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” at Deal or No Deal.

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

But the real change has happened since he married into the royal family in 2018.

While the color palette has remained the same, Meghan – now the Duchess of Sussex – has steadily adopted longer and more streamlined silhouettes for a suitably sophisticated look.

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

Mizrah, who also lives in Montecito, California, has had a long-standing working relationship with Meghan’s neighbor Katy Perry and Hunger Games actress Jennifer Lawrence.

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

Cool camel shades

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

The former actress captivated onlookers as she posed for photos in a Proenza Schouler dress, which featured an asymmetrical off-the-shoulder neckline and thigh-high side slits.

Earlier in 2013, Meghan wore a one-shoulder Lanvin dress, in a similar caramel shade, to a gala at the American Ballet Theater.

She told me at the time Hello! Canada: ‘I love this Lanvin dress and wear neutral colors from head to toe. It always lengthens your figure – especially with naked Louboutins.

She continued, “I absolutely love this look because it speaks to my personal aesthetic: classy and simple.”

Racy in red

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 deep red silk dress from Carolina Herrera, paired with slingbacks from Giuseppe Zanotti, her favorite Birks earrings and a Cartier Love bracelet.

The Duchess has long been enamored with the vibrant shade of pillar red. Back in 2006, during her appearance in Deal or No Deal, she wore a mini dress in the same shade.

Meghan’s love of red showcases her timeless, bold yet elegant fashion sense.

Denim dresses

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

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

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

Paired with Sarah Flint leopard print pumps and a patent black bag, the actress showed off her playful side.

Airy pants

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

The highlight of her outfit was 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 from Brandon Maxwell.

Crafted from wool-blend twill, these trousers feature a belted waistband and soft pleats, accentuating the relaxed shape.

To complete her sleek ensemble, Meghan opted for a knit top from Anine Bing that showed off her shoulders and offered a fresh take on the look.

Short suits

The Duchess of Sussex has consistently shown her penchant for short suits, a style she has favored for some time.

This was especially evident during her appearance on The Today Show in 2016.

Meghan looked effortlessly glamorous in a Veronica Beard-striped two-piece, lifted by sky-high pumps and a bouncy blow-dryer.

While she continues to embrace wearing shorts, Meghan is now pairing them with flats, as seen at the 2023 Invictus Games.

Jeans and a white shirt

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

For her first public outing with Prince Harry, Meghan wore Misha Nonoo’s ‘Husband’ shirt with ripped skinny jeans and flats.

The couple attended the Invictus Games in Toronto two months before announcing their engagement.

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

Fit and flare silhouettes

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

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

In recent years, however, Meghan has been leaning towards mid-length silhouettes, as evidenced by her choice of a Wales Bonner design for her first public photo with son Archie.

She paired her dress with nude pumps, a departure from her previous preference for brighter colors or crocodile prints.

Color block printing

The Duchess of Sussex wowed in two blue color block dresses a decade apart.

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

At a fashion launch in 2013, Meghan showed off her pins in a jovial mini dress by Diane von Furstenberg.

Fast forward to the 2023 Invictus Games, she opted for a long shirt dress in similar shades from Carolina Herrera, showcasing her evolving fashion sense.

Monochrome

As Meghan describes it, her natural style is “stylish and simple,” which explains her preference for monochrome outfits.

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

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

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

Meghan swapped statement metallic heels for barely-there sandals and completed the look with a burgundy Bottega Veneta bag.