Meghan Markle's 32 Best Fashion Moments

Like many people who enter royal life, Meghan Markle has gone through quite the style evolution—particularly because she started life as an actor on Suits, which meant she had style even before she married Prince Harry. Watching her grow into her role from a fashion perspective was an enjoyable journey, and brought new designers to prominence thanks to her wearing them (known at the time as "the Duchess effect," it meant that the clothes she and Kate Middleton wore became instant bestsellers). There's one important twist, though: Meghan and Harry announced they would be stepping back as senior royals in 2020. The couple has continued to do media and philanthropic work, so Meghan has since evolved again to a more streamlined, comfortable, but no less chic iteration of her style.

So it's been quite a run for Meghan on the way to her current style. Keep scrolling for 32 of her most iconic looks from the beginnings of her career to post-royal life.

At the The Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition, 2018

Meghan styled her light pink House of Nonie trench dress with light beige pumps and a matching clutch. The event marked the centenary of Nelson Mandela's birth; She then wore essentially the same exact look the following year in an official trip to South Africa, in almost exactly the same way, to meet his widow (she often rewears outfits, like other royals, but it was considered a special touch that she replicated her outfit for a similar event).

At the Trooping The Colour, 2019

Meghan's first royal appearance since welcoming her son, Archie—literally, since it had only been five weeks since the couple had formally debuted their son—she wore a navy Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy outfit (Keller designed her wedding dress). The Noel Stewart hat matched in navy; While at the ceremony, she removed the cape to reveal white contrasting sleeves. Her first Trooping the Colour was a pink off-the-shoulder gown, which apparently was a bit unusual since it didn't have sleeves.

At the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023

The Invictus Games are always a nice opportunity for Meghan to debut more casual styles. For the 2023 games, she began the final day with a plain white tee (Meghan: she's just like us!), matching Cuyana trench top and pants, and stiletto pumps by Aquazurra—one of her favorite shoe brands. She really digs a high-low moment; an earlier outfit during the event included a cardigan from J. Crew. These inexpensive pieces are often her most popular and emulated.

At the  "Suits" Story Fashion Show, 2012

Proving that Meghan has always had magnificent style, this look dates all the back to 2012—a Suits event, way before she even met Prince Harry and went on the official path to royal life. This is just a plain black midi sequin dress with an off-the-shoulder top, but she gives it personality with chunky jewelry, a small clutch, and beige heels. It was absolutely a sign of things to comes, and a good foundation for the stylish life she was about to lead.

At the Project Healthy Minds' World Mental Health Day Festival 2023

Giving us the most chic workwear outfit that's ever existed, Meghan (who was there with Harry marking the first in-person event for their Archewell Foundation, called Parents' Summit: Mental Wellness in the Digital Age) wore a fold-over blazer and matching wide-leg pants. It's Altazurra, according to Page Six, and rather predictably sold out. The two spoke at a panel, which was aimed at efforts to help young people in their online lives. During the talk, Meghan spoke about motherhood being her most important job and worrying about the internet in the lives of her children when they're older.

At the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, 2022

Technically this is probably "graige" (gray beige), and the whole look is apparently Dior, from the coat with oversized collar to the skirt and top underneath (not shown) and the gloves. Even the shoes and hat are Dior! The event was to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee; The couple had, by now, stepped back formally from royal life, and this was their first event since 2020 (they had participated in Trooping the Colour the previous day but did not join in the procession or balcony portions). Their two children, Archie and Lilibet, did not join the couple on their trip.

At the Commonwealth Day Service, 2020

For this, the couple's last event as senior royals, Meghan chose a glamorous green outfit to stand out: an Emilia Wickstead dress, green fascinator by William Chambers; Gabriella Hearst bag, and beige Aquazzura heels. Harry, whose commitment to matching his wife is always darling even when it's subtle, had a green lining in his jacket. The movement in Meghan's capelet lent a lot of visual interest to the outfit as she headed in and out of the service.

