Meghan Markle is breaking fashion rules and dressing like no royal before her

Pool/Reuters

Markle boldly wore a cross-body purse during a recent visit to Scotland.

• Meghan Markle has already broken a number unspoken, traditional fashion rules within the royal family.
• Since her engagement to Prince Harry she's continued to own her more laid back, relaxed fashion style.
• This week she was photographed wearing a cross-body purse, a first for someone in the royal family.

Meghan Markle is breaking a number of traditional fashion rules within the royal family. From wearing a messy hair bun inside the Cardiff Castle, to showing her legs sans pantyhose during her and Prince Harry's engagement announcement - she hasn't compromised her own, more relaxed, fashion style in the name of tradition.

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Markle wore a messy hair bun during a visit to Cardiff Castle.

This week, during a visit to Scotland, Markle was photographed wearing a cross body purse - a first for someone within the royal family. The bag, a Strathberry, was paired with a large plaid coat, which had a fit less-tailored than most of the coats worn by her soon-to-be sister in law, Kate Middleton.

Middleton generally carries a clutch purse to events, making Markle's decision to carry a forest green cross-body purse even more of a fashion risk.

Other fashion choices that have set Markle apart have been closely watched by the media. In her and Prince Harry's official engagement photos, Markle's Ralph & Russo sheer dress was considered a bold choice by some. Even her makeup choices - contouring her cheeks with a deep blush has been noted.

Her decision to wear American fashion brands, such as Everlane, is also a way Markle is stepping outside the traditional lines.

Prior to the engagement announcement last November, Markle was dressing even more casually - wearing torn jeans while out with Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in September, and carrying a large brown leather tote bag. While her style has already evolved since then, she has still remained true to her roots.