Some of you might have been surprised when Meghan Markle came up with her own style mantra [1] for royal appearances. Not me, though. I didn't blink an eye when she wore an off-the-shoulder powder pink Carolina Herrera dress [2] at Trooping the Colour, or forwent tights [3] 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 [4], but she also puts thought into her wardrobe [5]. Even though Meghan has stepped away from her duties as a royal [6], 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 lives to show off her shoulders, and she proved it in this single-strap Givenchy creation at the 2018 Fashion Awards in London [8].
Meghan tried a halter-style top on for size in Safiyaa [9] at the 2018 Royal Variety Performance.
Who can forget the off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress she wore for Trooping the Colour [10]?
Of course, her Stella McCartney reception dress [11] 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 colour. She wore glamorous Roland Mouret sequins for the Cirque du Soleil Premiere [12] at Royal Albert Hall.
Meghan balanced darker accessories with navy blue Victoria Beckham separates on Christmas Day in 2018 [13].
Meghan has worn this navy blue Antonio Berardi number [14] twice!
While attempting to hide her baby bump on Princess Eugenie's wedding day, Meghan wore a navy blue Givenchy ensemble [15] with a bespoke Noel Stewart hat.
Meghan wore a bespoke skirt suit [16], 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 [17] at the Coach Core Awards in September 2018.
The Best Pops of Colour Come With an Element of Surprise
The bright inner pleats of Meghan Markle's Givenchy skirt [18] were practically magic in New Zealand.
Meghan's Roksanda dress [19] featured a bold periwinkle swipe on the hem during her visit to Australia.
No one was expecting Meghan Markle [20] to step out in such a bold, sunshine yellow shade. She impressed onlookers during the Commonwealth youth reception in this Brandon Maxwell sheath [21].
Meghan's Alexander McQueen blazer might've been streamlined, but her kelly green Self-Portrait florals [22] 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, colourblock Club Monaco dress [23].
The Best Neutral Colour Scheme Is an Ivory Dress and Camel Coloured Coat
Meghan covered her $35 H&M mockneck dress [24] with an Armani coat.
In New Zealand, Meghan covered a lighter-toned Brandon Maxwell dress with a classic Burberry trench [25].
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 [26] at the WellChild Awards in September 2018.
Meghan sported a relaxed white tee underneath this Givenchy pantsuit in Ireland [27] in July 2018.
Meghan wore a modest pussy-bow blouse underneath her Alexander McQueen blazer and matching cropped trousers [28] 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 [29] with a pair of pumps.
Meghan opted for an olive coloured Antonio Berardi design [30] that boasted similar details at the Invictus Games Closing Ceremony.
The Earrings You Choose Says 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 [31] in Fiji.
Meghan's "borrowed" chandelier earrings turned up the glamour when teamed with this Safiyaa cape gown [32] at a state dinner in Fiji.
Meghan's gold and diamond butterfly earrings were a tribute to Princess Diana [33] 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 jewellery [34], these delicate studs included.
When her Givenchy cape dress [35] 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 [36] take centre stage and opted for simple diamond Cartier studs [37], which she pulled out of her jewellery box again later [38], proving she knows good investment jewellery 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 [39] 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 [40] that she showcased during her visit to Australia.
Coordinating With Your SO Doesn’t Have to Feel Corny
Meghan and Harry pulled off coordination [41] at its finest in their glamorous outfits at a state dinner in Tonga. Meghan's Theia gown [42] complemented Harry's luxe tuxedo.
Holiday 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" [43] that she rocked with Castañer espadrille wedges in Fiji.
Meghan also showed off a breezy striped Reformation dress [44] with sandals while visiting Fraser Island in Australia.
Meghan's Martin Grant dress [45] 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 [46] completed her beautiful Givenchy dress [47] when she opened Oceania at the Royal Academy of Arts in September 2018.
Meghan wore crystalized Aquazzura slingbacks with a cobalt Jason Wu dress [48] at the 100 Days to Peace concert in September 2018.
Meghan's denim Carolina Herrera dress [49] was complete with her taupe-coloured Aquazzura Deneuve slingbacks at the Sentable Polo in 2018.
Quintessential Outerwear For Summer Exists, and It’s Called a Trench Dress
Meghan's blush coloured Nonie trench dress [50] 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 [51] 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 [52] 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 [53] on a visit to the Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua in New Zealand.
She also kept these Rothy's flats on repeat [54] during her Australia tour.
Back in September 2017, when Meghan and Harry unveiled their romance to the world, Meghan wore Sarah Flint flats [55] 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 [56] throughout her Australia tour. She styled them at Dubbo Airport with a Serena Williams Collection blazer [57].
Meghan also wore them with a Club Monaco jacket and Stuart Weitzman's lace-up boot [58] at the Maranui Cafe in New Zealand.
Meghan wore the exact same jeans with a cranberry Theodore Scanlan jacket and Sarah Flint pumps [59] 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 [60] will go down in history as one of her best maternity looks. She let it pop out from under her grey 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 [61] stole the show entirely when she lent her styling advice at Smart Works [62]. 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 colour whatsoever when she styled this Babaton purple midi with a cherry Sentaler coat [63] and covetable Gabriela Hearst handbag for a visit of Birkenhead at Hamilton Square in January 2019.