At the One Young World Summit, 2022

Proving that she can take on forward-thinking pieces better than most people, Meghan did two in one outfit: wide leg trousers and a halter top. The pants are Brandon Maxwell (she has white shoes under there, you just can't see them) and the top is Anine Bing; She accessorized with her Cartier Love bracelet and watch. It's the perfect kind of outfit for a less formal event (and one of a couple events on the schedule). May we all look this cool!

At the Opening Ceremony of the One Young World Summit, 2022

To deliver the keynote address for the One World Summit, Meghan opted for a colorful look (something she often does for a big event where she's in front of a crowd of people and needs to be visible). She opted for a blouse and trousers from New York sustainable brand Another Tomorrow, making the whole thing tonal with red Aquazurra pumps (and Tabayer earrings, if you're curious). Taking a page from the royals but putting her own spin on it: pure Meghan.

At The Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace, 2017

The delight emanating from both Meghan and Harry during their formal engagement photos was incredibly sweet. You could technically consider this Meghan's first royal event of sorts, since it was a huge photocall for the couple. Her dark green dress is by Parosh and the overy knee-length coat over top was by The Line (a Canadian brand, which makes sense since Meghan lived there while working as an actor). In case you missed it, Meghan's engagement ring had a diamond from Botswana and diamonds from Princess Diana's collection.

At the Invictus Opening Ceremony, 2022

Five years after making their debut as a couple at the same event (the Invictus Games), Meghan and Harry were back; Meghan spoke at the opening ceremony and praised her "awesome husband." With a perfect mix of work appropriate and California chic, she took the stage in a Khaite bodysuit—a really nice way to ensure her top stayed tucked into her black pants—and Manolo Blahnik pumps (hard to tell but apparently they're actually polka-dotted!). She accessorized with a Cartier necklace.

At 'Endeavour Fund Awards' Ceremony, 2018

An Alexander McQueen pantsuit has never looked more amazing (the pants were tailored to fit, which makes them look even better).The Tuxe bow blouse peeking out from under her jacket, plus the Prada black clutch that's seriously perfect for a nighttime event, matched with the Manolo Blahnik pumps. The perfect accessory to any look, especially when it's raining and you don't want to mess up your blowout? An umbrella made to match the rest of your outfit!

At the WellChild awards at Royal Lancaster Hotel, 2019

Eagle-eyed Meghan fans will have noticed: This was her green Parosh engagement dress (originally styled underneath a pretty white coat for the photocall). We love a royal rewear, especially an outfit so meaningful! Here Meghan wore Manolo Blahnik brown heels, camel colored Sentaler coat, and Montunas bag (apparently the jewelry is Emily Mortimer). Wellchild is one of the causes Meghan and Harry asked for fans to support instead of buying gifts for their son, Archie.

At the Roundtable Discussion on Gender Equality with The Queens Commonwealth Trust, 2019

Not every royal wears leather, but by keeping the structure and length classic (a midi pencil skirt works no matter what the material is), Meghan keep the whole vibe "professional but extremely cool looking." Also helpful: If your skirt is by Hugo Boss. Meghan matched the burgundy skirt with a deep red Joseph sweater and matching red suede Sarah Flint pumps. The other fun accessory: Prince Harry, who apparently was an unexpected plus-one!

At Canada House, 2020

Proving that tonal looks work just as well in brown, Meghan really made the color pop with Jimmy Choo pumps, Massimo Dutti turtleneck and skirt, and (for a little bit of visual interest) a perfectly complementary camel-colored coat by Reiss—a color that she often favors in outerwear, to extremely chic effect. At the event (they spent part of their holiday in Canada and were presumably expressing thanks to the High Commissioner), Meghan took off her coat, letting the head-to-toe brown outfit take center stage.

