Sometimes, a duchess just needs a break, OK? Meghan Markle has made her mark in the royal family in many, many ways, but one of the main things she's known for is her amazing fashion sense. Just like her duchess-in-law Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Sussex has killed it with her royal style, and more often than not, she's wowing us with her striking dresses and daring choices. However, sometimes Meghan takes a break from her jaw-dropping tuxedo dresses and wears something a little more dialed back. Whether it's choosing a subtle color or simple silhouettes, this duchess knows when it's time to wow the crowd and when it's time to go with something a bit more understated.
Sure, Meghan's way of doing things has been a little different since she joined the royal family, especially when it comes to her style choices, and somehow she's even found ways to break the rules when she's being more low-key. We'd say that's the true definition of a trailblazer. So, the Duchess of Sussex is out here proving that she doesn't have to dress outrageously to be the same strong-willed and brave royal woman that she's become over the last year.
It's important to remember that being a member of the royal family isn't all about tiaras and ballgowns and that sometimes it's necessary for Meghan to just take it easy and dress like … well, like we would dress. Even though we don't think we could pull off even Meghan's most casual of outfits. But that doesn't mean she can't still be our fashion inspiration, right? Here are 20 times Meghan wore a more understated look, but still absolutely killed it.
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
Farmer Meg
Is there anyone on this planet that could do farm work in heeled booties? We don't think so, but despite the boots, Meghan's crisp white shirt and jeans ensemble looked down-to-earth … just like the duchess!
Moroccan Casual
Sure, Meghan broke out some of her best gowns for her and Prince Harry's royal tour of Morocco, but this simple black, strapless dress is a lot more laid-back than a couture dress. Without the statement earrings and the white blazer, we would swear that Meghan would be on her way to the beach!
Her Trooping Outfit
Unlike her Trooping the Colour ceremony debut, Meghan didn't opt for any stand-out colors or jaw-dropping necklines. For her first post-baby appearance, the duchess kept it super simple with a gorgeous navy blue and a small fascinator.
All Wrapped Up
Before Meghan was officially a duchess, she kept her outfits fairly simple and classic. This was just the first look into her uber chic duchess closet, and if we had only known what kind of styles were coming. There's nothing more elegant than a chic wrap coat!
Monochromatic
Meghan has never been one to shy away from bright and hard-to-wear colors (remember that bright yellow she sported in her early duchess days?), but during her pregnancy, she dialed it back with this creamy monochromatic ensemble.
Bright Blue
Meghan knows that when a bright color is in play, it's best to keep the style as simple as possible. A simple shirtwaist dress was certainly the way to go with this sky blue, making this overall outfit seem beautifully understated.
'Hide the Bump' Blue
Just days before she and Prince Harry made the pregnancy announcement, Meghan obviously didn't want to draw any attention to what she was wearing, so she chose a dark blue coat. Had to hide that growing bump with something!
Just So Peachy
A monochromatic outfit is definitely a surefire way to go on the more conservative side of things, but Meghan certainly didn't sacrifice any of her elegance for this all-peach ensemble.
A Well-Toned Look
Leave it to Meghan to know how to perfectly match to shades of the same color. The duchess stepped out in this perfect fall outfits last year, and she made it looks so easy that it had us thinking that even we could do it.
Out With a Blazer
Some go out with a bang … Meghan goes out with a blazer. When most people wear blazers, they look ready for the office or a little "done up," but with Meghan, it's the opposite effect. Somehow, she looks even more laid back.
The Army Jacket Staple
Just like the Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan also likes to break out a trusty military-style jacket and black booties when she's trying to go for a more understated and casual style.
Out of Office Outfit
Seriously — we need Meghan and Prince Harry to go on a true vacation so we can see what kind of beach outfits the duchess breaks out. She does the casual vacay look better than anyone we know, that's for sure.
Making Puffer Coats Chic
Puffy jackets are officially stylish, ladies and gentlemen! We never thought we'd see a jacket look so chic, especially one that Meghan borrowed from Prince Harry.
Tan on Tan
With something as classic as the trench coat, there really was no going wrong with this outfit. Meghan had her growing baby bump as an accessory, so there really was no reason to go crazy with her wardrobe.
Blending In
Toward the end of her pregnancy, Meghan really kept things more toned down, and one of the last looks she stepped out in was this matching coat and scarf set. An all-black winter ensemble wouldn't seem like the most stylish outfit, but well, this is Meghan Markle we're talking about.
The Streets of the Big Apple
Well, Meghan's newly found duchess style wasn't exactly going to cut it on the streets of New York City. The duchess only proved that she can do the effortless NYC girl chic style just as well as she can do the posh British look.
Emerald Beauty
Two-piece sets can be a little much sometimes, but Meghan seemed to find a nice balance between keeping things subdued and being adventurous. An all-green ensemble was certainly fitting for her and Harry's royal trip to Ireland.
Caped in Elegance
Ok — Meghan really loved these all-black outfits while she was pregnant with baby Archie. There's nothing wrong with an understated third trimester!
A New Look at Denim
Meghan's all-denim dress, which she wore to support Prince Harry's charity polo match, was almost as understated as if she had worn an actual pair of jeans. We're sure the duchess wishes she could wear her old denim more often.
Classic LBD
Is there anything more elegant and understated than the classic little black dress? Meghan has channeled her inner Audrey Hepburn several times since she gained her HRH status, and this LBD was just one of them.
