Meghan Markle’s Style Evolution: Her Most Iconic Outfits Over the Years
Meghan Markle’s Style Evolution: Her Most Iconic Outfits Over the Years
Catherine Santino, Samantha StutsmanTue, August 4, 2026 at 11:15 AM UTC
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Meghan Markle.Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage(2); Craig Barritt/Getty
Meghan Markle’s life has changed dramatically since meeting and marrying Prince Harry — and her style has evolved right alongside it.
Before becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan was best known for her role as Rachel Zane on Suits. A California native, she favored a fun and polished style — mixing colorful dresses, bold prints and trend-driven looks on red carpets.
As she stepped into royal life, Meghan traded many of her Hollywood looks for more traditional silhouettes while still adding modern touches. But in the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, she revealed that many of her wardrobe choices as a working royal were carefully calculated. Meghan said she often wore neutral shades like camel, beige and white so she wouldn’t stand out alongside more senior members of the royal family.
That changed during hers and Harry’s final week as working royals.
“Until that last week in the U.K. I rarely wore color,” Meghan said. “I never wanted to upstage or ruffle any feathers, so I just tried to blend in. But I wore a lot of color that week. I thought: ‘Well, let’s just look like a rainbow.’ ”
After relocating to California, Meghan embraced a more relaxed wardrobe, swapping fascinators for wide-brimmed hats and favoring button-downs, denim and easy separates.
In honor of Meghan Markle’s 45th birthday, take a look back at the Duchess of Sussex’s complete style evolution, from her early Hollywood days to her most memorable royal and post-royal fashion moments.
Meghan Markle at a TV Guide party in November 2012
Meghan Markle in 2012.Credit: Jerod Harris/WireImage
Amid her success on the USA legal drama Suits, Meghan attended TV Guide Magazine’s party in West Hollywood. She wore a strapless color-block dress with shades of white, black, gray, blue and pink, and she accessorized with a black purse and pumps.
Meghan Markle at New York Fashion Week in September 2013
Meghan Markle in 2013.Credit: Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic
In 2013, the future duchess attended New York Fashion Week, where she appeared in a short-sleeved olive green dress. To match the dress’ gold hardware, Meghan wore gold metallic sandals and some dainty gold jewelry.
Meghan Markle at the Global Gift Gala in London in November 2013
Meghan Markle in 2013.Credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage
Meghan looked regal and elegant at the London Global Gift Gala in 2013. She wore a strapless black dress gathered at the waist, and her hair was pulled to one side in sleek waves. She kept her accessories minimal with a small gold handbag, nude heels and gold dangling earrings.
Meghan Markle at New York Summer Press Day in June 2015
Meghan Markle in 2015.Credit: Robin Marchant/Getty
In a laid-back red carpet moment, Meghan wore a partially sheer white top and wide-leg white pants for New York Summer Press Day in 2015. Her hair, parted to one side, was styled into beachy waves.
Meghan Markle at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in New York City in November 2015
Meghan Markle in 2015.Credit: Jim Spellman/WireImage
At the annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Awards in 2015, Meghan posed with friend and fashion designer, Misha Nonoo. Of course, the star donned one of her pal’s creations: a metallic tuxedo-style minidress with a plunging neckline. She accessorized with a rectangular purse and black pointed heels.
Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games in Toronto in September 2017
Meghan Markle in 2017.Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
Roughly a year into their relationship, Meghan appeared with Harry at the Invictus Games in Toronto. She kept things casual with a white button-down shirt, jeans, brown leather ballet flats and tortoiseshell sunglasses. She also carried a brown leather tote bag.
Meghan Markle at her engagement photocall with Prince Harry in London in November 2017
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2017.Credit: Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson/Getty
In November 2017, Meghan and Harry made their official debut as an engaged couple at Kensington Palace. She wore a white wrap coat from Toronto designer Line the Label for the occasion.
Only minutes after the coat’s details were made public, Line the Label’s website crashed due to traffic. As a result, the brand renamed the coat “the Meghan” in her honor.
