Meghan Markle's Fashion Transformation: From Ruched Miniskirts to Belted Overcoats
When you look at fairly recent photos of Meghan Markle (we’re talking pre-pandemic), you see a woman one can only assume was born looking so effortlessly elegant and camera-ready. But after doing a little research, we discovered that her ensembles weren't always so enviable. And now, even after stepping down as a senior member of the royal fam, her style continued to evolve. Join us, won't you, on a trip down Markle's sartorial memory lane.
2006
Proof that when it came to mid-2000s fashion, none of us were spared.
2007
Just a year later, Markle was out here looking like the most popular girl at the '07 Beta Spring Formal.
2012
Maybe she thought the saying went, Dress for the table at Lavo you want not the USA Network Upfront you have.
2012
Ruched bodycon, check. Rolled-sleeved blazer, check. Commuter flats...sure.
2013
Then on the opposite end of the spectrum we have this saucy librarian cosplay.
2014
Now we're talking. Meg's getting warmer with this professional (but not too buttoned-up) blouse-and-pencil-skirt combo.
2015
This ballet-inspired number says, OK, it's 2015—I've gotta start nailing this style thing if I want any sort of chance at bagging a prince.
2016
Romantic without being twee, this pretty lace number is the sartorial embodiment of a garden party.
2016
Oh, hello, Ms. Markle. Might we say this is our favorite silhouette on you.
2017
For one of her first outings with her future husband, Markle kept it casual in a loose button-down, ripped jeans and a $165 Everlane tote. (Side note: R.I.P. this look for you, girl.)
2017
Then, for their first photos as an engaged couple, the future Mrs. Prince Harry stood out in a belted white coat from the Canadian brand Line the Label that unsurprisingly sold out within minutes.
2017
Speaking of belted coats, Markle wore another one alongside her betrothed and his fam—this time coordinating it with a hat that's vaguely reminiscent of an acorn (guess you're officially British now?) and a scene-stealing Chloé bag.
2018
The only thing wrong with this navy cape dress is that there aren't any better photos of it.
2018
And an encore for a new way to style them.
2018
Another day, another luxurious belted coat in a soothing neutral color. If it ain't broke...
2019
During a visit to Windsor Castle for a roundtable discussion about gender equality, Markle stepped out in a red-on-red ensemble, featuring one of our favorite pieces in her closet, a lambskin BOSS pencil skirt (also seen on the Queen of Spain).
2019
And who can forget when she sported her trench dress to the University of Johannesburg during her tour of South Africa? (Also, her signature Stuart Weitzman pumps.)
2019
You can’t go wrong with a jean jacket, white button down and black jeans.
2020
At one of her last events as a senior member of the royal fam, Markle opted for this stunning cerulean blue figure-flattering shift dress with short sleeves and a banded waist by Victoria Beckham.
2020
From the comfort of her own home, the duchess sported a brown silk top with black cropped trousers and black heels giving a new meaning to causal-chic.
2021
This Armani dress will go down in history.
2021
Towards the end of her hubby’s promo video for his mental health special, Markle showed off her WFH ensemble in a T-shirt with the phrase “Raising the Future” written across the front.
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