As Meghan Markle returns to the United Kingdom with Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, attention has turned to her fashion evolution and whether her British wardrobe might reappear. During her tenure as a working royal, Markle adopted a more conservative style, favoring neutral palettes, classic silhouettes, closed-toe heels, and tights for official engagements.
Her approach at the time included boat necklines, which she described as offering a balance of being "slightly uncovered and a little sexy" while adhering to royal protocol. She often opted for British brands such as Burberry, Emilia Wickstead, and Stella McCartney. However, this more reserved style has since been replaced by either a glamorous Hollywood aesthetic or a California-chic preference since the couple relocated to Montecito. Her current favored designers include Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Valentino, alongside pieces from Khaite and Cult Gaia.
During her time as a senior royal, Markle encountered some fashion moments that drew commentary. An instance cited was her attire for a Buckingham Palace Garden Party celebrating then-Prince Charles's 70th birthday. She wore a nude fit-and-flare dress by Goat, a British label previously worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, paired with a Philip Treacy hat, Tamara Mellon pumps, and nude tights. The choice of tights, however, was met with public disapproval, and Markle herself later expressed discomfort with the royal fashion rule requiring women to wear hosiery. In an interview in August 2025, she stated that wearing sheer tights felt "a little bit inauthentic" and that she hadn't worn them since the 1980s, preferring to "just be herself."
Another fashion incident occurred during a visit to Scotland, where she wore trousers that appeared to be too long. Celebrity stylist Martine Alexander suggested that this might have been an embrace of current trends, noting that oversized, unstructured suiting was a key trend at the time, and that Markle "looked incredible" in such styles.
Meghan's wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, also faced discussion regarding its fit. Crafted from triple silk organza with little stretch, the gown had a looser appearance, particularly around the bodice. It is understood that the relaxed cut was chosen for comfort and ease of movement, allowing for comfortable sitting given the fabric's nature.
For her final official engagements as a senior royal, Markle showcased a series of striking ensembles. These included an emerald green caped dress by Emilia Wickstead with a matching hat for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, which garnered praise on social media. This period saw Markle embrace monochrome looks, including the green outfit with net detailing and an oversized flower structure on the hat.
Her farewell wardrobe, characterized by vibrant and form-fitting designs, has been described by Vanity Fair as a "masterclass in revenge dressing." This approach, where bold choices are seen as sending a message to the institution she was leaving, drew parallels to Princess Diana's iconic "revenge dress." The article noted that Markle's final royal appearances featured bright, glamorous looks designed to show the Royal Family "what they'll be missing."
While it remains uncertain if Markle will rewear any of her past British ensembles, she has been known to recycle outfits. Her Ralph Lauren striped shirt, first worn at Wimbledon in 2018, has become a recurring favorite, even making an appearance on Independence Day in 2025.