How Meghan Markle's style has evolved, from her Hollywood days to her post-royal life

Mikhaila Friel,Samantha GrindellApr 17, 2024, 01:09 IST

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend the Royal Salute Polo Challenge in April 2024.Yaroslav Sabitov/PA Images via Getty Images

Meghan Markle's style has changed a lot since she's been in the public eye.
She swapped daring red-carpet outfits for more conservative looks when she met Prince Harry.

Meghan Markle has been in the spotlight for nearly two decades now. First as an actor, then as a royal, and now as a public figure.

And as her role in the public sphere has changed, so has the Duchess of Sussex's style.

From daring looks on red carpets to more conservative ensembles for royal life, Meghan's style has evolved as her life has. Now, the duchess seems to blend elegance and Hollywood glamour with her looks, reflecting the way her life has changed since she and Prince Harry stepped back as senior royals in 2020.

Take a look at Meghan's fashion evolution.

Meghan dressed casually for one of her first public appearances at a Coach event in 2006, wearing a navy dress with spaghetti straps and a flowy skirt.

Meghan Markle in 2006.Billy Farrell/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

Establishing her early red-carpet style, Meghan attended a 2007 pre-Golden Globes event in a black-and-white dress that had a strapless neckline and oversized bow detailing on the bodice.

Meghan Markle in 2007.Amy Tierney/WireImage for Primary Action

Establishing her early red-carpet style, Meghan attended a 2007 pre-Golden Globes event in a black-and-white dress that had a strapless neckline and oversized bow detailing on the bodice.

In 2011, Meghan was still opting for short, form-fitting looks. She arrived at an InStyle event wearing a black minidress with a lace trim, which she paired with a cardigan.

Meghan Markle in 2011.Charley Gallay / Stringer / Getty Images

In 2011, Meghan was still opting for short, form-fitting looks. She arrived at an InStyle event wearing a black minidress with a lace trim, which she paired with a cardigan.

Meghan rocked another lace look for a USA red carpet in 2012. The Diane von Furstenberg dress had semi-sheer sleeves and a scalloped hem.

Meghan Markle in 2012.Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Meghan seemed to start experimenting with color, wearing a strapless, tie-dye maxi dress to a 2013 SAG Awards party.

Meghan Markle in 2013.Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Meghan opted for a chic yet daring two-piece set that showed off her midriff at a 2014 fashion show.

Meghan Markle in 2014.Michael N. Todaro / Contributor / Getty Images

Meghan continued her streak of daring fashion at an NBC event in 2015. She wore a sheer white top that exposed her bra and wide-legged, white pants.

Meghan Markle in 2015.Daniel Zuchnik / Contributor / Getty Images

Meghan wore another bold look in March 2016. She made an appearance at AOL Studios wearing skin-tight black leather pants and a black blazer with no top underneath.

Meghan Markle in March 2016.Brad Barket / Contributor / Getty Images

But in July of the same year, the month she met Prince Harry, Meghan's style took on a more timeless look. During a trip to New York, Meghan exuded glamour in a red midi dress with nude heels and sunglasses.

Meghan Markle in July 2016.Ray Tamarra / Contributor / Getty Images

But in July of the same year, the month she met Prince Harry, Meghan's style took on a more timeless look. During a trip to New York, Meghan exuded glamour in a red midi dress with nude heels and sunglasses.

At her first public appearance with Prince Harry in September 2017, Meghan seemed to straddle the line between her style as an actor and that of a royal. She paired a conservative button-up top with ripped jeans.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the 2017 Invictus Games.Karwai Tang / Contributor / Getty Images

At her first public appearance with Prince Harry in September 2017, Meghan seemed to straddle the line between her style as an actor and that of a royal. She paired a conservative button-up top with ripped jeans.

When the couple announced their engagement in October 2017, Meghan looked demure in a green dress and white coat paired with pointed-toe heels.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in October 2017.Chris Jackson/Getty

Harry and Meghan went to Nottingham shortly after their engagement in December, and Meghan opted for a much more buttoned-up look than she had worn in previous years. She paired a black turtleneck with a long tan skirt and black boots.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in December 2017.WPA Pool/Getty Images

Harry and Meghan went to Nottingham shortly after their engagement in December, and Meghan opted for a much more buttoned-up look than she had worn in previous years. She paired a black turtleneck with a long tan skirt and black boots.

As her wedding got closer, Meghan more firmly established her chic royal style. At the Commonwealth Day ceremony in March 2018, she wore a knee-length Amanda Wakeley dress with a structured white coat and a matching white beret from Stephen Jones.

Meghan Markle in March 2018.Chris Jackson/Getty Images

As her wedding got closer, Meghan more firmly established her chic royal style. At the Commonwealth Day ceremony in March 2018, she wore a knee-length Amanda Wakeley dress with a structured white coat and a matching white beret from Stephen Jones.

