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Meghan Markle Sports Killer $300 Dress On 1st Public Outing Of 2019

It was also her first engagement as a royal patron.
Duchess Meghan was glowing as she arrived at Smart Works in London on Jan. 10.
Jeff Spicer via Getty Images
Duchess Meghan was glowing as she arrived at Smart Works in London on Jan. 10.

The Duchess of Sussex is officially back to work following the holidays, and has some new duties.

The mom-to-be is now the official royal patron of four organizations: The National Theatre, The Association of Commonwealth Universities, animal charity The Mayhew, and women's charity Smart Works.

WATCH: Meghan Markle visits one of her charities, Smart Works. Story continues below.

Kensington Palace made the announcement on Thursday, explaining that these charities were chosen to "reflect the causes and issues with which [Meghan] has long been associated including the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare."

Not long after the announcement, Duchess Meghan made her first public appearance of 2019 and visited one of her appointed charities, Smart Works. The organization helps unemployed and vulnerable women develop skills to return to work.

The Duchess of Sussex visits Smart Works in London on Jan. 10.
Getty
The Duchess of Sussex visits Smart Works in London on Jan. 10.

Staying true to her style, the duchess wore a classic camel coat by Oscar de la Renta and a simple, but sophisticated black T-shirt dress by Hatch.

The duchess's chic maternity frock is fairly affordable compared to her past looks, retailing at $287.96, so we wouldn't be surprised if it sells out fast.

Meghan chats with Patsy Wardally, who is getting support from the charity.
WPA Pool via Getty Images
Meghan chats with Patsy Wardally, who is getting support from the charity.
The duchess picks out a bracelet during her visit to Smart Works.
WPA Pool via Getty Images
The duchess picks out a bracelet during her visit to Smart Works.

To polish off her look, Meghan accessorized with Kimai earrings and quirky cow-print pumps. The unique shoes were identified as an old pair of Gianvito Rossi pumps, which the former actress previously posted about on Instagram, according to fan blog Meghan's Mirror.

Meghan's cow-print shoes were certainly eye-catching.
Karwai Tang via Getty Images
Meghan's cow-print shoes were certainly eye-catching.

Considering the duchess's flair for fashion, it makes sense that she put her skills to good use during her visit to Smart Works. After meeting staff members and some of the women who had benefited from the charity, Meghan got to play stylist and pick out job interview outfits for some of the women.

Royal reporters Rebecca English and Richard Palmer managed to catch the duchess in action and shared clips on Twitter.

English identified the woman in the videos with Meghan as Patsy Wardally, who has been out of the workforce for 16 years.

"It was so exhilarating to meet the duchess. She picked out a Hobbs cape, a pair of earrings, a bracelet and a handbag for me," Wardally said, according to English. "She chose things that were fantastic and now I feel much more confident and more beautiful."

The duchess' first outing of 2019 could not have been any sweeter.

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