Meghan Markle [1]'s style evolution is one for the books. While she's always been fashion-forward and chic, she's now evolved into one of our generation's most influential dressers. From her "Suits" wardrobe [2] to her entry into the royal family, Markle's outfits inspire plenty of admirers and imitators across the globe.
Back in 2006, Markle appeared on "Deal or No Deal" wearing minidresses with a body-con silhouette. What followed was seven seasons of "Suits," when the actress attended Hollywood and fashion parties alike, embracing the season's hottest trends, from bandage dresses to gladiator heeled sandals. When she began dating Prince Harry [3], her fashion sense changed most dramatically, as she mellowed her red carpet look a bit in favor of a more conservative aesthetic fit for a royal. With a wedding gown designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy [4], Markle cemented her place in the pages of the fashion history books.
For the many official events that followed, she adhered to royal dressing protocol at times, but she also challenged it, embracing nail polish, off-the-shoulder necklines, and more. She also paid close attention to her color palette, staying away from bright colors in favor of neutral tones that wouldn't draw attention away from the more senior royals. As the end neared for her time as a working royal [5], Markle's style shifted yet again: her last formal royal appearances included vibrant hues like monochrome red and green.
Once Markle officially resumed life as a private citizen, her style changed again. To raise her two children in California, she curated a more casual but classic wardrobe of jeans and button-down shirts. For red carpet events, the mother of two embraces a bolder aesthetic, experimenting with everything from pink short suits [6] to gold cutout dresses [7]. On her down time, or when she's cooking in her kitchen for her Netflix show, "With Love, Meghan," the duchess embraces a coastal, Bohemian vibe with light-colored, breezy separates. Ahead, shop her latest style moments then keep scrolling to check out her full fashion evolution — from body-con dresses to cape gowns.
Meghan Markle's Northwestern Shirt Like Princess Diana's
Northwestern Wildcats Comfy Cord Vintage Wash Basic Arch Pullover Sweatshirt [8] ($75)
The Duchess of Sussex shared a peek at her garden on Instagram stories wearing a Northwestern sweatshirt. Not only is it a tribute to her alma mater (she attended from 1999 to 2003) but it can be seen as a nod to her late mother-in-law. Princess Diana famously wore the same sweatshirt [9] in 1996 after visiting the university.
Meghan Markle's Neutral Separates in With Love, Meghan, Episode 102
Meghan Markle [10] chops up some veggies in breezy, coastal separates: a Loro Piana [11] Takao Jumper, a Jenni Kayne [12] Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater wrapped around her neck, and Zara Linen Pleated Pants which are all sold out. Shop similar finds below.
Get The Look: Paige Aeris Rib Cable Stitch Top [13] ($189). Sam Edelman Joy Stripe Sweater [14] ($99). Madewell Zoe Relaxed Wide Pant Linen Pants [15] ($118).
Meghan Markle's Floral Print Dress in With Love, Meghan, Episode 102
Meghan Markle [16] prepares the perfect place settings with Mindy Kaling wearing an Emilia Wickstead [17] Sheila Dress that's currently sold out.
Get Her Look: Reformation Magnus Dress [18] ($298)
Meghan Markle's Button-Down Dress in With Love, Meghan, Episode 108
Before doing some baking, Markle poses in a Ralph Lauren [19] Graison Floral Linen Voile Day Dress that's no longer in stock.
Get Her Look: Loverly Grey x Anthropologie The Bettina Shirt Dress [20] ($138)
Meghan Markle's Blue Gown in Love, Meghan, Episode 108
Ulla Johnson Freesia Sleeveless Gown [21] ($950)
The Duchess of Sussex pours some champagne for friends wearing an Ulla Johnson Freesia Sleeveless Gown that's available for pre-order and on waitlist.
Get The Look: Mac Duggal Blue Tie Neck Tiered Halter Gown [22] ($298)
Meghan Markle's Blue Button-Down Shirt in With Love, Meghan, Episode 108
Anine Bing Mika Shirt in Blue [23] ($200)
Markle cooks up a tomato quiche and salad alongside chef Alice Waters wearing a button-down shirt from Anine Bing that's still available to shop.
Get The Look: Quince Organic Cotton Relaxed Oxford Shirt [24] ($40)
Meghan Markle Attends a Coach Party in August 2006
Meghan Markle Poses For "Deal or No Deal" Promotional Photos in September 2006
Meghan Markle Attends a "Suits" Event in June 2012
Meghan Markle Attends a Peter Som Fashion Show in September 2014
Meghan Markle Attends the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in November 2015
Meghan Markle Attends the Invictus Games Reception in April 2018
Meghan Markle Attends "Your Commonwealth" Youth Challenge Reception in July 2018
Meghan Markle Visits Australia in October 2018
Meghan Markle Visits Fiji in October 2018
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Visit Australia in October 2018
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Attend "The Lion King" in July 2019
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Attend the Endeavour Fund Awards in March 2020
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Attend Global Citizen Live in New York in September 2021
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Greet Well-Wishers Outside Windsor Castle in September 2022
Meghan Markle Attends the Invictus Games in September 2022
Meghan Markle Attends an NBC Event in June 2015
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Announce Their Engagement in November 2016
Meghan Markle Attends the Invictus Games in September 2017
Meghan Markle Visits Edinburgh in February 2018
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at Their Wedding in May 2018
Meghan Markle Attends the Prince of Wales's 70th Birthday Celebration in May 2018
Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth II Attend a Ceremony in Widnes, England, in June 2018
Meghan Markle Visits the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition in July 2018
Meghan Markle Attends Wimbledon in July 2018
Meghan Markle Visits Australia in October 2018
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Visit Australia in October 2018
Meghan Markle Visits Sussex in October 2018
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Visit Johannesburg in October 2019
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Pose With Son Archie in May 2019
Meghan Markle Attends the Mountbatten Festival of Music in March 2020
Meghan Markle Attends the Commonwealth Day Service in March 2020
Meghan Markle Visits Morocco in February 2019
Meghan Markle Visits the World Trade Center in September 2021
Meghan Markle Attends the Invictus Games in April 2022
Meghan Markle Attends the Invictus Games in April 2022
Meghan Markle Attends the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Attend the 2022 Ripple of Hope Gala in December 2022
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Attend the Women of Vision Awards in May 2023
Meghan Markle Attends the Invictus Games in September 2023
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Attend the Invictus Games in September 2023
Meghan Markle Attends The Archewell Foundation Parents' Summit in October 2023