Meghan Markle first shot to fame when she was cast as pencil skirt-loving lawyer Rachel Zane in US drama Suits and after, a million red carpet appearances followed. The then Meghan Markle honed her public image to perfection, stepping out in sharp trouser suits, figure-hugging dresses and slim-fitting leather trousers, with a dash of shoulder robing here and sexy flash of leg there, and almost always all topped with a pair of stilettos. The actress once said, ‘I also love that French way of styling, where if your outfit is pulled together, then something’s got to be dishevelled – your hair, your make-up.’
Then came her transition to royal life, which brought with it longer hemlines, sheer tights, wide hats and a wave to even rival the Princess of Wales’s. As a member of the Royal Family, Meghan’s style adapted accordingly. She lent towards designers such as Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller for her wedding dress and first Royal Ascot appearance, as well British labels such as Goat, whose all-round classic designs can do no wrong at a time when a million eyes are watching her every move.
Following the announcement of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s planned departure as senior royals, Meghan upped the style stakes yet further. Her so-called farewell wardrobe, for her final roster of official engagements, was all bold colour and striking shapes – unapologetically going out with a bang. Even since the couple’s relocation from Canada to California, the Duchess has favoured unfussy ensembles in neutral shades, although bold splashes of colour still shine through. At a New York gala last year, Meghan went full red carpet glamour in gold.