Can we pause for a moment to wax poetic about Meghan Markle? In just a few years the now-Duchess (despite dropping her HRH title) went from starring in a hit TV show to championing human rights across the globe to becoming a royal and a mother… and she did it all in heels (and in the occasional pair of flats or sneakers too). Amidst news of choosing to step back from her royal responsibilities alongside husband Prince Harry in the best interest of their family, Markle has set an example for prioritizing well-being even in the face of public backlash, and we admire her for it—there’s no “Megxit” shade found in this style post! We also can’t help but check in on her endless servings of outfit inspiration no matter where she is or what she’s up to, and with a slew of final royal engagements on the horizon, we can’t wait to see more of her — and her always on-point ensembles.
In the meantime (our calendars are marked for her next appearance at the March 5th Endeavour Fund Awards), we’ve been perusing the Markle outfit archives for fresh spring dressing ideas. From her royal tour style to her polished pregnancy looks, Markle seems to shop stylishly and sustainably. She has a signature affinity for shirt dresses, eco-friendly fabrics, and wearable garments designed to be worn over and over again. She’s the cool mom that knows how to kick it in Veja sneakers and jeans but can absolutely amp up the glam when required.
Some of the greatest hits in Markle’s wardrobe repertoire include the statement-making Misha Nonoo Husband Shirt, a lemon-yellow Brandon Maxwell dress, and a versatile Everlane jumpsuit you might already have hanging in your own closet. Other brands the Duchess has been known to support include Reformation, Staud, J.Crew, and Madewell (royals… they’re just like us!). Her style exists somewhere between a laid-back California vibe and professional princess-like attire, and we’re here to help you navigate your way through it all. So check out our top classic picks from Markle’s looks over the years and shop a selection of items inspired by her famous fashion choices. Plus, stay tuned as we update this page with her latest outfits and all the shoppable pieces to boot.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Opt For Wearable Whites
A solid springtime staple is a white shirt dress that’s easy to wear and style. While on her royal tour in South Africa, the Duchess went for a sustainable Tencel pick from local designer Hannah Lavery. If, like Markle, you’re always on the move, this is a lightweight packing essential that travels well and can work with most (if not all) the shoes and accessories you’ve already packed. The collar, sleeves, and belted waist promise to keep you looking polished, no matter where you’re headed.
October 2, 2019: Meghan Markle wearing the Hannah Lavery Tencel Shirt Dress, Stuart Weitzman heels, and Madewell earrings. Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
Target x Who What Wear Puff 3/4 Sleeve Button-Down DressPuff 3/4 Sleeve Button, $, available at Target
ASOS CURVE Contrast Stitch Midi Column Shirt Dress, $, available at ASOS
Lacausa Mohawk Dress, $, available at LACAUSA
Lucy Paris Luna Striped Dress, $, available at Lucy Paris
Get A Jumpsuit That Does It All
If you don’t believe a sleek black jumpsuit could land anywhere on the scale of casual to chic, just look to Markle for proof. She’s worn this Everlane option both on the job to guest edit the September issue of British Vogue and for a special appearance during her royal tour of South Africa.
September 25, 2019: Meghan Markle wearing the Everlane The Japanese Goweave Essential Jumpsuit, Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps, and Gas Bijoux earrings.Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
Everlane The Japanese GoWeave Essential Jumpsuit, $, available at Everlane
Apiece Apart Meru Jumpsuit, $, available at 11 Honore
Velvet by Graham & Spencer Ivy Satin Viscose Jumpsuit, $, available at Amazon
Charles & Keith Curved Stiletto Heel Pumps, $, available at Charles & Keith
Go Bright With Your Basics
If you couldn’t already tell, the Duchess loves a good shirt dress. And while we’ve seen her wearing the style in neutral shades of white and brown, she’s definitely not shy about styling a bit outside of the box with this classic silhouette as well. Opt for a more vibrant shade, like this bright blue Veronica Beard number, for an ensemble that complements the season’s blue skies.
October 25, 2018: Meghan Markle wearing the Veronica Beard Cary Dress and Banana Republic Madison Pumps.Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
Maje Rosana Pleated Midi Shirtdress, $, available at Bloomingdale’s
DressOriginal Tunic With Buttons, $, available at Etsy
Diane von Furstenberg Addilyn Belted Silk Crepe De Chine Dress, $, available at The Outnet
Boohoo Baby Cord Shirt Dress, $, available at Boohoo
FlyingAppleVintage 80s Plain Blue Shirtdress, $, available at Etsy
Don’t Stop At Florals
When searching for a stand-out spring dress, take your florals up a notch à la Markle in this frock by Figue. Think ruffles, tiered layers, pompoms, and dramatic sleeves — all rolled into one. Complete your look with a princess-approved pair of trusty espadrilles, like Markle’s choice from Castañer.
October 23, 2018: Meghan Markle wearing Figue Frederica Printed Ruffle Dress, Castaner Carina Espadrille Wedges, and Suva Tapa Cloth Bag. Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images.
Dolan Left Coast Anthropologie Jodie Maxi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Farm Rio Floral Sparkle Mixed Print Dress, $, available at Farm Rio
R.Vivimos Tassel Bohemian Midi Dresse, $, available at Amazon
Likely Lottie Dress, $, available at Revolve
Soludos Tall Wedge Linen, $, available at Zappos
Double Down On Denim
For a garment you can love as much as your best pair of jeans, consider a full-on denim dress to change things up a bit. When wearing the classic fabric in the form of a dress, you adopt a casual-cool vibe with plenty of room to accessorize. We love that Markle paired her Carolina Herrera dress with a much more accessible clutch from J.Crew.
