Meghan Markle Lives by These Style Rules, Whether She Knows It or Not

Updated on 8/4/2020 at 4:05 PM

Some of you might have been surprised when Meghan Markle came up with her own style code for royal appearances, seemingly breaking away from the expected. Not me, though. I didn't blink an eye when she wore an off-the-shoulder powder pink Carolina Herrera dress at Trooping the Colour, or forwent tights when they might've been considered appropriate in the public's eyes. Meghan is not just confident when it comes to voicing her opinions and giving powerful speeches, but she also puts thought into her wardrobe. Even though Meghan has stepped away from her duties as a royal, that hasn't stopped us from continuing to be inspired by her outfits.

Meghan is never just wearing an outfit because she thinks it's cute, and while she often appears effortless, she doesn't just throw something on. If you pay attention to her looks that have made a true impact on those around her, you'll find that she dresses with a few fashion rules in mind. I'm following in her footsteps, because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, am I right? Read on to see what I've learned.

There Are So Many Different Silhouettes For Showing Off Your Best Asset

Meghan consistently chooses dress silhouettes that show off her shoulders, one such example being this single-strap Givenchy creation that she wore at the 2018 Fashion Awards in London to present designer Clare Waight Keller with a special honor on stage.

Meghan tried a halter-style top on for size in Safiyaa at the 2018 Royal Variety Performance.

Who can forget the off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress she wore for Trooping the Colour?

Of course, her Stella McCartney reception dress confirmed that Meghan's shoulders deserve the spotlight, and a halter might be the best way to shine the light where it belongs.

Navy Blue Can Be Even Classier Than Black

Meghan has opted for midnight blue on various occasions. In fact, the lovely shade could even be considered her power color. She wore glamorous Roland Mouret sequins for the Cirque du Soleil Premiere at Royal Albert Hall.

Meghan balanced darker accessories with navy blue Victoria Beckham separates on Christmas Day in 2018.

Meghan has worn this navy blue Antonio Berardi number twice!

While attempting to hide her baby bump on Princess Eugenie's wedding day, Meghan wore a navy blue Givenchy ensemble with a bespoke Noel Stewart hat.

Meghan wore a bespoke skirt suit, reportedly by Prada, in navy blue for 2018 Remembrance Day events.

Meghan let navy blue overpower her black Altuzarra slacks in this asymmetrical Oscar de la Renta top at the Coach Core Awards in September 2018.

The Best Pops of Color Come With an Element of Surprise

The bright inner pleats of Meghan Markle's Givenchy skirt were practically magic in New Zealand.

Meghan's Roksanda dress featured a bold periwinkle swipe on the hem during her visit to Australia.

No one was expecting Meghan Markle to step out in such a bold sunshine-yellow shade. She impressed onlookers during the Commonwealth youth reception in this Brandon Maxwell sheath.

Meghan's Alexander McQueen blazer might've been streamlined, but her kelly green Self-Portrait florals were quite the opposite at the Invictus Games Reception in April 2018.

Meghan stepped out for Daisy Jenks and Charlie van Straubenzee's wedding on her birthday in this bold, colorblock Club Monaco dress.

The Best Neutral Color Scheme Is an Ivory Dress and Camel Colored Coat

Meghan covered her $35 H&M mockneck dress with an Armani coat.

In New Zealand, Meghan covered a lighter-toned Brandon Maxwell dress with a classic Burberry trench.

A Black Pantsuit Can Leave More of an Impression Than a Rainbow Gown

Meghan's worn well-tailored black suits throughout her time in the public eye, and we always feel most attracted to these sleek looks. She broke up Altuzarra separates with a Deitas silk tank at the WellChild Awards in September 2018.

Meghan sported a relaxed white tee underneath this Givenchy pantsuit in Ireland in July 2018.

Meghan wore a modest pussy-bow blouse underneath her Alexander McQueen blazer and matching cropped trousers for the Endeavour Fund Awards in February 2018.

And If You Feel Comfortable in a Pantsuit, You’ll Probably Work the Heck Out of a Tuxedo Dress

Meghan wore a shimmering Maggie Marilyn design in New Zealand with a pair of pumps.

Meghan opted for an olive-colored Antonio Berardi design that boasted similar details at the Invictus Games Closing Ceremony.

The Earrings You Choose Say Everything About the Vibe of Your Outfit

Meghan's gold hammered Pippa Small leaf earrings left a lasting impression when paired with this teal Jason Wu dress in Fiji.