For her royal wedding to Prince Harry on May 19, 2018, the duchess wore an off-the-shoulder dress by Givenchy paired with a tiara that she borrowed from the Queen. It marked the first and only time Meghan had worn one.

Meghan Markle wore a Givenchy dress on her wedding day.Jane Barlow/Getty Images

For her royal wedding to Prince Harry on May 19, 2018, the duchess wore an off-the-shoulder dress by Givenchy paired with a tiara that she borrowed from the Queen. It marked the first and only time Meghan had worn one.

Meghan wore a pink Carolina Herrera dress and matching hat for Trooping the Colour in June 2018, her first official engagement as a member of the royal family.

Meghan Markle at Trooping the Colour in 2018.Anwar Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

Meghan maintained her conservative but chic style after she got pregnant with her son Archie. For instance, she wore a $2,000 Victoria Beckham dress and matching hat for a Commonwealth Day service with the royal family in March 2019.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex in March 2019.Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

Meghan maintained her conservative but chic style after she got pregnant with her son Archie. For instance, she wore a $2,000 Victoria Beckham dress and matching hat for a Commonwealth Day service with the royal family in March 2019.

Meghan even looked stylish two days after giving birth, posing at Windsor Castle with Archie and Prince Harry in a white Grace Wales Bonner dress with button detailing in May 2019.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry pose with their newborn son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in May 2019.Dominic Lipinski/Getty Images

Meghan even looked stylish two days after giving birth, posing at Windsor Castle with Archie and Prince Harry in a white Grace Wales Bonner dress with button detailing in May 2019.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their step back from royal duties in January 2020. For her final engagement as a working royal in March, Meghan stood out in an emerald Emilia Wickstead cape dress.

The Duchess of Sussex at the Commonwealth Day Service 2020.Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their step back from royal duties in January 2020. For her final engagement as a working royal in March, Meghan stood out in an emerald Emilia Wickstead cape dress.

The royal's style became more casual after her step back. In a video posted to Save the Children UK's Instagram account for her son Archie's birthday on May 6, 2020, she swapped out fascinators and dresses for a $114 J.Crew denim shirt and wore her hair in a messy bun.

The Duchess of Sussex with her son Archie on his 1st birthday.Save The Children UK/Instagram

The royal's style became more casual after her step back. In a video posted to Save the Children UK's Instagram account for her son Archie's birthday on May 6, 2020, she swapped out fascinators and dresses for a $114 J.Crew denim shirt and wore her hair in a messy bun.

Meghan chose a look that showed off her royal roots and California style for an interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. She wore a silk Armani gown and styled her hair in a relaxed updo.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their interview with Oprah Winfrey.Harpo Productions/CBS/YouTube

Meghan chose a look that showed off her royal roots and California style for an interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. She wore a silk Armani gown and styled her hair in a relaxed updo.

The duchess appeared to revert back to royal style for a visit to the UK, as she wore a cream coatdress and matching fascinator for a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in June 2022.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on June 3, 2022.Matt Dunham/AP

The duchess appeared to revert back to royal style for a visit to the UK, as she wore a cream coatdress and matching fascinator for a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in June 2022.

But at a United Nations event just a month later in July, Meghan again seemed to shift her style, rocking a fashion-forward ensemble. She paired a quarter-length black shirt with a black pencil skirt from Givenchy.

Meghan Markle at the UN Nelson Mandela Prize award ceremony in 2022.AFP / Getty Images

But at a United Nations event just a month later in July, Meghan again seemed to shift her style, rocking a fashion-forward ensemble. She paired a quarter-length black shirt with a black pencil skirt from Givenchy.

In September 2022, Meghan paired high-waisted trousers from Brandon Maxwell with a halter tank top from Anine Bing, which showed more of her shoulders than she typically did when she was a senior royal.

Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 - One Year To Go launch event on September 6, 2022.Karwai Tang / Contributor / Getty Images

In September 2022, Meghan paired high-waisted trousers from Brandon Maxwell with a halter tank top from Anine Bing, which showed more of her shoulders than she typically did when she was a senior royal.

But when attending Queen Elizabeth's funeral later the same month, Meghan once again reverted to her more buttoned-up royal style. She wore a black Stella McCartney dress with a built-in cape, as well as gloves, a hat, and tights.

Meghan Markle at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.Karwai Tang / Contributor / Getty Images

But when attending Queen Elizabeth's funeral later the same month, Meghan once again reverted to her more buttoned-up royal style. She wore a black Stella McCartney dress with a built-in cape, as well as gloves, a hat, and tights.

For a gala on December 6, 2022, Meghan embraced a glamorous look with a custom Louis Vuitton dress. The white gown had an off-the-shoulder neckline and subtle leg slit, making it more daring than the ensembles she wore when she was a senior royal.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala on December 6, 2022.Mike Coppola / Staff / Getty Images

For a gala on December 6, 2022, Meghan embraced a glamorous look with a custom Louis Vuitton dress. The white gown had an off-the-shoulder neckline and subtle leg slit, making it more daring than the ensembles she wore when she was a senior royal.

Meghan went for a more casual look at a Lakers game in April 2023, wearing a pair of pink shorts with a matching blazer and a white top.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend a Lakers game on April 24, 2023.Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

The duchess wore a more daring look than she had in recent years at an awards ceremony in May 2023. Her gold midi dress from Oritz had a strapless neckline, a slit on the skirt, and a cutout in the center of the bodice.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards on May 16, 2023 in New York City.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Ms. Foundation for Women

The duchess wore a more daring look than she had in recent years at an awards ceremony in May 2023. Her gold midi dress from Oritz had a strapless neckline, a slit on the skirt, and a cutout in the center of the bodice.

Meghan continued her streak of casual, monochromatic looks at the Invictus Games in September 2023. For instance, she wore a black J.Crew tank and coordinating Frame jeans with black pumps to a basketball game.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend a basketball game during the Invictus Games in September 2023.Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images

Meghan continued her streak of casual, monochromatic looks at the Invictus Games in September 2023. For instance, she wore a black J.Crew tank and coordinating Frame jeans with black pumps to a basketball game.

When she met with NATO members during the games, she chose to wear a bronze top from L'Agence and Gabriela Hearst trousers in taupe. The outfit was still monochromatic and effortless, but it leaned more professional.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend a NATO meeting at the Invictus Games in September 2023.Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance via Getty Images

When she met with NATO members during the games, she chose to wear a bronze top from L'Agence and Gabriela Hearst trousers in taupe. The outfit was still monochromatic and effortless, but it leaned more professional.

Meghan also paired a Celine blazer with a Zara jumpsuit for an all-white look during the games. The shorts were a departure from her more conservative and formal royal attire, highlighting how much her style has changed since her step back.

Meghan Markle attends the Invictus Games in September 2023.Lukas Schulze/Getty Images for Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023

Meghan also paired a Celine blazer with a Zara jumpsuit for an all-white look during the games. The shorts were a departure from her more conservative and formal royal attire, highlighting how much her style has changed since her step back.

And for the closing ceremony, Meghan wore a teal, strapless dress from Cult Gaia. The garment's lace fabric created subtle cutouts on the skirt for a more daring silhouette than a royal would typically wear.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend the closing ceremony for the Invictus Games in September 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation

And for the closing ceremony, Meghan wore a teal, strapless dress from Cult Gaia. The garment's lace fabric created subtle cutouts on the skirt for a more daring silhouette than a royal would typically wear.

Meghan chose a beige dress from Proenza Schouler for the Variety Power of Women awards ceremony in November 2023. The gown's looser bodice had a one-shoulder neckline, and the full-length skirt had several knee-high slits to give the dress a bit of an edge.

Meghan Markle attends the Variety Power of Women Los Angeles event in November 2023.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images

Meghan chose a beige dress from Proenza Schouler for the Variety Power of Women awards ceremony in November 2023. The gown's looser bodice had a one-shoulder neckline, and the full-length skirt had several knee-high slits to give the dress a bit of an edge.

And in April, Meghan exuded quiet luxury at a polo match in a white halter dress from Heidi Merrick. From the triangular cutout on the bodice to the tiered skirt and oversized sunglasses she paired with it, the ensemble looked effortlessly chic.

Nacho Figeruas, Delfina Blaquier, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry attend the Royal Salute Polo Challenge in April 2024.Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Sentebale

And in April, Meghan exuded quiet luxury at a polo match in a white halter dress from Heidi Merrick. From the triangular cutout on the bodice to the tiered skirt and oversized sunglasses she paired with it, the ensemble looked effortlessly chic.

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How Meghan Markle's style has evolved, from her Hollywood days to her post-royal life

Meghan dressed casually for one of her first public appearances at a Coach event in 2006, wearing a navy dress with spaghetti straps and a flowy skirt.

Establishing her early red-carpet style, Meghan attended a 2007 pre-Golden Globes event in a black-and-white dress that had a strapless neckline and oversized bow detailing on the bodice.

In 2011, Meghan was still opting for short, form-fitting looks. She arrived at an InStyle event wearing a black minidress with a lace trim, which she paired with a cardigan.

Meghan rocked another lace look for a USA red carpet in 2012. The Diane von Furstenberg dress had semi-sheer sleeves and a scalloped hem.

Meghan seemed to start experimenting with color, wearing a strapless, tie-dye maxi dress to a 2013 SAG Awards party.

Meghan opted for a chic yet daring two-piece set that showed off her midriff at a 2014 fashion show.