July 26, 2018: Meghan Markle wearing the Carolina Herrera Denim Wrap Midi Dress, Aquazzura Deneuve 105 Pumps, J.Crew Fan Rattan Clutch, and Tom Ford cat eye sunglasses.Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
CoEdition Rosaleen Tencel Dress, $, available at CoEdition
Madewell Denim Fit-and-Flare Dress, $, available at Madewell
Frank & Oak Good Cotton Belted Denim Dress in Blue, $, available at Frank & Oak
J.Crew KAYU® Jen clutch, $, available at J.Crew
Look Mom, No Sleeves!
The timeless trench coat is always a good idea, but don’t be afraid to shake up tradition in true Markle form from time to time. This sleeveless silhouette is a contemporary take on a classic that can be worn as a dress instead of a coat. Markle’s is by one of her favorite Canadian designers, House of Nonie, and we noticed her making use of the investment piece a year later on her royal tour of South Africa.
July 17, 2018: Meghan Markle wearing the House of Nonie Sleeveless Trench, Mulberry Clifton Bag, and Dior Essence Pumps.Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage.
J.ING Exposure Sleeveless Trench Coat, $, available at J.ING
Banana Republic Double-Breasted Trench Dress, $, available at Banana Republic
kate spade new york Sleeveless Trench Shirtdress, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Cuyana Convertible Clutch, $, available at Cuyana
Go Walking On Sunshine
Here’s something that’ll feel good: a dress so vibrant, you’ll be like your own little ray of stylish sunlight. There’s no better way to welcome spring than with color as bright and warm as the sun itself. Markle did just that in this boat-beck Brandon Maxwell look, inspiring us all to incorporate more color in our outfit lineups for the season.
July 5, 2018: Meghan Markle wearing the Brandon Maxwell Sleeveless Boat-Neck Midi Dress and Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps. Photo: Yui Mok/WPA Pool/Getty Images.
Lark & Ro Lark & Ro Women’s Sleeveless Crew Neck Ruffle Hem Sheath Dress, Black, 0, $, available at Amazon
Suboo Ines Balloon Sleeve Mini Dress, $, available at Farfetch
Planet Gold Double Scoop Knit Tank Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
J.Crew Factory Suede d’Orsay Pumps, $, available at J.Crew Factory
Wear Your Greens
The arrival of spring reminds us of just how naturally beautiful our planet is. In celebration of the earth — and in keeping with the of-the-minute street style trends — try incorporating the color into your dress collection with a piece inspired by the Duchess’s Self Portrait pick. And in the spirit of showing our planet some love, remember to always consider sustainable alternatives from brands like Reformation too.
April 21, 2018: Meghan Markle wearing the Self Portrait Floral Cold Shoulder Dress, Alexander McQueen Grain de Poudre Blazer, Roland Mouret Mini Classico Bag, and Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps.Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images.
Derek Lam 10 Crosby Long Sleeve Half Placket Shirt Dress, $, available at 11 Honore
Reformation Rocki Dress, $, available at Reformation
Our Heritage Midi Shirt Dress, $, available at Walmart
Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 50, $, available at Sarah Flint
Make A (Subtle) Statement
When Markle made her first official public appearance with then-boyfriend Prince Harry, she wore a button-down shirt aptly named The Husband Shirt designed by her longtime friend Misha Nonoo. This choice fueled a frenzy of speculation about an imminent engagement, and it’s one of Markle’s ultimate go-tos. This kind of slightly oversized white button-down is a reliable closet staple that’ll add a sophisticated touch to even the most casual of outfits.
September 25, 2017: Meghan Markle wearing the Misha Nonoo Husband Shirt, Sarah Flint Natalie Flats, Everlane Market Day Tote, Mother Denim Looker Ankle Frayed Distressed Jeans, and Finlay & Co Percy Sunglasses.Photo: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images.
Misha Nonoo Husband Shirt, $, available at Misha Nonoo
Levi’s® Plus 711 Skinny Ankle, $, available at Zappos
LOFT Slim Pocket Skinny Jeans, $, available at LOFT
Everlane The Day Square Tote, $, available at Everlane
Sarah Flint Natalie Flats, $, available at Sarah Flint
When In Doubt, Add A Little Leopard Print
For maximum fashion impact with minimal styling effort, upgrade a basic dress with a bold shoe. In her pre-Royal days, Markle was known to favor leopard prints and continued wearing animal-inspired styles even into her Duchess days.
July 13, 2016: Meghan Markle wearing a navy blue button-down dress, leopard-print flats, and the Roger Vivier Pilgrim de Jour Bag.
Photo: Ray Tamarra/GC Images.
Stateside Poplin Shirtdress, $, available at Shopbop
Storets Valerie Suede Bodycon Mini Dress, $, available at Storets
Rothy’s Big Cat Pointed Toe Flats, $, available at Rothy’s
Coach Courier Carryall, $, available at Coach
Never Underestimate The Power Of Leggings
How do we really know that celebrities are just like us? Because even A-listers understand the power of a great pair of black leather leggings. Here, Markle went for an uber-chic look by partnering hers with a black blazer and topping the look off with strappy shoes by Aquazzura — a brand that still remains one of her absolute favorites.
March 17, 2016: Meghan Markle wearing black leather leggings, a peplum blazer, and Aquazzura Amazon Lace-Up Suede Pumps. Photo: Desiree Navarro/WireImage.
SPANX Plus Size Faux Leather Leggings, $, available at Zappos
ASHLEY MASON High Rise Faux Leather Pants, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Pixie Market Midnight Navy Corduroy Blazer, $, available at Pixie Market
Ellos Ponte Knit Button-Front Blazer, $, available at Amazon
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