Is it a coincidence that Meghan Markle is the style twin of ‘American royalty’ Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy? The Duchess has repeatedly dressed like the late publicist… as friends predict she is ‘heading to the White House’

Fashion publicist Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy became a style icon in the 1990s, to the extent that she rivaled the impact of Princess Diana.

Both married into royalty, one literally and the other figuratively; both died tragically young, and both knew how to dress casually.

So it’s no surprise that Carolyn’s style – which also had a place in the political world as she was the wife of John F Kennedy Jr. – Meghan has inspired.

The Duchess of Sussex shared her admiration for Carolyn long before she married Prince Harry, describing Carolyn’s Narciso Rodriguez wedding dress as “everything goals” and using it as inspiration for her own dress.

This minimalist aesthetic and sophisticated simplicity is clearly reflected in the fashion choices of the Duchess of Sussex herself.

In recent days, the Duchess of Sussex’s supporters have declared that she is ‘on her way to the White House’ following her presidential visit to Nigeria with Prince Harry.

Experts have highlighted that she could be just a few steps away from the US presidency, so her style will be a crucial weapon as she enters politics.

As made clear below, