Sometimes it's hard to remember that before Meghan Markle was gracing us with some top-notch royal ensembles, she was strutting her stuff up and down red carpets. Yes, pre-royal Meghan rocked everything from super short mini-dresses all the way to shorts (yes, shorts!) on her Hollywood outings, and we can't help but be nostalgic for her more California-inspired style.
Now, we're sure the new Duchess of Sussex wouldn't give up her new life for the world, but we can't help but wonder if this former actress ever has any sort of longing for her old wardrobe back. Of course her royal style has been stellar from the start, but honestly, nothing can beat a good pair of shorts, right?
Even though Meghan can probably never go back to her old ways of dressing, that doesn't mean we can't take a walk down memory lane and remember some of her best looks. Meghan Markle was a more low-key actress than most, but she was still invited to some of the best red carpet and publicized events … and she attended a lot of them. Yes, this now-duchess has been used to a hectic schedule for a long time, and from the looks of her red carpet styles, she's also no stranger to having to dress up for the occasion.
It's easy to tell that Meghan's fashion motto used to be "the more leg, the better," so we can only imagine what Queen Elizabeth would have to say about some of her actress outfits! So, to honor Meghan's stylish past, here are the 20 best pictures from her Hollywood days. May we never forget them!
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
The Peplum Era
Oh, the peplum. This fashion trend was short-lived (thankfully), but it did have its time. And apparently Meghan was one of the stars that just couldn't get enough of the style. Plus, it's weird seeing our now-duchess in an all-velvet and mesh ensemble. Oh how times change!
Very 'Suits'-like
This outfit could have been straight out of the costume department at Meghan's old gig, Suits. It's easy now to see how much Meghan's business-style outfits have evolved since then. Plus, is that dark nail polish we see? Royal Meghan could never …
A Playful Mini
Meghan still sneaks in a mini-dress every now and again during her royal engagements, but Hollywood Meghan could pretty much get away with it all the time. Any chance to show off those amazing legs of hers, she took. We don't blame her one bit.
Pre-Royal White
Meghan was rocking all-white ensembles well before her marriage to Prince Harry, and even this lace one looks a little bridal to us, no? Even if that wasn't her intention, there's no denying that pre-duchess Meghan was all about keeping up with the latest fashion fads.
Sleek & Black
Another mini-dress from Meghan! We always wonder if she misses being able to dress like this and wear whatever she wants, but then we remember that she married a British prince, so who's the real winner here?
Strapless Beauty
Meghan's strapless dresses that she can wear nowadays look a lot different than this one. Although, if Meghan were to break this one out of her closet again, we're sure Harry wouldn't have any issues with it.
Strike a Pose
Meghan had years to perfect her red carpet poses, but now that she's a royal, she doesn't really have much need for them. The royals don't really have the same body language in front of cameras as Hollywood stars do.
Fashion Week Star
Meghan did the ultimate celebrity activity and went to fashion week before she was involved with Prince Harry. We wonder what Queen Elizabeth would think if the duchess broke out this studded leather jacket for one of her events now.
The Shorter the Better
There's nothing better than a simple and classic shift dress, right? Meghan unfortunately probably won't be able to break this one out again, unless she makes it more suitable for royal events … like add some tights … or make it longer somehow.
Rare Red Look
Meghan doesn't wear dark makeup often, but we think this matching red dress with her deep red lipstick is working for her. Chances are, though, we shouldn't be expecting the duchess to break out a look like this anytime soon.
Strapless Jumpsuit
If the royals have an issue with Meghan's two-piece pantsuits, then we can't imagine what they would say if the duchess wore something like this today. We think it could work … but we might also be a little biased.
Monochromatic White
Meghan was rocking monochromatic outfits long before she ever joined the royal family. Out of all her Hollywood looks, we think this is one of the few that could actually fit into her new royal closet. Well done, Meg.
Pure Hollywood
It really doesn't get more Hollywood than wearing super big round sunglasses … when it doesn't even appear to be that sunny. You do you, Meghan. We just like to see that this soon-to-be duchess has always been enviably chic.
The Tuxedo Dress
Now this is one style that Meghan has definitely carried over into her royal wardrobe. The queen would definitely take issue with this particular dress, but Meghan has gotten away with two similar looks since she's been a royal, and we're sure those won't be the last.
Perfect City Gal
Meghan might be something of a Londoner now, but this lady knows how to rock an NYC look when she needs to. I mean … those leather pants? Work it, Meg. Plus, we haven't seen Meghan carry a handbag that big in a loooong time.
The Not-So-Royal Look
Meghan might not miss much about her past life, but we have to imagine that she misses being able to wear shorts, right? We don't think we've ever seen a royal lady in a pair of shorts, so Meghan probably shouldn't hold her breath.
The Classic Bodycon
On red carpets, bodycon dresses have always been something of a wardrobe staple, and it looks like Meghan wasn't immune to the trend at all. This dress probably wouldn't fly among her current circle of peers.
'50s Gal
Meghan doesn't wear vintage looks often, but if this 1950s-inspired outfit is proof that she should. Plus, this dress looks royal-appropriate to us, soooo why not break it out sometime soon, Meg? There's nothing offensive to the queen here.
A More Natural Meg
Now, the dress may not be royal style, but this makeup look from Meghan is a lot more like what we're used to seeing the duchess wearing. Here's proof that being a royal hasn't changed Meghan all that much!
All That Glisters
Honestly, we think Meghan could pull this dress off at a royal event. She's worn some things that are much more royally scandalous, so we say go for it! Why not strike a red carpet pose while you're at it, Meg?
