Meghan Markle recycles $3k spring dress – with most dramatic sleeves yet

Meghan Markle shared a sunshine-filled picture on Instagram of herself basking in the light at her Montecito property on Sunday. The 44-year-old royal penned: “Sunday, with a little extra light to linger in,” as she took in the greenery of her garden, alongside her dog, Mamma Mia. 

The former Suits star looked so chic in her dress, which had a distinctive, springtime feel. Designed in a soft butter yellow, the pastel creation had wonderful puff sleeve detail that gave the ensemble a high-end fashion edge.

Designed by Gabriela Hearst, the pretty number is known as the ‘Puga’ dress, which hails from the brand’s 2021 Resort collection. The garment was in keeping with Meghan’s neutral-toned wardrobe, which cements her penchant for a minimal-effort, maximum-effect approach to style.

Puff-sleeved dresses are not a new trend, and neither is the butter yellow colourway. But with its A-line skirt, fringed raw-edge hem, and pleated puff sleeves, it makes a statement and is ideal for warmer weather.

Meghan’s dress was also made from linen, a great option for the scorching California weather. Linen is one of the most reached-for fabrics when the temperature rises since the breathable material removes moisture from the skin.

Butter yellow for 2026

In 2025, the butter yellow trend dominated spring/summer dressing. The gentle, pale lemon shade was a huge hit with shoppers, and it featured on both the runways and the high street. Widely regarded as the most stylish pastel in circulation, it was widely searched for and purchased.

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Now that the warmer weather is approaching, the sorbet shade has had a resurgence. At the Golden Globes in January 2026, Emma Stone delighted onlookers in her two-piece set from Louis Vuitton on the red carpet. The look consisted of a boatneck crop top and a column skirt with a beaded detail.

© Getty Images for Vogue Australia

In February, Hailey Bieber banished the winter gloom by resurrecting a butter yellow gown pulled straight from the Versace archives. Sourced by Hailey’s longtime stylist, Dani Michelle, from archival dealer Raffe Vintage, the pastel gown featured a plunging neckline framed by bejewelled straps and an embellished mesh bodice, complete with a jewel-encrusted centre panel.