In hindsight, Meghan Markle seemed destined for royal life. Well, at least her wardrobe was. She has very specific tastes, namely clothes that are feminine, tailored, and polished. Back in her Suits days, Meghan's red carpet dresses and tops neither featured crazy colors nor insanely bright patterns; she stuck to pussy-bow blouses and formfitting gowns. Her wardrobe preferences changed ever so slightly when she became a royal (i.e. the addition of fascinators and the riddance of plunging necklines). While there are quite a few things she likely can't wear at all anymore, at least not in public (think: rompers), the Duchess of Sussex has managed to maintain her sense of style, toeing the royal line with tuxedo minidresses (opens in new tab) and sleek black trousers (opens in new tab). Here, our favorite looks from before she and Prince Harry said "I do."
April 2018
In one of their last outings before they became a married couple, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attended the the 25th Anniversary Memorial Service to celebrate the life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence in London. The soon-to-be Duchess of Sussex wore a belted dress by Hugo Boss and a pair of beige pumps. The dress was classy and elegant, qualities her outfits still embody today, though with a v-neckline—something we haven't seen on her in a while.
March 2018
Meghan has a knack for choosing neutral-colored tailored pieces, as seen here during her visit to Catalyst Inc. in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She wore a dusty pink coat from Mackage, a Victoria Beckham top, and a Greta Constantine green skirt. Instead of matching her shoes to her skirt or outerwear, Meghan stood out in burnt orange stilettos from Jimmy Choo.
March 2018
When the fascinator goes on, you're one step closer to looking like a royal. Meghan's beret-like hat was by Stephen Jones and it coordinated perfectly with her white coat by British brand Amanda Wakeley. This was one of the first outfits where I thought, wow, she fits right in.
March 2018
Even before becoming an official royal, Meghan always had great taste in coats. Here, she was spotted in a belted white and navy trench from J.Crew with a pair of skinny trousers while visiting Birmingham, England, with Harry.
February 2018
While appearing at the first annual Royal Foundation Forum in London, Meghan and Kate Middleton showed just how different their styles were. Though both in shades of blue, Meghan chose a more contemporary ruffled dress by Jason Wu, while Kate wore a long-sleeve maternity dress by Séraphine.
December 2017
In one of their first public outings as an engaged couple, Harry and Meghan walked arm in arm to greet the crowds in Nottingham, England. Meghan matched Harry in a navy coat from Canadian brand Mackage and carried a Strathberry tote (opens in new tab). Navy seems to be one of the Duchess' favorite colors to wear.
November 2017
Harry and Meghan announced their engagement at The Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace. The soon-to-be Duchess of Sussex wore a belted white coat from Line the Label, a green dress by Parosh, and lace-up Aquazzura heels. This outfit set the tone for her future royal style.
September 2017
Meghan and Harry made their first public debut as a couple at the Invictus Games in Toronto. Her outfit consisted of a Misha Nonoo button-down shirt, Mother jeans, and Sarah Flint flats. The outfit was casual yet polished enough to be photographed in, and it was loved by royal fans around the world (opens in new tab).
November 2015
Meghan attended the 12th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in a plunging silver minidress and black mule pumps. Though the neckline of the Duchess's current dresses will never dip this low, this look isn't all that different from her beloved tuxedo dresses (opens in new tab) (shorter hemline, straight-cut).
June 2015
In a slightly more daredevilish moment, Meghan wore a see-through shirt with a pair of white flared trousers to an NBC press event. While the latter has become a trademark style for the Duchess (opens in new tab), mesh tops that reveal one's bra definitely have not. Farewell naked shirts.
October 2014
Meghan attended a benefit dinner in 2014 while wearing a teal mermaid style gown from Roland Mouret, a French designer she wears to this day. (If you remember, she wore this navy dress from the label (opens in new tab) to tea with her mother and the Queen before her wedding day.)
September 2013
Meghan attended the Herve Leger by Max Azria fashion show in a crop top and skirt set. The black ensemble was cute and flirty, though this is one outfit we're pretty positive won't be making a comeback in Meghan's wardrobe.
June 2012
You might recall Meghan making waves in the media for wearing an off-the-shoulder pink dress to her first Trooping the Colour (opens in new tab), but she's been rocking this style since at least 2012. This sequined black dress was her pick for a USA event; she completed the look with a gold clutch and glittery pumps.
October 2011
The (then) Suits actress always had a taste for elegance as proven by this velvet peplum top and skirt ensemble. Meghan leans toward form-fitting clothes, and this outfit from 2011 isn't all that different from her current style.
August 2010
You probably won't ever spot Meghan in a romper like this again...at least not publicly. As the Duchess of Sussex, the royal has adopted a more modest wardrobe consisting of midi dresses and trousers, rather than more laidback attire like this pink one-piece. R.I.P. rompers.
January 2007
The star showed off her sweet side in a strapless bubble dress with a bow detailing. Good thing Meghan was already comfortable with wearing heels (like this two-toned metallic pair) as a celebrity. They've become a major part of her royal wardrobe (opens in new tab).
November 2006
Meghan attended an event for The National Kidney Foundation in casual attire: a cropped jacket with a black top and flared jeans. A multi-strand beaded necklace hung on her neck and she carried a brown-and-white bag. Her accessories game has taken quite the leap from this day. Instead of faux pearls, she now has access to all the Queen's diamond necklaces and tiaras. Lucky.
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