Colour expert reveals the surprising meaning behind Meghan Markle’s love of neutrals – after Pantone unveils Mocha Mousse as the colour of 2025

Since launching in 2000, the Pantone Colour of the Year has evolved into a global trendsetter, shaping design, fashion and culture. 

Setting the tone for the year ahead, the Pantone Colour Institute recently unveiled Mocha Mousse as the Colour of 2025. 

Selected by a panel of colour experts, trend forecasters and cultural analysts, this warming brown shade exudes richness and evokes the comforting allure of chocolate and coffee, catering to a growing desire for cosiness and indulgence. 

Ahead of the trends, Meghan Markle has been championing this colour palette in her wardrobe for years, first showcasing it in May 2012.

The warm and versatile hues have remained a staple in her wardrobe, from her time as a working member of the Royal Family to her current style choices.

Karen Haller, Applied Colour & Design Psychology Specialist and author of The Little Book of Colour, suggests that these colours foster a sense of calm amid a demanding lifestyle.

She tells MailOnline: ‘When it comes to the psychology of colour, soft light browns, such as beige, taupe and tan, are soothing and help create a sense of groundedness, and stability. They can aid in fostering a feeling of composure and may reflect a desire to go about quietly, without drawing attention. 

‘These colours can also act as a counterbalance to a hectic lifestyle, offering a sense of calm and simplicity.’

Below, we explore Meghan’s finest outfits encompassing these serene shades. 

Hollywood actress

Meghan debuted a tonal mocha ensemble at the USA Upfront Presentation in New York in May 2012. 

Reflecting her love for skimpy silhouettes, she wore a ruched mini skirt with a silk camisole and strappy platform heels. 

Her monochromatic outfit, ahead of its time, perfectly complemented her glowing complexion. 

Meghan debuted a tonal mocha look at the USA Upfront Presentation in New York in May 2012 

At the American Ballet Theatre opening night gala in New York in October 2013, Meghan dazzled in a one-shoulder Lanvin dress in a rich cappuccino shade, paired with matching Christian Louboutin slingbacks. 

At the time, Meghan told Hello! Canada: ‘I love this Lanvin dress, and wearing neutrals from head to toe. It always elongates your figure, especially with nude Louboutins.

‘I absolutely love this look because it speaks to my personal aesthetic: classy and simple.’

Meghan attended the American Ballet Theatre opening night gala in October 2013 wearing a one-shoulder dress by Lanvin in a delectable cappuccino hue

During season five of Suits, Meghan embodied elegance in a neutral ensemble as Rachel Zane.

A belted camel pencil skirt, ivory lace blouse, court shoes and a slouch bag created a sophisticated yet relatable look, mirroring her personal style. 

Meghan in a neutral outfit as legal eagle Rachel Zane in season five of Suits.

For a World Vision event at Lumas Gallery in March 2016, Meghan opted for a chic mocha suede sheath dress by Theory. 

The minimalist yet elegant piece highlighted her figure, complemented by Aquazzura lace-up pumps for a polished finish. 

The then actress chose a form-fitting mocha suede dress by Theory for a World Vision event at Lumas Gallery in March 2016

Working member of the Royal Family

In 2017, a newly engaged Meghan joined the Royal Family for the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham. 

She wore a beige wrap coat by Sentaler, teamed with tan Stuart Weitzman boots and Chloe handbag.

What stole the show was a custom Philip Treacy hat – a contemporary dome-shaped beret, crafted from nutmeg brown velour with twist detailing. 

In 2017, a newly engaged Meghan joined the Royal Family for the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham, wearing a tonal look

As patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Meghan visited the University of Johannesburg wearing a neutral trench-style dress by Banana Republic. 

This double-breasted design was complemented by Stuart Weitzman ‘Legend’ pumps in haze beige, embodying her signature tonal style. 

Meghan showcased a tonal look during her visit to the University of Johannesburg as patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities 

Previously, during the royal tour of South Africa in September 2019, Meghan wowed in a floor-length coffee-coloured shirt dress by LA-based brand Staud. 

Featuring patch pockets and a belted waist, the design offered both sophistication and comfort. 

During the royal tour of South Africa in September 2019, Meghan wore a nutmeg floor-grazing shirt dress from LA-based brand Staud

In January 2020, Meghan showcased her love for tonal dressing during a visit to Canada House. 

She layered a camel wool coat by Reiss over a chocolate brown Massimo Dutti turtleneck sweater and matching satin midi skirt. 

To complete the look, she added copper-toned Jimmy Choo velvet ‘Romy’ pumps, lending depth and texture to the ensemble. 

Meghan showcased her penchant for tonal dressing during a visit to Canada House in January 2020 

Stepping back from official duties

In August 2023, Meghan and Prince Harry appeared in a video from their garden, discussing their work with young people to create a better digital future.

Meghan exuded effortless elegance in a camel sleeveless top and matching skirt from Malibu-based brand Bleusalt. 

Showing off her effortless elegance in August 2023, Meghan donned a camel sleeveless top and matching skirt from Malibu brand Bleusalt

One of Meghan’s most noteworthy appearances was at the 2023 Variety Power of Women event in Los Angeles.

She captivated onlookers in a latte-coloured Proenza Schouler dress, featuring an asymmetric off-shoulder neckline and thigh-high side slits.

She paired the gown with a clutch from the same brand and slingback heels by Aquazzura, solidifying her status as a style icon.

One of Meghan’s most noteworthy appearances was at the 2023 Variety Power of Women event in Los Angeles 

In August, Meghan demonstrated her affinity for tonal dressing once more at the Responsible Digital Future Forum in Bogotá, Colombia. 

Her ensemble included a silk brown shirt by Victoria Beckham, La Ligne ‘Colby’ trousers in the shade spice, and cognac-coloured Aquazzura ‘Divine’ sandals, delivering a sophisticated look. 

In August, Meghan once again championed tonal dressing and rich autumnal hues for the Responsible Digital Future forum in Bogota, Columbia