How Meghan played the LONG-game: from an actress in flesh-flashing mini-dresses to the sophisticated, streamlined silhouettes of a true Duchess

She’s come a long way since she was a ‘suitcase girl’ on Deal or No Deal.

We certainly saw a different Meghan when the actress joined the cast of legal soap opera Suits, her breakthrough role, in 2011.

But the real change has come since marrying into the Royal Family in 2018.

If colour-palette has remained similar, Meghan – now the Duchess of Sussex – has steadily adopted longer and more streamlined silhouettes for a suitably sophisticated look.

Reports that she has teamed up with ex-Juicy Couture creative director Jamie Mizrahi only adds to the sense that Meghan is keen to re-launch herself – alongside her new commercial brand, American Riviera Orchard.

Mizrah, who also lives in Montecito, California, has had a long-term working relationship with Meghan’s neighbour Katy Perry as well as Hunger Games actress Jennifer Lawrence.

Here, we look back at some of Meghan’s standout fashion moments throughout the years – and her evolving style as the Duchess plays the long game…

Cool camel hues 

Meghan Markle continues to wear camel shades, mostly in the form of longer length dresses these days

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

The former actress captivated onlookers as she posed for photographs in a Proenza Schouler dress, featuring an asymmetric off-shoulder neckline and thigh-high side slits.

Previously in 2013, Meghan donned a Lanvin one-shoulder dress, in a similar caramel hue, for a gala at the American Ballet Theatre.

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

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

Racy in red

Meghan has worn bright red dresses on a number occasions

Meghan enjoyed a red carpet moment when she attended a Veterans’ Day gala in New York with Prince Harry in 2021.

She looked radiant in a scarlet silk gown by Carolina Herrera, teamed with Giuseppe Zanotti slingbacks, her favourite Birks earrings and a Cartier Love bracelet.

The Duchess has long been enamoured with the vibrant hue of pillar box red. As early as 2006, during her appearance on Deal or No Deal, she wore a mini dress in an identical shade.

Meghan’s love of red demonstrates her timeless and bold yet elegant fashion sense. 

Denim dresses

Meghan dress inspiration from her pre-Duchess days in a Carolina Herrera dress (right)

Meghan drew inspiration from her pre-Duchess days when she chose a Carolina Herrera dress to watch Harry play polo.

The denim design incorporated a wrap front, wide waist belt and full mid-length skirt, perfectly complemented by Aquazzura heels and a J Crew clutch in cream hues.

Similarly, two years earlier, she donned a Yigal Azrouel navy shirt dress for an appearance on the Today Show at NBC Rockefeller Center Studios in New York.

Teaming it with Sarah Flint leopard print pumps and a patent black tote, the actress showcased her playful side.

Breezy trousers 

Meghan wore wide-leg cream trousers in 2015 (left) and 2022 (right)

Meghan posed confidently for photographs at the NBC New York Summer Press Day, held at Four Seasons Hotel in 2015.

The highlight of her outfit was a pair of off-white trousers, designed by her friend and fashion designer, Misha Nonoo.

More recently, at a 2022 Invictus Games event in Dusseldorf, the Duchess wore a similar style by Brandon Maxwell.

Tailored from wool-blend twill, these trousers had a belted waist and soft pleats, accentuating their relaxed shape. 

To round off her streamlined ensemble, Meghan opted for a knitted top by Anine Bing that showed off her shoulders and offered a fresh take on the look.

Shorts suits 

The Duchess of Sussex has been wearing shorts suits for several years

The Duchess of Sussex has consistently displayed her penchant for shorts suits, a style she has favoured for some time.

This was particularly evident during her appearance at The Today Show in 2016.

Meghan looked effortlessly glamorous in a Veronica Beard striped two-piece, elevated by sky-high court shoes and a bouncy blow dry.

While she continues to embrace wearing shorts, Meghan now tends to pair them with flat shoes – as shown during the Invictus Games 2023. 

Jeans and a white shirt 

Jeans and a white shirt is a failsafe option for Meghan Markle 

Meghan Markle has often relied on a failsafe combination of jeans and a white shirt.

On her first public outing with Prince Harry, Meghan wore the ‘Husband’ shirt by Misha Nonoo, with ripped skinny jeans and flat shoes.

The couple was attending the Invictus Games in Toronto, two months before announcing their engagement.

Meghan’s laid-back California girl style was a fitting and welcome choice for the occasion.

Fit-and-flare silhouettes

Meghan pulls off white fit-and-flare dresses in 2014 (left) and 2019 (right)

Meghan appreciates the effortlessly flattering aesthetic of a fit-and-flare dress.

The Duchess has showcased such designs both before and after becoming a mother.

In more recent years, however, Meghan has leaned towards mid-length silhouettes, as seen in her choice of a Wales Bonner design for her first public photograph with son Archie.

She teamed her dress with nude court shoes, marking a departure from her previous preference for bolder colours or croc prints.

Colour-block prints 

Meghan looks beautiful in blue colour-block dresses of varying lengths

The Duchess of Sussex impressed in two blue colour-block dresses a decade apart. 

Although they shared similar design elements, these dresses differed notably in length. 

Attending a fashion launch in 2013, Meghan flaunted her pins in a jovial mini dress by Diane von Furstenberg.

Fast forward to the 2023 Invictus Games, she opted for a longline shirt dress in similar hues by Carolina Herrera, demonstrating her evolving fashion sense.

Monochrome  

Meghan has displayed her ‘classy and simple’ signature style in monochrome outfits

As Meghan has herself put it, her natural style is ‘classy and simple’, which explains her preference for monochrome outfits. 

Making one of her first public appearances as a working actress at the 2007 Golden Globe Suites, Meghan wore a black and white dress by ABS Allen Schwartz.

The bandeau style came complete with oversized bow detailing and a puffball skirt.

Later in 2022, she wore a sophisticated strapless jumpsuit by Gabriela Hearst, continuing her inclination for understated elegance.

Meghan swapped flashy metallic heels for barely-there sandals, completing the look with a burgundy Bottega Veneta bag.