Duchesses Kate and Meghan wear much shorter dresses during pregnancy and there's a tricky reason

The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle employ clever tricks to look amazing all the time. During their pregnancies, they wear shorter hems and the secret behind it has finally been revealed.

With the public always watching, the royals strive to always look their absolute best even when they're pregnant. So it comes as no surprise that the two fashion-forward Duchesses have uncovered a brilliant way to trick the eye.

Kate Middleton first employed the clever trick during her three pregnancies and she's passed on the style tip to her sister in law, Meghan Markle. During Middleton's pregnancies, those who paid close attention noticed she wore dresses with much shorter hemlines than she usually wore.

Kate would show off far more leg than usual while she was pregnant. She picked out dresses that fell well-above her knee and she had a very good reason for her choices.

The extra leg shown draws one's attention away from her belly. Thus by showing a bit more skin on her legs and arms, she creates the illusion of a slimmer form since her legs are much thinner than her belly.

The trick also lengthens her silhouette which adds to the slimming effect of the outfit. Cecile Reinaud, the founder of maternity brand Seraphine which Middleton favored during her pregnancies, has confirmed that Middleton definitely used the trick.

"[Kate] did [go shorter] for sure. She went shorter, on a couple of occasions well above her knee, which she never does normally," Reinaud said. "And especially in winter, because when she wore opaque black tights, it looks okay. It doesn’t look too much because it’s not bare legs, it’s black opaque tights with a shorter dress." ~ Cecile Reinaud

She went on to explain that she expected Markle to use a similar idea especially since Markle is petite and will, therefore, appear to carry heavier during her pregnancy. Markle proved her right during her recent royal tour with Prince Harry where she donned a number of above-the-knee dresses.

Reinaud pointed out that even though the Duchesses employed the same trick it did not mean Markle would suddenly start dressing like Middleton. Markle confirmed that she has learned to dress for her own body and stay true to her style.

She explained that while she admired certain dresses on hangers, she was aware that they would not suit her body. She gave the example of a Victoria Beckham dress which she said would not suit her because she did not have the long torso to pull it off.

Reinaud said, "I think we will see the trends she’s shown us, which is a lot of monochromes, not a lot of print, structured shapes, close to the body, slightly androgynous sometimes with trousers and suits." So far her sentiments seem to be proving correct.

Needless to say, Markle looked flawless during her tour and is quickly developing a signature maternity style. Looking back, it is clear that she implemented the clever shorter hemline trick well before the news about her pregnancy was revealed.

Fans are eagerly watching and waiting to learn more fashion tips and tricks from the gorgeous mummy-to-be and her stunning sister-in-law.