Meghan Markle in Nottingham, England, in December 2017
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2017.Credit: Andy Stenning - WPA Pool/Getty
For Meghan and Harry’s first official outing as a couple, the future duchess kept things simple with a black turtleneck, a long khaki-colored skirt and black slouchy boots.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry pose for engagement photos in December 2017
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2017.Credit: Alexi Lubomirski/REX/Shutterstock
Meghan dazzled in her and Harry’s official engagement portraits, which were released in December 2017. She wore a glamorous black Ralph & Russo dress with a ruffled skirt and a sheer bodice adorned with leaf embellishments.
Meghan Markle at Christmas Day church service in Norfolk, England, in December 2017
Meghan Markle in 2017.Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty
For her first Christmas with the royal family, Meghan stayed cozy in Club Monaco’s dark cherry Tay dress and a long, tan wrap coat from Sentaler. The wrap coat featured a wide collar and a fit-and-flare hem. She complemented the tan coat with brown accessories: suede over-the-knee goatskin leather boots from Stuart Weitzman and the Pixie bag from Chloé. Meghan also wore the Snowflake 18-karat white gold and diamond jacket earrings from Maison Birks.
Meghan Markle at her wedding to Prince Harry in Windsor, England, in May 2018
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day in 2018.Credit: Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty
In a break from the elaborate (and often voluminous) dresses of past royal weddings, Meghan went simple and timeless on her big day with a creation by British designer Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. The gown was made of pure white silk and featured an open neckline and a slight A-line skirt — and it appeared to have been inspired by a personal favorite of Meghan’s.
According to a press release, Meghan’s wedding shoes were “based on a Givenchy refined pointed couture design made of a silk duchess satin.”
The bride wore the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau and accessorized with diamond stud earrings and a simple diamond bracelet, both by French jeweler Cartier.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at their wedding reception in Windsor, England, in May 2018
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on their wedding day in 2018.Credit: Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty
Meghan’s wedding reception look was a bit more sleek and modern. The custom silk evening dress from Stella McCartney featured a high halter neck and an open back. She paired the look with Aquazurra shoes that had nude mesh detailing and baby blue-painted soles. The bride also changed up her hairstyle from a low, wispy bun to an updo.
Meghan Markle at King Charles III’s 70th birthday party in London in May 2018
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.Credit: DOMINIC LIPINSKI/AFP
Just days after their royal wedding, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated King Charles’ 70th birthday — which was also their first outing as a married couple. Meghan looked the part in an elegant, pale pink ensemble from London-based label Goat Fashion (later renamed to Jane Atelier). The dress, which she wore with sheer stockings, featured a tailored bodice, a pencil skirt and silk chiffon for the yoke and sleeves.
Meghan Markle at the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London in June 2018
Meghan Markle in 2018.Credit: Anwar Hussein/WireImage
In a somewhat rebellious moment, Meghan attended her first Trooping the Colour ceremony wearing an off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress. The short sleeves were a break in protocol, but Meghan still looked regal as ever in the blush ensemble and matching Philip Treacy hat.
Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth visit Cheshire, England, in June 2018
Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth in 2018.Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
In June 2018, the Duchess of Sussex had her first solo outing with Queen Elizabeth, with whom she opened a new bridge in Widnes, England. The pair also traveled to nearby Chester, where they formally opened the library and theater Storyhouse and visited the town hall. Meghan wore a custom beige dress by Givenchy with a black belt, a black purse and matching heels.
Meghan Markle at Prince Louis’ christening in London in July 2018
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in 2018.Credit: Dominic Lipinski - WPA Pool/Getty
To celebrate the royal christening of her nephew Prince Louis, Meghan wore an olive green Ralph Lauren dress, which featured a bateau neckline and puffed sleeves. She also wore matching accessories: an olive green hat by Stephen Jones, gloves and a clutch.
Meghan Markle at Buckingham Palace in London in July 2018
Meghan Markle in 2018.Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
One day after Prince Louis’ christening, the royal family attended a service to celebrate the Royal Air Force’s 100th birthday at Westminster Abbey. Meghan wore a navy blue, Audrey Hepburn-inspired bespoke Dior dress with a boatneck. She completed the ensemble with a Stephen Jones fascinator.
