The Duchess of Sussex, Rachel Meghan Markle, has become a fashion trendsetter in her own right with her modern post-baby looks. After stepping onto the global stage in 2017 with her highly anticipated royal wedding at Windsor Castle to Prince Harry where she wore a minimalist Givenchy gown created by designer Clare Waight Keller, the classically coiffed wife of Prince Harry has been the enthusiastic flag bearer of timeless tailoring.
While toeing the line for classic clean lines, she clearly has her own post-baby sartorial modus operandi. After celebrating the birth of son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duchess of Sussex’s first appearance spoke volumes. The belted white trench dress by British designer Grace Wales Bonner was the first of many power looks Meghan would be unveiling after Archie and Lilibet’s arrivals.
Style watchers have seen looks with strong tailoring, oversized pantsuits and coordinating sets, tonal dressing, trench dresses, and shoulder draped coats. Markle’s royal wardrobe is full of pieces that have given us a peek into her fashion psyche. With each look, she has seamlessly transitioned from Hollywood to holding court with heads of state. From actress to duchess, royal fans are definitely waiting in anticipation to see how her evolving wardrobe keeps her on the front page of fashion headlines.
To showcase Meghan Markle and her post-baby power looks, we’ve compiled a “Best Of” list that defines her classic sophistication. We are so excited to see how she continues to re-write the narrative of how a 21st century duchess lives her life in style!
1. The Platinum Jubilee
For Markle’s return to the U.K after stepping down as a full-time working royal with Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex did what she does best in wearing her uniform of understated glamour. Choosing a pale gray Dior Haute Couture coat dress by Maria Grazia Chiuri she again declared her love of all things minimalist. With commentators comparing her outfit to Princess Diana and Jacqueline Kennedy, she whispered a muted hello with the exquisite tailoring and vintage vibes of the look.
2. New York City
Decked out in sharp lines, the second half of the Sussex duo looked NYC chic with cool choices from Emporio Armani, Loro Piana, Max Mara, Valentino, and Carolina Herrera. Visiting the city with Prince Harry she embraced tonal dressing and wore several pieces all within the same color family.
While visiting the 9/11 memorial, in respectful observance of protocol she wore the Emporio Armani coat. She paired it with a matching turtleneck and trousers. The power look was amplified by the popped collar of her outerwear. The simple decision transformed her look into a dressy but casual iteration of the office-ready single-breasted wool coat.
Other looks included a beautiful, bespoke red ball gown from Carolina Herrera that she wore to the “Salute to Freedom Gala” on the eve of Veteran’s Day.
Visiting the city with Prince Harry she embraced tonal dressing and wore several pieces all within the same color family.
While stopping at Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem, she slipped into an oversized jacket and trousers from Loro Piana.
3. 2019 Commonwealth Day Service
Before saying goodbye to the U.K in 2020, the royal couple attended the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London. Wearing a bold emerald, green dress by royal favorite, Emilia Wickstead, and a coordinating hat by milliner, William Chambers, Meghan Markle rose to the occasion. She channeled her show-stopping Hollywood fashion sensibilities to make her final bow on the royal stage. The dazzling look befitted her titles as Duchess of Sussex, Countess of Dumbarton, and Baroness Kilkeel.
4. Invictus Games
Wearing an all-white double-breasted Valentino trouser suit to the Invictus Games opening reception in the Netherlands, Meghan’s modern interpretation of an evening look was paired with simple gold accessories. The on-trend oversized suit spoke volumes about her love of impeccable tailoring, especially from haute couture fashion brands.
5. Well Child Awards
Whether it’s known as shrobing, the diva drape, or coat slinging, Meghan is definitely a fan of the self-confident styling move by draping her coat over her shoulders. The style exudes a ‘look at me’ glamour to show off one’s outfit in a nonchalant upper crust sort of way. Even in her pre-royal days, she took the look for several spins to the much-delighted glee of glamorous fashionistas everywhere. During the Well Child Awards, which she attended with Prince Harry, Markle wore her signature look. Sporting her trademark camel-colored overcoat by Sentaler with a green belted shift dress by P.A.R.O.S.H, she looked classy as always.
6. The National Theatre
While saying her goodbyes as the patron of The National Theatre where she was given the position by Queen Elizabeth II, the former Suits actress draped a navy wool Massimo Dutti overcoat across her shoulders. The look exuded an elegant vibe over her casual light blue blouse and trouser set.