Meghan's "borrowed" chandelier earrings turned up the glamour when teamed with this Safiyaa cape gown at a state dinner in Fiji.

Meghan's gold and diamond butterfly earrings were a tribute to Princess Diana while in Sydney with Prince Harry. She borrowed these from the late princess's collection for her travels.

Meghan practically lives in her Adina Reyter jewelry, these delicate studs included.

When her Givenchy cape dress deserved the spotlight on her first official engagement with Queen Elizabeth, Meghan opted for very simple, classic pearl earrings that did not distract.

On her wedding day, Meghan let her bespoke Givenchy gown take center stage and opted for simple diamond Cartier studs, which she pulled out of her jewelry box again later, proving she knows good investment jewelry when she sees it.

Splurge on the Keepsake Designer Goods, Save on Pieces You Might Not Wear Forever, Like Maternity Clothes

Even though Meghan very well might keep this $56 ASOS maternity dress tucked away in her wardrobe for a second (or even third!) pregnancy, she proved that it's sensible to collect affordable pieces that are versatile.

Meanwhile, Meghan might splurge on something she can keep in her wardrobe forever, like this Gucci clutch that she showcased during her visit to Australia.

Coordinating With Your SO Doesn’t Have to Feel Corny

Meghan and Harry pulled off coordination at its finest in their glamorous outfits at a state dinner in Tonga. Meghan's Theia gown complemented Harry's luxe tuxedo.

Vacation Dresses Should Be Loose and Breezy, It Doesn’t Matter Who You Are or Where You Are

Meghan's Figue maxi will forever be known as her "pom pom dress" that she rocked with Castañer espadrille wedges in Fiji.

Meghan also showed off a breezy striped Reformation dress with sandals while visiting Fraser Island in Australia.

Meghan's Martin Grant dress cascaded down to the sand at Bondi Beach in Sydney.

Slingbacks Are Sensible — They Look as Sleek as Pumps and Keep Your Foot Secure

Meghan's trusty Aquazzura bow heels completed her beautiful Givenchy dress when she opened Oceania at the Royal Academy of Arts in September 2018.

Meghan wore crystalized Aquazzura slingbacks with a cobalt Jason Wu dress at the 100 Days to Peace concert in September 2018.

Meghan's denim Carolina Herrera dress was finished off with her taupe-colored Aquazzura Deneuve slingbacks at the Sentable Polo in 2018.

Quintessential Outerwear For Summer Exists, and It’s Called a Trench Dress

Meghan's blush colored Nonie trench dress was a beautiful pick for a visit to the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibit at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in July 2018.

If You Want to Leave a Bit More of an Impression, Look For a Sheath Dress With a Ruffle

Meghan's ruffle-clad Roland Mouret dress was every bit as sophisticated as a standard trench would be for her trip to Ireland in July 2018.

The navy Roland Mouret dress Meghan wore the night before her wedding featured the exact same detail!

When You Feel More Comfortable in Flats, You’re Going to Look More Confident in Flats

Meghan wore Birdies flats on a visit to the Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua in New Zealand.

She also kept these Rothy's flats on repeat during her Australia tour.

Back in September 2017, when Meghan and Harry unveiled their romance to the world, Meghan wore Sarah Flint flats to the Invictus Games in Toronto.

Stick With the Denim That Flatters Your Figure, Even If It’s Not the Most Trendy Pair

Meghan wore these Outland skinny jeans five times throughout her Australia tour. She styled them at Dubbo Airport with a Serena Williams Collection blazer.

Meghan also wore them with a Club Monaco jacket and Stuart Weitzman's lace-up boot at the Maranui Cafe in New Zealand.

Meghan wore the exact same jeans with a cranberry Theodore Scanlan jacket and Sarah Flint pumps for the Invictus Games in Sydney.

The Best Way to Dress When You’re Showing a Baby Bump Is Boldly

Meghan's Brock Collection floral dress will go down in history as one of her best maternity looks. She let it pop out from under her gray Soia & Kyo coat and capped off the look with Aquazzura heels during a visit to the Royal Variety Charity at Brinsworth House in December 2018.

Meghan's cow print Gianvito Rossi shoes stole the show entirely when she lent her styling advice at Smart Works. If it wasn't the perfect occasion to showcase a standout pair of shoes, we don't know what is.

Meghan didn't shy away from color whatsoever when she styled this Babaton purple midi with a cherry Sentaler coat and covetable Gabriela Hearst handbag for a visit of Birkenhead at Hamilton Square in January 2019.