Meghan continued her streak of daring fashion at an NBC event in 2015. She wore a sheer white top that exposed her bra and wide-legged, white pants.

Meghan wore another bold look in March 2016. She made an appearance at AOL Studios wearing skin-tight black leather pants and a black blazer with no top underneath.

But in July of the same year, the month she met Prince Harry, Meghan's style took on a more timeless look. During a trip to New York, Meghan exuded glamour in a red midi dress with nude heels and sunglasses.

At her first public appearance with Prince Harry in September 2017, Meghan seemed to straddle the line between her style as an actor and that of a royal. She paired a conservative button-up top with ripped jeans.

When the couple announced their engagement in October 2017, Meghan looked demure in a green dress and white coat paired with pointed-toe heels.

Harry and Meghan went to Nottingham shortly after their engagement in December, and Meghan opted for a much more buttoned-up look than she had worn in previous years. She paired a black turtleneck with a long tan skirt and black boots.

As her wedding got closer, Meghan more firmly established her chic royal style. At the Commonwealth Day ceremony in March 2018, she wore a knee-length Amanda Wakeley dress with a structured white coat and a matching white beret from Stephen Jones.

For her royal wedding to Prince Harry on May 19, 2018, the duchess wore an off-the-shoulder dress by Givenchy paired with a tiara that she borrowed from the Queen. It marked the first and only time Meghan had worn one.

Meghan wore a pink Carolina Herrera dress and matching hat for Trooping the Colour in June 2018, her first official engagement as a member of the royal family.

Meghan maintained her conservative but chic style after she got pregnant with her son Archie. For instance, she wore a $2,000 Victoria Beckham dress and matching hat for a Commonwealth Day service with the royal family in March 2019.

Meghan even looked stylish two days after giving birth, posing at Windsor Castle with Archie and Prince Harry in a white Grace Wales Bonner dress with button detailing in May 2019.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their step back from royal duties in January 2020. For her final engagement as a working royal in March, Meghan stood out in an emerald Emilia Wickstead cape dress.

The royal's style became more casual after her step back. In a video posted to Save the Children UK's Instagram account for her son Archie's birthday on May 6, 2020, she swapped out fascinators and dresses for a $114 J.Crew denim shirt and wore her hair in a messy bun.

Meghan chose a look that showed off her royal roots and California style for an interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. She wore a silk Armani gown and styled her hair in a relaxed updo.

The duchess appeared to revert back to royal style for a visit to the UK, as she wore a cream coatdress and matching fascinator for a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in June 2022.

But at a United Nations event just a month later in July, Meghan again seemed to shift her style, rocking a fashion-forward ensemble. She paired a quarter-length black shirt with a black pencil skirt from Givenchy.

In September 2022, Meghan paired high-waisted trousers from Brandon Maxwell with a halter tank top from Anine Bing, which showed more of her shoulders than she typically did when she was a senior royal.

But when attending Queen Elizabeth's funeral later the same month, Meghan once again reverted to her more buttoned-up royal style. She wore a black Stella McCartney dress with a built-in cape, as well as gloves, a hat, and tights.

For a gala on December 6, 2022, Meghan embraced a glamorous look with a custom Louis Vuitton dress. The white gown had an off-the-shoulder neckline and subtle leg slit, making it more daring than the ensembles she wore when she was a senior royal.

Meghan went for a more casual look at a Lakers game in April 2023, wearing a pair of pink shorts with a matching blazer and a white top.

The duchess wore a more daring look than she had in recent years at an awards ceremony in May 2023. Her gold midi dress from Oritz had a strapless neckline, a slit on the skirt, and a cutout in the center of the bodice.

Meghan continued her streak of casual, monochromatic looks at the Invictus Games in September 2023. For instance, she wore a black J.Crew tank and coordinating Frame jeans with black pumps to a basketball game.

When she met with NATO members during the games, she chose to wear a bronze top from L'Agence and Gabriela Hearst trousers in taupe. The outfit was still monochromatic and effortless, but it leaned more professional.

Meghan also paired a Celine blazer with a Zara jumpsuit for an all-white look during the games. The shorts were a departure from her more conservative and formal royal attire, highlighting how much her style has changed since her step back.

And for the closing ceremony, Meghan wore a teal, strapless dress from Cult Gaia. The garment's lace fabric created subtle cutouts on the skirt for a more daring silhouette than a royal would typically wear.

Meghan chose a beige dress from Proenza Schouler for the Variety Power of Women awards ceremony in November 2023. The gown's looser bodice had a one-shoulder neckline, and the full-length skirt had several knee-high slits to give the dress a bit of an edge.

And in April, Meghan exuded quiet luxury at a polo match in a white halter dress from Heidi Merrick. From the triangular cutout on the bodice to the tiered skirt and oversized sunglasses she paired with it, the ensemble looked effortlessly chic.