Meghan Markle has become a fashion icon and a reference of style for women around the world. Many times, something she wears—whether it's a dress or a hat or shoes—sells out within minutes! Her style is refined, chic, and relatable. Even before becoming the Duchess of Sussex, the former actress was giving us lessons in style. From fashionable outfits and gorgeous handbags to her collection of pointy pumps, Meghan's style is elegant without being too over the top. She knows what she likes and what she doesn't. In honor of her 42nd birthday, we thought it would be fun to celebrate her sense of style.
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Meghan has some wardrobe staples, such as oversized coats and sheath dresses, and she always gives her own touch of glam to her look. She is never overdone, but always impeccably put together with a beautiful natural look. That natural look goes from her flawless natural-style makeup to her clothes, which are always minimal and classic.
Meghan is not only an icon of fashion but also of beauty. Her hair always looks flawless, whether she's wearing it in a messy bun or rocking some gorgeous beachy waves. We're not sure how she does it, but we're sure it's not as carefree as it seems. Regardless, she's showing us how to do understated perfection with style. Here are some of the style lessons we have learned from the magnificent Meghan Markle.
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
This is the reason why Meghan Markle wears shoes a size too big.
"Celebs often go a size up, or even two, in the shoe department when they're at an event or on the red carpet, and it's for one reason we can all relate to: to avoid blisters," fashion expert Harriet Davey told The Sun. "There's nothing worse than uncomfortable shoes (we've all been there on a night out) and when celebs like Meghan are wearing heels for a long period of time their feet can often swell up."
A black blazer is her go-to piece.
Forget about the pashmina and the played-out jean jacket—take a cue from Meghan's elegant style and wear a cute summer dress with a black blazer. For a more casual look, just drape it over your shoulders, as Meghan did here.
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Cinch your waist with a thin belt.
Meghan often wears a sheath dress with a thin belt, which is a great way to create a nice silhouette and even adds the illusion of curves for those with a more angular or athletic build.
She is the queen of the messy bun.
The Duchess of Sussex looks effortlessly gorgeous in her go-to hairstyle: the messy bun. Take a cue from Meghan and pair a chic outfit with a messy bun. Notice that her messy bun looks polished because the front of her hair is always nice and neat, while the messy part is in the back.
She also wears the perfect waves.
Meghan has gorgeous, thick hair! She often rocks the most perfect waves. Get some tips on how to copy her style at Harper's Bazaar.
She rocks some gorgeous hats.
Before she and Harry decided to no longer be senior royals and move to Canada and then the United States, Meghan adapted well to the royal fashion protocol. She wore some gorgeous hats, from simple berets to more formal styles. Follow her lead and complete your outfit with a fashionable hat.
Wear ripped jeans with a crisp cotton shirt and flats.
Ripped jeans are here to stay, and fortunately, they're not just for teenagers. The trick is to pair them with more refined separates, like a white button-up shirt and flats.
Break all the fashion rules and protocols, but with style.
Although the women of the British royal family always wear gowns to formal evening events, Meghan chose an elegant Alexander McQueen suit to attend the Endeavor Awards. A suit is always a great alternative to a gown.
Oversized coats are one of her wardrobe staples.
Oversized coats are a statement piece! The Double-Face Front Drape Wool Coat by Mackage that she wore on a visit to Northern Ireland is stunning. The way the collar frames and drapes over her outfit is beautiful.
Swap the classic clutch for cute top handle bag.
The Duchess of Sussex has great taste when it comes to handbags. And she has even started the top handle handbag trend! This style of bag is something that any of us can try, and it's at all sorts of price points.
She's a fan of the boatneck.
This style is so chic and feminine! Keep in mind that you can do a boatneck with or without exposing your shoulders. In this particular example, Meghan went with an off-the-shoulder version.
She shows off her toned arms with style.
Meghan chooses structured sleeveless dresses that show off her arms. She has wonderfully toned arms, so why not show them off? It's a great way to show some skin without feeling overly exposed.
Her natural makeup look has become a trend.
Her fresh and natural makeup look is a great alternative to the over-the-top makeup other celebrities wear. Notice how you can see Meghan's freckles and actual skin showing through. It makes her look fresh and so real.
Pointy pumps are her go-to shoes.
Not only are pointy pumps classic, they are also practical and versatile. If you aren't a fan of pumps or they just don't work for your day-to-day life, try a pair of pointy flats to achieve a similar look.
She prefers classic pieces.
"I like really classic pieces," she told Glamour. "I also love that French way of styling, where if your outfit is pulled together, then something’s got to be disheveled—your hair, your makeup."
Invest in classic pieces that never go out of style.
"I’m not very trend driven," the former actress told MatchesFashion.com. "I’ll pepper it in here and there, but invest in classic pieces and you’ll never regret it."
But she also likes to dress up!
"I love the opportunity to get properly dressed up," the actress told Glamour. "I've worn three Lanvin dresses and they've all been a dream. They're so well made, with the most beautiful craftsmanship."
She loves monochromatic looks.
Meghan often opts for head-to-toe monochrome, and it always works. The monochromatic look is so elegant and will never go out of style, no matter how much the color-blocking trend comes back.
Wear what looks good on you!
"Even though things look amazing on the hanger, it doesn't mean they're going to look amazing on me," she told Glamour. "For example, I love Victoria Beckham dresses, but I don't have the long torso to support that silhouette."
She also told MatchesFashion.com, "Wear what makes you comfortable, and isn’t going to make you cringe in three years when you see the photo."
Keep it simple!
When Meghan and Harry sat down to chat with Oprah Winfrey for what turned out to be quite a revelatory interview, Meghan wore a beautiful Giorgio Armani dress and adorned it with a simple three-pendant necklace. The necklace managed to add a little something to her look without stealing the focus.
Re-wear pieces that you love.
A lot of famous people are never caught in the same outfit twice, but Meghan isn't one of those. When Meghan and Harry announced they were expecting a sibling for son Archie, Meghan chose to wear a Carolina Herrera dress that was made for her pregnancy with Archie.