At the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023

While she opted for neutrals for most of the Invictus Games in 2023, Meghan broke out a couple colorful outfits to incredible effect—most notably with this teal cutout Cult Gaia dress. What's so impactful about this chic look (which makes sense for the closing ceremony) is that it's semi-sheer through the legs, but not over the top. It looks a little edgy, in other words, without feeling like we're seeing too much.

At Trooping The Colour 2018

For her first Trooping the Colour, some people showed surprise that the new royal wasn't wearing sleeves (it's a formal event and royal protocol, but...still! She looks awesome!). For our money, this off-the-shoulder coat dress is a perfect balance of formal and chic: wearable, but also aspirational. It's peach-pink Carolina Herrera, with matching clutch and Philip Treacy hat, as well as opal earrings. What a debut.

With Archie at St George's Hall at Windsor Castle, 2019

For the debut of Meghan and Harry's son Archie, Meghan opted for a Grace Wales Bonner trench dress (beautifully bespoke). Her Jennifer Meyer necklace and Manolo Blahnik pumps were the perfect, very simple pairing for a formal event—where all the attention was on Archie, and deservedly so. But even at the time, people commented about how impressed they were that Meghan opted very her traditional, very high heels, just after giving birth. Incredible.

At the Endeavour Fund Awards, 2019

Meghan's entire royal maternity style gave us a ton of enviable outfits (especially for anyone who's been pregnant and knows how hard it can be to look stylish). Wearing a white Givenchy shirt and black Givenchy skirt plus Givenchy clutch and Aquazurra mule pumps, the whole thing was sleek and simple. The best part was the gold detailing on the black shoes, giving a pop of visual interest and dose of extra luxe for an otherwise simple outfit (and an impressive feat to walk in).

At Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala, 2022

Meghan like a foldover or off-the-shoulder style—and for good reason, because she chooses outfits that look awesome on her. This simple white dress is Louis Vuitton, and feels reminiscent of her wedding gown (what an exceptional callback!). The black and white color scheme also allowed her to match her husband, wearing a black and white suit, perfectly. She wore her hair slicked back and minimal jewelry, which is a fun way to let the dress do all the talking.

 At the One Young World Summit Opening Ceremony at Royal Albert Hall, 2019

This royal rewear was a style Meghan had worn while pregnant: the Aritzia Babaton “Maxwell” dress (which, predictably, sold out rapidly). Instead of the more formal styling she'd used during pregnancy, she kept things simple and chic with her hair down and wearing navy pumps. Meghan has been involved with One Young World, which aims to empower young people, since before she was a royal, and it's apparently a cause that's near and dear to her heart.

At the Salute To Freedom Gala, 2021

Meghan turned to a favorite designer for this gorgeous, floor-length red dress: Wes Gordon's Carolina Herrera. Not only is it gorgeous from the front, with its deep neckline, but it's also low in the back with a bow and train. She's wearing complementary Giuseppe Zanotti heels in red. Naturally, Harry complemented Meghan with a poppy pin, which is a symbol to honor Remembrance Day (which, if you look carefully, you'll see Meghan is also wearing at the top of her dress).

At the Gala Performance of 'The Wider Earth,' 2019 

How do you make maternity style chic and royal-appropriate? By giving it a little turtleneck and showing up in a white tonal look, obviously. This Amanda Wakeley coat, Calvin Klein dress, and Ralph Lauren shoes (which look to be a very matte green-gray color) help Meghan look put-together, chic, and frankly more comfortable than most pregnant ladies. A simple Calvin Klein look is the perfect choice.

At Birkenhead, England, 2019

A color-blocking expert! Meghan donned her red Sentaler coat with an Aritzia dress she later wore in 2019 post-pregnancy. Matching red Stuart Weitzman pumps made the whole look feel cohesive and appropriate for the formality of the event. A brown Gabriela Hearst bag served as a more neutral contrast. At the time, her look drew comparisons to both the late Princess Diana and the Queen, who both used color and color-blocking to great effect at public affairs.