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Meghan Markle in Dublin in July 2018
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty
While in Dublin, Meghan wore a black Givenchy pantsuit, marking her first official appearance sans skirt since marrying into the royal family. Along with her fitted black trousers and a matching blazer, Meghan wore a white shirt, a black belt and a pair of black pumps.
Meghan Markle at the Wimbledon Championships in London in July 2018
Meghan Markle in 2018.Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
Meghan and her sister-in-law Kate Middleton made their first joint appearance at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships. Meghan embraced the event’s casual vibe in a blue-and-white striped top and wide-leg cream pants, both by Ralph Lauren. She wore her hair in her signature messy bun.
Meghan Markle at the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition in London in July 2018
Meghan Markle in 2018.Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
Back in London, Meghan and Harry visited an exhibit marking the birth of South African leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela. Meghan wore a sleeveless trench dress from Canadian fashion label NONIE with a matching handbag and heels.
Meghan Markle at The Royal Academy of Arts in London in September 2018
Meghan Markle in 2018.Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
The Duchess of Sussex made her first solo engagement at an exhibit at London’s Royal Academy of Arts. Meghan wore a sleek black Givenchy dress with billowy sheer sleeves and black pumps by Aquazzura.
Meghan Markle at a reception in Melbourne, Australia, in October 2018
Meghan Markle in 2018.Credit: Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage
Days after announcing that she and Prince Harrywere expecting their first child, Meghan stepped out in Australia for the couple’s first royal tour together in a navy blue dress by Dion Lee. She paired the outfit with matching navy pumps and a trench coat that she later ditched for a reception with local government.
Meghan Markle at the Australian Geographic Society Awards in Sydney in October 2018
Meghan Markle in 2018.Credit: Paul Edwards - Pool/Getty
Meghan donned a glamorous black-and-white frock at the Australian Geographic Society. She stunned in a tea-length gown by Oscar de la Renta covered in silhouettes of birds. Rather than her usual low bun, Meghan opted for a sleek blowout.
Meghan Markle in Birkenhead, England, in January 2019
Meghan Markle in 2019.Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
In a rare pop of color, Meghan wore a purple Babaton by Aritzia dress under a belted red coat from Sentaler to hers and Harry’s first appearance of 2019 in Birkenhead, England. Her red Stuart Weitzman pumps matched her coat, while her brown purse balanced out the bold colors of the ensemble.
Meghan Markle in Rabat, Morocco, in February 2019
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2019.Credit: Tim Rooke/Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage
At a reception in Morocco, Meghan wore a blue patterned dress by Carolina Herrera. She completed the ethereal look with a sleek bun and beige clutch.
Meghan Markle at a Commonwealth Day event in London in March 2019
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in 2019.Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
The Duchess of Sussex was glowing in green as she kicked off Commonwealth Day celebrations with Prince Harry. She wore a bespoke outfit by Erdem featuring a green dress and a matching knee-length jacket with delicate black appliqué. She tied the look together with black Deneuve pumps by Aquazzura, a Givenchy clutch and an elegant side bun.
Meghan Markle at the Commonwealth Day Service in London in March 2019
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in 2019.Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
A few hours later, Meghan attended the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in a second ensemble — a cream-colored coat over a printed dress — believed to be a bespoke outfit by Victoria Beckham. She accessorized with a matching pillbox hat and green heels.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry introduce their son, Archie, in Windsor, England, in May 2019
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry with their son, Archie, in 2019.Credit: Dominic Lipinski - WPA Pool/Getty
Meghan and Harry introduced their newborn son Archie to the world in 2019. Meghan wore a white sleeveless dress by British designer Grace Wales Bonner. She kept her accessories minimal, with a pair of nude heels and a dainty gold necklace.
Meghan Markle in Windsor, England, in October 2019
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2019.Credit: Jeremy Selwyn - WPA Pool/Getty
Meghan loves a monochromatic moment. To lead a roundtable discussion on gender equality, she wore a head-to-toe red look, including a leather skirt by Hugo Boss, a V-neck Joseph sweater and matching pumps from Sarah Flint. She also wore gold and diamond studs by Emily Mortimer.
