credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation)

We're still thinking about the sophisticated red cape dress Meghan Markle wore to the Mountbatten Festival of Music back in 2020 and the look is still the perfect inspiration for party season.

Royals across the globe offer up hundred of looks every single year and we always seem to fall in love with one after the next. From Kate Middleton's cosy snow boots that we all want to invest in ahead of chilly January to Princess Sofia of Sweden's merlot velvet wrap dress that was a masterclass in festive Quiet Luxury, there's endless outfit inspiration for every occasion possible. 

But while there are always fresh new looks there for us to recreate, there's one past outfit of Meghan Markle's that we simply can't get over and are desperate to recreate this party season - her red cape dress look from 2020's Mountbatten Festival of Music. 

Meghan Markle red cape dress

(Image credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images)

Shop Meghan Markle's red Safiyaa cape dress

Kalika Scarlet Red Long Dress, £1,295 | Safiyaa

Kalika Scarlet Red Long Dress, £1,295 | Safiyaa

Recreate Meghan's stunning and sophisticated look with the Safiyaa's Kalika Scarlet Red Long Dress. The piece is sure to turn heads as it features a raised collar and sleek shoulder cape as well as an exaggerated back drape detail. 

Yes, three years may have passed, but Safiyaa's Kalika Scarlet Red Long Dress is still in the forefront of our minds. And it's no surprise. Many royal fans and fashion experts alike called the look one of Meghan's most show-stopping outfits ever at the time, and while she's given us many beautiful looks since, like her recent burnt caramel suit and sleek low ponytail that screamed day-to-night glamour, it is still a truly gorgeous dress. 

The piece features a gorgeous raised collar and sophisticated shoulder cape that gives the dress's neckline a sharp and sleek silhouette. This sleekness is continued throughout the dress with its heavy crepe material working to build a structured bodice and skirt that perfectly hugged Meghan's body. For some added wow, it also features a floor-length back drape detail that trailed behind the royal during the event. 

The designer piece carries a hefty price tag but don't worry as we've found some more purse-friendly pieces that still emulate Meghan's look.

Meghan Markle in red cape dress

(Image credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images)

To accessorise the dress, Meghan opted to lean into the bold red colour and create a stunning monochrome look. 

For shoes, she stepped out in the Stuart Weitzman Leigh 105 Red Suede Pumps, a sleek pair of heels with a sharply pointed toe and tall, stiletto heel. Meghan loves these shoes and has worn them on several occasions. They even seem to have been a staple for her before she met Prince Harry and married into the Royal Family.  

For accessories, under one arm, Meghan carried the Capri crystal-embellished satin-trimmed velvet clutch from Manolo Blahnik and opted for a pair of bold floral beaded drop earrings by designer Simone Rocha as her only jewellery. 

Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse
Freelance news writer

Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse is royal news and entertainment writer. She began her freelance journalism career after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with an MA in Magazine Journalism, receiving an NCTJ diploma, and earning a First Class BA (Hons) in Journalism at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. She has also worked with Good To, BBC Good Food and The Independent.