At Chester Town Hall, 2018

A foldover style always, always works for Meghan, which is probably why she wore this beige Givenchy for her first solo outing with Queen Elizabeth. It was also her first royal event without Prince Harry, but she looks absolutely chill and unruffled. The shoes are apparently Sarah Flint, one of her standby shoe brands, and match with the black of her small belt. Also: a great color to not pull focus from the Queen (in lime green, naturally) but still look stunning.

At the Endeavour Fund Awards, 2020

The first royal event since Harry and Meghan announced they'd be stepping back as senior royals, the pair looked beaming (even through the rain), with Meghan wearing a cerulean blue dress designed by Victoria Beckham and black Manolo Blahnik pumps. Harry, ever the supportive sartorial spouse—say that three times fast—matching his wife with a blue tie and dark blue suit. The dress was a nice change for Meghan: less formal, more in line with her pre-royal style. It would be a hint that Meghan would be debuting a new post-royal fashion.

At the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards, 2023

Wow, who knew gold looked so amazing on Meghan? The Johanna Orrtiz dress was strapless with a tiny peekaboo hole underneath the bust and a front slit in the font with a high water hemline. She had Tom Ford minimal heels on and her clutch was Carolina Herrera. I don't know if it's the cut and fit of the dress, Meghan's long, curly hair, or her general aura (she posed with Harry as well as mom Doria Ragland), but she looks happy and relaxed in ways she might not have in previous years.

At Cirque du Soleil, 2019

Meghan's maternity looks were always fun and distinctly her, but this navy blue gown was a special standout. Designed by friend Roland Mouret, she accessorized with Stuart Weitzman sandals. (I'm always so impressed by the height of her shoes, even when pregnant, tbh). The clutch was Givenchy and the bangle at her wrist apparently belonged to Princess Diana. The red berry lip was the cherry on top of the bold and glamorous outfit. This was actually the second outfit of her day, following a white outfit with an inexpensive H&M dress. Not as expensive, just as chic!

At the 2018 Fashion Awards

When Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance at the 2018 British Fashion Awards, she did it in black velvet Givenchy and Tamara Mellon heels. She was there to present Clare Waight Keller, who designed her wedding dress, the British Designer of the Year award. Interestingly, a source told Us Weekly that the simple one-shoulder gown, that she paired with dark nail polish, wasn't her first choice, but it was the Palace-approved one. Nevertheless, it ended up being one of her most iconic looks.

At the Mountbatten Festival of Music, 2020

In an all-red look (and matching with Prince Harry's Royal Marines officer's mess jacket, which I love), Meghan took the traditional royal tonal dressing to new chicness to one of the couple's last official events as senior royals. The red cape Safiyaa gown (you can't see it in that photo, but a piece of fabric trails down the back to the floor) is, as with the best of her looks, simple but regal at the same time. The clutch is Manolo Blahnik and the shoes Aquazurra.

At Windsor Castle, 2018

For Meghan and Harry's wedding reception, Meghan opted for a sleek, simple halter neck gown made of white silk crepe—and in a fun detail, it had a low back. Although the gown itself was custom, Stella McCartney would go on to release a ready-to-wear option; Like so many of Meghan's items, the dress style would go on to be immensely popular. The satin Aquazurra shoes had, according to the Palace, baby blue soles (which is a fun detail—something blue, per tradition!)

St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, 2018

For her gown, Meghan chose Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy to design the custom dress that was inspired by fellow style icon Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (according to Vanity Fair, it was estimated to cost $265,000). It had a deceptively simple, off the shoulder, gentle a-line shape. But the minimal silk design had a silk-organza underskirt and the dress only has six seams (which is an impressive dressmaking feat). Oh and did we mention the handmade 16-foot train? True to royal form, the dress and designer were only revealed when Meghan got out of the car, and the style of wedding gown became popular despite (eyeroll) the dress being divisive at the time for its simplicity.