The Duchess of Sussex throws a fashion curveball in a summery yellow dress

Did Audrey Hepburn ever turn up to a glamorous public appearance wearing sunshine-ready, undoubtedly banana yellow?

It may seem like an unorthodox question to ask, but, as the Duchess of Sussex has made it her unofficial mission to treat Hepburn as her fashion muse since joining the royal family six weeks ago, it’s a legitimate one.

Previously, Meghan favoured skinny jeans, bodycon dresses and youthful bright hues, but since her relationship with Prince Harry, the new royal has displayed a more elegant, ladylike style, more often than not choosing neutral shades (she made an exception for a blue floral flock at a society wedding last month) perfectly-coiffed waves and modest neck and hem lines. 

The Duchess of Sussex's most stylish looks

On Thursday the Duchess of Sussex joined her husband at a Youth Challenge reception at Marlborough House. The event marked the culmination of the Commonwealth's Youth Leadership Workshop, which aims to encourage and inspire the youngsters to think about their role in the future and how they can help shape it. 

This appearance is a big deal for the newlyweds who are taking the reins of the project from the Queen after her lifelong service to the Commonwealth, so it was essential the new Duchess made a great impression.  

Much like at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards, Thursday's outing involved a much younger audience than Meghan's usual appearances.

The Duchess kept her look elegant and smart but with a playful twist. While we're used to this being via an off-the-shoulder cut or halterneck, it was the summery hue of her dress that provided the fashion curveball. The buttery slim-fit frock was worlds away from the cream dresses Meghan has favoured of late and a welcome addition to her colour palette. 

The sunflower yellow frock, which is currently in the on sale on Moda Operandi, is by American fashion designer, Brandon Maxwell, who, since 2012, has acted as Lady Gaga's fashion director. Maxwell is known for his glamorous aesthetic; his catwalk collections which are presented at New York Fashion Week each season regularly feature floor-length dresses with thigh splits, one-shouldered jumpsuits and figure-flattering midi dresses. Celebrity fans of the brand include Blake Lively, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston. 

Meghan has previously worked to cement her fashion credentials, wearing pieces by luxury fashion powerhouses including Prada, Stella McCartney and Givenchy, the French fashion brand that was behind the Duchess' wedding dress.

While it may seem rebellious, the bright yellow hue perfectly complemented the occasion, too; the Duke and Duchess were meeting with young leaders of the future, and not to mention the sunny shade is ideal for the current heatwave in London.  

While the modest dress is perfectly fit for a Duchess, the bright shade shows a fun playful side to Meghan, proving that the new Duchess will happily adhere to her new unspoken style rules, but she'll always add her own twist, striking the perfect balance.