5 Spicy Meghan Markle Outfits She Never Could Have Worn As A Royal
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Harry, Duke of Sussex, stepped away from life as working royals in 2020, and their style has evolved quite a lot since. Meghan has more time to Google trends to avoid wearing outdated outfits, and she told The New York Times in August 2024 that she likes to use her fame to bring attention to brands she loves. "Times where I know there is a global spotlight, and attention will be given to each detail of what I may or may not be wearing, then I support designers that I have really great friendships with, and smaller, up-and-coming brands that haven't gotten the attention that they should be getting," she shared.
By adopting that new fashion philosophy, Meghan has also introduced multiple pieces into her wardrobe that she probably wouldn't have if she were still a working member of the royal family. From cutouts to trend dressing, Meghan's spiciest post-royal ensembles let her true personality shine.
Meghan Markle's black jumpsuit would have gone against several royal dress rules
We've seen the royal family embrace black a little more over the years, including when Kate Middleton, aka Catherine, Princess of Wales, wore a black lace dress in 2014, or when royal rule-breaker Princess Diana wore her iconic black revenge dress. But, traditionally, it's been reserved for times of mourning. So, it's unlikely the collared, all-black, sleeveless jumpsuit Meghan wore to the opening of Godmother book store in September 2024 would have been in her royal wardrobe.
As well as the shade being rarely worn, jumpsuits aren't a royal staple. In fact, we've never seen Kate Middleton, Queen Camilla, or even Princesses Beatrice or Eugenie wear a jumpsuit for a public event.
Her double denim number would have been too trendy
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Harry, Duke of Sussex, visited La Barbecue restaurant in Texas in March 2024, and she made a fashion statement by donning a Canadian Tuxedo. Double denim has been very on-trend, so she probably wouldn't have worn this as a working royal. After, all, Meghan caused enough controversy in ripped jeans at her first Invictus Games.
It's acceptable for royals to wear jeans, but wearing something as simple as denim has rules — even outside of royal engagements. "Many places will not allow jeans as they are still seen as very casual wear, so it is better to play safe for both sexes," Diana Mather, senior tutor for The English Manner etiquette consultancy, told BBC News. She added that royals only tend to wear them at the most casual, off-duty times.
She wouldn't have worn her strapless gold number
Meghan Markle's strapless gold dress, which she wore for the Ms. Foundation for Women awards in May 2023, was stunning and complimented her glowing complexion. But while it looked regal and elegant, it wasn't exactly royal. There's no official rule forbidding royals from wearing strapless gowns, but it's not something they do very often. Then there's the chic cut-out over her chest. Though sophisticated, a garment revealing the lower torso wouldn't likely get royal approval.
Meghan Markle's plunging, bright red dress was more elaborate than her royal outfits
When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped out for the Freedom Gala in November 2021, she wore a seriously eye-catching red gown. Jaws were on the floor thanks to Meghan's plunging neckline, as well as the glamorous thigh-high slit and train. The look was perfect for the red carpet, but it would have been too much for Meghan's royal wardrobe.
Though the former "Suits" star did wear a few bright colors as a working royal, she admittedly stuck more to muted tones. "I ... wore it so I could just blend in. I'm not trying to stand out here. I don't want to embarrass the family," she explained on the couple's Netflix series "Harry & Meghan" (via Express).
Her cutout dress was too risky to be royal
Risky cutout dresses were a big trend in 2023, and they can be sophisticated when done right. So it makes sense that Markle wore a chic white version in April 2024 to support her husband at a charity polo match in Florida. The dress was perfect for the Sunshine State and the high neckline balanced out the large triangle cutout on her stomach. However, it was still a little too trendy and revealing for a member of the royal family, and probably not something she'd have picked had she not taken a step back.