To celebrate International Day of the Girl, The Duchess of Sussex visited Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, where she participated in fun activities with the girls.
On October 2, 2024, Meghan Markle joined a group of joyful girls to craft friendship bracelets, color, and discuss their online experiences. While the fun pictures were shared online, many people focused on her outfit, noting it was elegant yet wrinkly.
A user comments on Meghan Markle Outfit as she visited the Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, from a post dated October 11, 2024 | Source: X/Knoxcat55/
This inspiring event was organized in a partnership between Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara and #HalfTheStory. It coincided with the announcement of financial donations from The Archewell Foundation, Pivotal Ventures, and the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation to support a collaboration between Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara and #HalfTheStory.
Meghan Markle, visits Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on October 2, 2024, in Santa Barbara, California. | Source: Getty Images
According to #HalfThe Story, “As part of our partnership, we’re launching a program with pre-teens to help them confidently navigate the digital world. We’re teaching girls how to thrive online with real stories and empowerment.”
The founder of #HalfTheStory, Larissa May, was excited to host Meghan. She wrote on X, ” Dreams come true. 🙏🚀For all the girls out there, if a girl from the Midwest can do this, you can too.”
Her post was accompanied by a picture of herself posing with Meghan as well as another woman. This photo was shared online by several people who commented on Meghan’s outfit.
Dr. Stephanie J. Hull and Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex seen at Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California, on October 2, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The Duchess was in white Anine Bing’s Carrie Trousers and a blue Marie Marot X J. Crew shirt with white collars. She styled her look with a brown belt and beige closed heels with her brunette hair let down.
Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex visits Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California, on October 2, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
A user made a post on Meghan’s appearance, stating, “#MeghanMarkle cannot help herself, can she? This was obviously all part of a planned PR Blitz 🤦🏻♀️. Recycling old looks to give nods to old works… please…someone intervene.” They compared her current outfit to a previous occassion, noting that she appeared to have re-worn her trousers.
Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex visits Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California, on October 2, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
People commented on this post with one person pointing out the “Wrinkles” on the trousers. Another user questioned, “Has she got those pants on backwards? Dreadful look.” A third chimed in, describing the trousers as a “Wrinkled sloppy mess as usual.”
Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex visits Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California, on October 2, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In a post on X, one more individual assessed Meghan’s outfit, “Despite the wrinkles in the pants, at least the outfit looks halfway decent.”
Dr. Stephanie J. Hull, Larissa May, Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex, and a group of tweens seen at Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California, on October 2, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
This prompted a wave of responses, with one person countering, “That outfit looks decent? Come on! There’s nothing flattering or decent about ill-fitting men’s wear.” Another user also felt that the initial assessment was wrong, saying, “Disagree with you on the outfit. No waist. Crumbled trousers.”
Meghan Markle interacting with students at the Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara from a post dated October 11, 2024 | Source: X/glittermagazine/
Even with the backlash, Meghan and the women she posed with also attracted a flurry of positive reactions, with one person exclaiming, “You all look amazing girls… 🔥🥰❤️❤️❤️” Another user praised them, “Nicely done. You ladies look fabulous ❤️❤️.” A third commenter gushed, “Everything about this picture is perfect and beautiful.”
Meghan Markle is no stranger to social media engagement as she often advocates for the positive use of online spaces. The Archewell Foundation, founded by her, is dedicated to empowering girls globally and safeguarding their safety and well-being in online environments.
Ella Nelson and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala 2024 in Los Angeles, California, on October 5, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
In line with this goal, The Archewell Foundation’s financial support for #HalfTheStory will help sustain a strength-based program. Girls in the program will learn important topics like body image, friendships, healthy digital habits, and protection from sexual predators.
The initiative will also focus on online safety education, responsible social media use, and mental health support. It will empower girls with the tools they need to navigate their environments with confidence and resilience.