How Meghan Markle Has Changed Royal Family Fashion

The Duchess of Sussex has often broken royal protocol, and is both celebrated and criticized for it.

By Corinne Heller Sep 18, 2019 10:00 AMTags
Watch: Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Are Embracing Royal Life Their Way

Meghan Markle continues to showcase her fab, chic fashion that may or may nor adhere to what royal traditionalists deem acceptable. And she cares not for the haters.

The Duchess of Sussex has often broken royal protocol in general, and is both celebrated and criticized for it. Her style is unique; she likes a messy bun even though royals typically don't wear them in public. She's a big fan of French luxury house Givenchy, which made the bridal gown she wore to her and Prince Harry's 2018 royal wedding, while other royals, namely Kate Middleton, tend to wear more styles by British designers.

Royals love color. Queen Elizabeth II herself often steps out in colorful, vibrant or pastel dresses and matching hats. Meghan seems to prefer dark-colored clothes, even (again, OMG!) black, and guess what? She pulls it off.

And Meghan also likes to wear (wait for it)...pants. Trousers. Slacks. In public. Often. What? Shocking, we know. In fact, go ahead and clutch those pearls; she wears denim. Denim dresses. In public.

The point is, the Duchess of Sussex did not really change her unique style when she became royalty, and that is inspiring. Sure, she can rock a fascinator like any royal if she really needs to. But she pairs the modern with the traditional and keeps it classy and fresh. Perhaps other royals will follow suit. And stop with the suit obsession.

Check out Meghan's best looks over the years.

Denim Beauty

Meghan sports a $118 J.Crew denim shirtdress with a tie belt, paired with a light gray overcoat and a beige Carolina Herrera "Mariola" shoulder as she cheers on her BFF Serena Williams at the 2019 U.S. Open.

Batter Up

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear at a New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox game in London. She is wearing a black belted short-sleeve Stella McCartney keyhole dress, paired with black Aquazzura flats.

Circle of Life

Meghan hits her first red carpet as a royal at the Lion King premiere in the U.K., wearing a $2,450 long-sleeve, black tea-length Jason Wu Collection mesh panel dress, paired with matching $750 Aquazzara pointed pumps and a $2,390 black and a gold Gucci "Broadway" clutch.

Duchesses' Day Out

Meghan and Kate Middleton appear together at Wimbledon 2019. Meghan is wearing a a $1,395 Givenchy white collared shirt, paired with a $375 pleated Vesplisa printed georgette midi skirt by Hugo Boss, Manolo Blahnik "BB" pumps, Jen Meyer turquoise bar earrings, a $1,190 cream Pippa Small "Durga" ring, a $195 Stella McCartney "Grace" Handbag, and $69 Le Specs cat-eye sunglasses.

Baby's Day Out

Meghan brings baby Archie Harrison to watch Prince Harry compete in the King Power Royal Charity Polo Match. She is wearing a a $595 loose-fitting olive green Lisa Marie Fernandez Rosetta linen caftan maxi dress and $275 gold-tone Givenchy aviator sunglasses.

Trooping the Colour

Meghan accompanies Prince Harry to the 2019 Trooping the Colour Parade, celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's 93rd birthday. Meghan is wearing a navy Givenchy dress and matching purse by the designer and Noel Stewart hat.

Introducing Archie

Meghan and Prince Harry introduce their son Archie Harrison to the world via a small photo op at Windsor Castle in May 2019. Meghan is wearing a white double-breasted sleeveless midi dress by London-based British designer Grace Wales Bonner.

Going Green

The duchess visits Sussex in early October 2018.

Back in Givenchy

The Duchess of Sussex appears at her first solo engagement as a royal, the opening of the Royal Academy Oceania exhibition, in late September 2018.

She Wore Blue

The Duchess of Sussex wore a blue, short sleeve, V-neck, belted, tea-length Carolina Herrera dress as to support Prince Harry at the 2018 Sentebale Polo Cup.

Buttoned Beauty

This sleeveless trench-coat dress from House of Nonie is a daring look for the duchess, and she pairs it to perfection with a set of nude heels and a matching clutch. 

Darling as Ever

The star stole the show in this amazing Philip Treacy hat and satin Dior dress with a rather delicate hemline.

Gorgeous in Green

Looking sophisticated as always, the duchess steps out in this double-slit, green Givenchy dress paired with a stunning tan Strathberry bag. 

Fab and Flowing

This elegant combo of black and white fits the royal like a glove. The flowing hemline from this cream Givenchy dress was paired to perfection with black outfit accents like Markle's waist belt,  pumps and Philip Treacy hat. Try pairing black and cream with your next look for the ultimate royal glam. 

Summer Sunshine

The royal played it sweet, simple and all things summer in this bright yellow Brandon Maxwell shift dress. The Duchess chose to wear little to no jewelry and a slicked-back hairstyle showing off her toned arms. The sleeveless dress is all you need this summer to stay cool and sexy.  

Gorgeous in Green

Although we absolutely live for any shade the duchess wears, this olive green Ralph Lauren dress is the perfect summer dare for any wardrobe. The newly wed paired this short-sleeve midi dress with matching pumps and a gorgeous Stephen Jones hat. Meghan paired the look with a matching clutch and gloves. Leave it to a royal to show us the art of matching. 

Chic in Sheer

The former actress wore a sheer long sleeve dress by Goat, a Philip Treacy hat and blush heels to the Buckingham Palace.

Simple and Sweet

The duchess took a simple and classy approach as she walked with the Queen wearing a beige pencil dress by Givenchy and black pumps.

Flowing in Florals

Meghan looked stunning in a floral maxi dress by Oscar de la Renta, paired with Aquazzura heels.

Pretty in Pink

The Duchess wore an off-the-shoulder, blush pink Carolina Herrera dress paired with a Philip Tracy hat for the celebration of her new grandmother-in-law's 92nd birthday.

Goddess in Navy Blue

Meghan looks gorgeous in her navy blue Roland Mouret dress paired with neutral grey heels.

Casual Chic

Meghan wore a forest green floral Self Portrait dress with a cinched waist, paired with black pointed pumps and a black Alexander McQueen blazer to an Invictus Games reception a month before her and Harry's wedding date.

Perfect Pinstripes

The bride-to-be is spring perfection in this Altuzarra belted midi dress.

Nautical Nuance

Meghan featured a fresh take on the nautical theme with this navy and white J. Crew coat.

Winter White

The future royal is effortlessly understated in this Amanda Wakeley coat and Stephen Jones Beret.

Classic Check

Meghan makes keeping warm look cool in this wool and cashmere tartan coat by Burberry and the Strathberry purse.

City Sleek

The actress is street style star dressed a beautiful black coat, booties and a green saddle bag for a pop of color.

Staying Neutral

The actress is a vision dressed in neutrals from her fascinator to her brown boots.

Bride-to-be Beauty

Meghan proves that a white coat is the perfect garment to wear to your engagement announcement. 

Sparkle Markle

The stunning actress wore a Margaux trench coat and a pair of black Everlane Jeans, during her first public appearence with boyfriend, Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada

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