As Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, prepares for a return to the United Kingdom with Prince Harry and their children, attention is turning to her past fashion choices during her time as a working royal. During her tenure as a senior member of the British monarchy, Markle's style was characterized by more conservative selections, including neutral tones, traditional silhouettes, closed-toe heels, and hosiery for official engagements. She often favored boat necklines, which she described as allowing her to appear "slightly uncovered and a little sexy" while still adhering to royal protocol.
During this period, Markle frequently turned to British designers such as Burberry, Emilia Wickstead, and Stella McCartney. However, her style has since evolved, embracing a more Hollywood glamour or a California chic aesthetic since her and Prince Harry's departure from royal duties. Her current favored brands include Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Valentino, alongside contemporary pieces from labels like Heidi Merrick, Khaite, and Cult Gaia.
Fans and fashion commentators have noted specific outfits from her royal engagements. One such ensemble was worn to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party celebrating Prince Charles's 70th birthday. Markle chose a nude fit-and-flare dress by Goat, a British label previously worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. This was paired with a Philip Treacy hat, Tamara Mellon pumps, and nude tights. The choice of tights, however, drew criticism, and Markle herself later expressed discomfort with such royal fashion protocols. In an interview in August 2025, she stated that wearing sheer tights "felt a little bit inauthentic," likening the requirement to a fashion choice from 1980s movies.
Despite her later comments, Markle was photographed on several occasions during her royal years with bare legs, including in the engagement photo released in 2017.
Another notable fashion moment occurred during a visit to Scotland, where she wore trousers that appeared to be too long. Celebrity stylist Martine Alexander suggested that this could have been an embrace of current trends, noting that "oversized, unstructured suiting" was a key trend at the time and that Markle "looked incredible."
Meghan's wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, also faced scrutiny regarding its fit. The gown, made from triple silk organza, had a looser appearance, particularly around the bodice. It is understood that a more relaxed cut was chosen for comfort and ease of movement, given the fabric's limited stretch.
For her final official engagements as a senior royal, Markle showcased a series of striking ensembles. An emerald green caped dress by Emilia Wickstead, complemented by a matching hat, was worn to the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. This look, along with other vibrant outfits such as an azure blue Victoria Beckham dress and a scarlet Safiyaa gown, were widely praised. Vanity Fair described these farewell ensembles as a "master class in revenge dressing," suggesting they were a deliberate statement of what the monarchy would be missing.
These outfits were compared to Princess Diana's iconic "revenge dress," worn after her divorce from Prince Charles. The article noted that Markle's carefully curated wardrobe for her final royal outings promoted independent and women-run brands, as well as major British designers.
While it remains to be seen if Markle will rewear any of her British-era outfits during her current visit, she has a history of recycling garments. A Ralph Lauren striped shirt, first worn at Wimbledon in 2018, has become a repeat favorite, appearing again on Independence Day in 2025.