Meghan Markle at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London in March 2020
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2020.Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Images
Shortly after announcing their plans to leave royal life, Meghan and Harry made one of their final official royal appearances at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. She wore a green Emilia Wickstead dress, accessorizing with a matching fascinator from William Chambers, a purse from Gabriella Hearst and nude pumps from Aquazzura.
Meghan Markle at the Endeavour Fund Awards in London in March 2020
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in 2020.Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty
That same week, Meghan and Harry stepped out for the annual Endeavour Fund Awards in London. The Duchess of Sussex wore a Victoria Beckham fitted teal dress with Manolo Blahnik BB pumps as she huddled under an umbrella with Harry, a moment that would make for one of the couple’s most iconic photos together.
Meghan Markle at the Mountbatten Festival of Music in London in March 2020
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in 2020.Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
At the Mountbatten Festival of Music, Meghan wore a red caped dress from British label Safiyaa. The occasion also marked her last evening event as a working member of the royal family.
“It was a moment that will go down in history,” Safiyaa’s founder, Daniela Karnuts, told PEOPLE. “It exuded power, femininity and elegance — it really emphasized her personality and what she stands for.”
Meghan Markle is interviewed by Oprah Winfrey in Santa Barbara, Calif., in March 2021
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Oprah Winfrey.Credit: Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions
During Meghan and Harry’s March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, she wore a black silk dress from Giorgio Armani. Britain’s Fashion Museum named the item its 2021 dress of the year.
“It’s well known that members of the Royal family often use outfits to send a message through their choice of style, color or motif,” the museum said in a statement. “It was reported that the Duchess chose a dress with a lotus flower design because of the flower’s symbolic association with rebirth, self-regeneration and spiritual enlightenment, and its ability to flourish despite seemingly challenging conditions.”
Meghan Markle in N.Y.C. in November 2021
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2021.Credit: Theo Wargo/Getty
At a Veterans Day event in N.Y.C., Meghan stunned in a red gown by Carolina Herrera and coordinating heels by Giuseppe Zanotti.
Meghan Markle at Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in London in June 2022
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in 2022.Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage
Meghan looked chic in white at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. She wore a stone white trench coat and a matching skirt by Dior, as well as a matching wide-brimmed hat designed by Stephen Jones for Dior. She styled her hair in an updo and completed the look with Dior gloves and shoes, as well as her Snowflake Snowstorm earrings by Birks.
Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany, in September 2022
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in 2022.Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty
Meghan made her love of neutrals apparent at the Invictus Games’ “One Year to Go” event in 2022. (Düsseldorf was set to host the games in 2022, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed back the city’s competition back a year.) The Archetypes podcast host wore a white halter tank, tan wide-leg pants and gold jewelry.
Meghan Markle at the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award Gala in N.Y.C. in December 2022
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in 2022.Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty
For the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award Gala in N.Y.C., Meghan returned to one of her favorite styles: an alluring off-the-shoulder dress. The crisp white one she chose for this event was by Louis Vuitton, and she paired the number with black pumps, dangling earrings and a sleek bun.
Meghan Markle at Variety‘s Power of Women event in 2023
Meghan Markle in 2023.Credit: Unique Nicole/WireImage
Meghan kept it classic in a beige one-shoulder midi dress with slit hem by Proenza Schouler at Variety‘s Power of Women event in November 2023.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on their Colombia tour in August 2024
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in 2024.Credit: Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty
On a visit to Colombia with Harry, Meghan donned a Veronica Beard navy suit, composed of a collared, waistcoat-style vest and matching straight-leg trousers.
Meghan Markle attends the TIME100 Summit in April 2025
Meghan Markle in 2025.Credit: Craig Barritt/Getty
For her appearance at the TIME100 Summit in April 2025, Meghan wore a relaxed, two-piece suit by Ralph Lauren and accessorized with jewelry once owned byPrincess Diana.
Meghan Markle at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala in February 2026
Meghan Markle in 2026.Credit: Savion Washington/Getty
Meghan turned heads at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala in February 2026, wearing a custom white strapless Harbison Studio gown featuring a black-trimmed sweetheart neckline and a dramatic black shawl that flowed into a long train.
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