Ever since she left royal life, the few glimpses we've had of Meghan Markle have shown her in casual clothes. Part of that is because the Duchess of Sussex has done a lot of video charity work, and who wants to get all dressed up if they're not even leaving the house? But when the world eventually opens back up again, and Prince Harry and Meghan start their speaking engagements — or going to galas and red carpets again — we hope she brings back some of her glamorous outfits that she wore when she was a working royal.
Meghan's royal fashion was some of the best, rivaling Princess Diana and Kate Middleton's own wardrobes. She takes fashion risks often, and isn't afraid of bold silhouettes. Part of that probably comes from her days in the acting spotlight, when she was allowed to be a little more out-there than traditional royals can be. She brought that sense of style into her brief time as a working royal, and we miss her dramatic cape moments and old Hollywood glam outfits.
Bring them back, Meghan!
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Stunning Style
Meghan wasn't officially a royal here, but this was her first public appearance with Prince Harry, so she was clearly on her way to marriage. We would love her to bring back this deep magenta dress, which Meghan paired with a purple leather jacket and velvet clutch. Her royal fashion was stunning right out of the gate.
Radiant Reception Gown
It would be hard for Meghan to find an occasion to rewear her actual wedding dress, but her reception dress could totally double as a red carpet gown. It was designed by Stella McCartney for the duchess, and it was one of her best looks ever.
Chic Texture
For her first solo engagement following her wedding, Meghan got to open an art exhibit. She dressed to the nines for the event in a chic Givenchy gown, the same designer who made her wedding dress). We love the mixing textures she has going on with the velvet v-front and the gauzy sleeves.
Pop of Purple
Most of Meghan's wardrobe is made up of neutral colors. She wears a lot of black, white, gray, and tan. So when she broke out this purple gown for an event in 2019, people were obsessed. The color looks so good on her, and we'd love to see her bring this one back again.
Buttoned Up
A formal event in Sydney required Meghan to break out a fascinator to match her black dress and heels. We love how elevated the buttons make this simple gown look. We wonder if it was hard for Meghan Markle to get used to wearing millinery to fancy occasions, since that's just not a thing in the US. Even if there was a learning curve to get there, she pulls it off flawlessly.
Glowing
The royal couple had to dress in outfits fit to see a king, because they were visiting King Tupou VI in Tonga, and we'd say they definitely pulled it off. Meghan is glowing in her white gown, with its intricate jeweled shoulders. Harry looks dapper in his bow tie.
Men have it so easy when it comes to dressing up.
All That Glitters
Meghan busted out a super glittery gown for a Cirque du Soleil performance in early 2019. Everyone in those shows always has crazy costumes, so it's fun that the duchess got to glam up, too. The dress was designed by Meghan's friend Roland Mouret and cost about $5,500 — unless Roland gave her the friends and family discount.
Red Carpet Worthy
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex hit the red carpet (technically it was yellow) to see the new Lion King movie in 2019. They both got dressed up for the occasion, with Harry in black tie, and Meghan in a stunning black dress with a sheer top.
Ravishing in Red
The duchess's red lace-front dress likely had a special meaning to it. (She had just landed in Tonga, and the Tongan flag is red.) The Duchess of Cambridge also pays a lot of attention to her fashion in the countries she visits, so maybe Meghan borrowed that tactic from her.
Dramatic Cape
A dramatic cape just makes any dress more glam. This outfit is another example of Meghan paying attention while on a royal tour. This shade of blue is prominently featured in the flag of Fiji, where Meghan and Harry were attending a state dinner.
Classic With a Twist
This could have just been a regular black dress, but Meghan shook things up with the twisted sleeves. It brings an interesting focus to the dress, and it was a great choice for a formal event at the Government House in New Zealand. Tasteful but chic.
Glamorous in Green
Meghan Markle just does old Hollywood glam so well. The olive dress and tilted hat give off a vintage vibe, even though it's a new outfit designed by Ralph Lauren. Meghan wore it to Prince Louis' christening, and she probably stole a little attention from the baby in a look this chic.
Playing With Pattern
This is the perfect example of one of those fashion risks that Meghan is never afraid to take. She's wearing a dress that's covered in birds. In the middle, the pattern is so dense that we can't really tell, but then there are some stray birds at the collar and toward the hem that make the pattern stand out. It's such an interesting choice, and it totally works.
Bring this one back, Meghan!
Black Velvet
The Festival of Remembrance honors those who died in battle, and Meghan chose a tasteful black dress for the somber event. The outfit was designed by Erdem, which is also a favorite brand of Kate Middleton's. It featured lacy appliqué flowers all over the fabric.
Glittering in Gold
At an event celebrating Prince Charles, Meghan dressed elegantly in a sparkly gold brocade dress and cream colored coat. Meghan and Charles always seemed to have a special connection ever since he walked her part way down the aisle at her wedding. This looks like the right way to celebrate a father-in-law.
Terrific Tropical
For a visit to Morocco, Meghan wore a Carolina Herrera design. This tropical print gown is so easy and breezy, we're obsessed with it. The duchess was pregnant at the time, so having a comfortable, flowy dress was probably a must.
Maternity Maven
Nearly every single one of Meghan's maternity looks was so on point, including this gorgeous cream ensemble. She looks like someone out of an old Hollywood movie with her hair swept up in a bun, while wearing a turtleneck dress with a matching coat. Considering she is an actress, no wonder she's pulling this off so well.
Haute Couture
Even while representing the royal family with all its protocols, Meghan wasn't afraid to take some fashion risks. Her oversize coat is so fashion forward with its gold buttons and epaulettes on the shoulders. It worked because she was pregnant, but oversize fashion is still in style for everyone. Meghan could totally rock this coat again now.
Royal Red
For one of Meghan's last events as a royal, she went to the Mountbatten Festival of Music in this stunning red number. We are most obsessed with the red cape, but everything from the clutch to the earrings are perfect. She sure was showing Britain what they were losing.
Green Goddess
Meghan Markle left royal life the way she entered it: with class and dignity. For her last royal event, she attended the Commonwealth Day service in an emerald green dress with a cape and a chic fascinator. What a way to make an exit, huh?
