New Style Idea

While home in Los Angeles under stay-at-home orders, Meghan Markle is continuing to fulfill her role as patron of the Smart Works charity, which provides clothing and coaching for women with upcoming job interviews.

In a video posted to the organization’s Instagram today and taken in late March, Markle can be seen offering a Smart Works client words of advice and encouragement prior to a job interview. For the meeting, the Northwestern University alum was clad in a raspberry-colored cashmere Joseph sweater (the top is no longer available in her chosen colorway, but Farfetch.com stocks a black version for $365). Markle paired the jumper with a $175 Edge of Ember necklace.

View this post on Instagram

“It’s been such an honour to meet and learn from so many talented women in the Smart Works network over the years, and recently to see the amazing work they’re doing to adapt their programs to the reality of this pandemic. Their ability to continue to empower women and help them harness the confidence they need to succeed during this time is inspiring." – a message to our clients from the Duchess of Sussex. ⠀ Since moving to a virtual service six weeks ago we have delivered 200 hours of support to our clients. ⠀ From the volunteers who have been delivering coaching online to the staff working behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly – the energy, passion and commitment has been overwhelming. ⠀ We couldn’t do this without the support of our community and on the 27th March we were honoured that our patron, The Duchess of Sussex kindly volunteered some time to speak with one of our clients ahead of her interview, offering words of advice and encouragement. During the session the Duchess praised her for being “such a beacon of hope” and “focusing on getting through this”. ⠀ When asked about her patronage she said, “it’s a pleasure to support them, you see how great they do and how many people they help and that’s what it’s all about. I’ve been really proud to be able to be their patron, but it’s an easy yes when you have such incredible women helping you.” ⠀ After her session with the Duchess our client had this to say: ⠀ “I just wanted to say a big 'thank you' to you, the Duchess and the whole team at Smart Works for making this possible for women all around the UK, because to see such work is truly inspiring and uplifting. And thank you for the super useful interview tips – I will be using them for years to come!.” ⠀ The Smart Works service is available for any woman who is unemployed and has a confirmed job interview, referrals are made by our employment support partners including women’s charities and Job Centre Plus. Our mission is to help anyone who needs it, no matter the circumstances.

A post shared by Smart Works (@smartworkscharity) on Apr 29, 2020 at 6:00am PDT

“It’s been such an honor to meet and learn from so many talented women in the Smart Works network over the years, and recently to see the amazing work they’re doing to adapt their programs to the reality of this pandemic,” Markle said. “Their ability to continue to empower women and help them harness the confidence they need to succeed during this time is inspiring.”

Eagle-eyed fans of the former Duchess of Sussex’s may find her sweater to be familiar, as it’s actually a rewear. The actress wore a monochromatic look including the sweater and a red leather Hugo Boss skirt during an October 2019 appearance at Windsor Castle for the One Young World Summit. She teamed the sweater and skirt combo with pointed-toe suede pumps from Sarah Flint, one of her go-to shoe brands.

When it comes to her personal shoe style, Markle is a big fan of heels, often choosing pointed-toe pumps from labels such as Aquazzura, Manolo Blahnik and Stuart Weitzman. Additionally, the “Suits” star champions sustainability with her footwear choices, having selected eco-friendly flats from the likes of Rothy’s, Veja and Everlane.

All products featured have been independently selected and curated by our editorial team. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn commission and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.