Meghan Markle has become monumental in the both the fashion world and in culture as well as being an outspoken advocate and champion for women. From her early years when she wrote a letter to Proctor & Gamble to change an advert that reaffirmed gender-roles, to doing philanthropic work abroad in Rwanda, to joining the UN as a Women’s advocate for Women’s Political Participation and Leadership (2015), she is not exclusively known to us as merely “Prince Harry’s wife” but as a trailblazer in her own right. Having had to reach particular milestones in her life in order to be in such a place of prominence, the Duchess and style-icon is still making moves.
Just earlier this month, the Archewell foundation, founded by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, announced it would be giving a grant to one of her patronages--Smart Works. Smart Works is a UK based charity that provides interview clothes and coaching free of charge for women at risk, in poverty, or disadvantaged in some way in order to help them secure employment; Meghan has been a patron of the charity since 2019. While opinions about this royal are divided, one can’t deny that her acts of charity, service, hard-work and incredible success is an inspiration for all of the marginalised women and girls of colour from around the world.
Here are some of Kindred.’s favourite affordable and casual to business casual Meghan Markle fashion moments.
1. 2017 Invictus Games
The classic signature boyfriend shirt with ripped blue jeans, paired with dark shades. Pictured here with Prince Harry, who was her fiancé at the time, at the 2017 Invictus games. Markle makes this outfit work because it looks effortless, flawless, and casual all at the same time. It’s a particular favourite because it gives a nod to her California roots with an LA laid-back feel, especially the way she wears the white button-down shirt half-tucked in and half out of her jeans. Her flats also add to the laid-back look; not only does she look fabulous in it, but you can replicate this look at any women’s clothing store like Zara or the GAP without breaking the bank.
2. Today Show
Although known for pairing blazers with jeans, in the summer of 2016 Markle switched things up, showing off her legs in grey striped high-waisted shorts with her blazer from the Veronica Beard clothing line. Dressed for her appearance on the Today Show in New York, her outfit was perfect for the scorching summer heat. She wore it with beige pointed heels that you can find just about anywhere. A non-traditional work look, Markle made it look fun, summer-friendly, and classically chic. One can easily find similar looks on the high street, without the hefty price tag.
3. Canada House visit
Pictured here in January 2020, after leaving for Canada for an extended holiday, the Sussex’s returned to London to perform their last engagements as working royals. Markle has worn beige coats on a few occasions, but this one, in particular, is a favourite. On this engagement, she sported a tan Reiss coat, a brown turtleneck and a deep brown satin slip skirt from Vince paired with mahogany Jimmy Choo pumps. The mix of browns, tans, and shades of orange, makes for a unique and highly coveted look. That day, the Duke and Duchess not only posed for cameras, but they visited Hubb Community Kitchen in West London and Canada House to thank them for their hospitality.
In terms of style, this outfit may look expensive, but it can be easily replicated for way less by thrifting for it at your local charity shop or second-hand fashion pop-up. There are tons of similar-looking beige/brown coats generously donated for very cheap, and brown turtlenecks are a classic and can be found in any clothing shop. As for the satin skirt and mahogany pumps, they look rare but not impossible to find - try ASOS.
4. Visit to Birmingham
Ever fond of coats, Meghan proved to all of us that navy blue, black and white, work well together. This is a favourite not only because of how sleek, sophisticated, and amazing she looks, but because you can achieve the same. Naturally, the coat which was from J.Crew sold out after her appearance in 2018 for International Women's Day, in which she chatted with a group that encourages girls to get involved in STEM subjects for their careers. Activism and female empowerment never looked so classy and gorgeous. To add to the look, she wore an All Saints cream turtleneck, Alexander Wang trousers paired with black Manolo Blahnik pumps. The brands aren’t as affordable, but you can still replicate the look by finding similar pieces such as the cream turtleneck or black trousers or black pumps at your favourite local clothing store.
5. 2014 New York Fashion Week
Meghan's love for leather jackets is not a secret, so it is no surprise that this look had to make the list. With her hair pulled back, A-line minidress, embellished leather jacket and sporting snakeskin metallic Louboutin's, the Duchess made this look iconic by being classy, polished, and pristine but adding an edge to it.
Everyone adores how casual this look is, but also how pristine and sophisticated Meghan makes it look. This classy chic look is a must-have and easy to find, and very inexpensive.
Let us know what are some of your favourite fashion looks from the Duchess in the comments below.
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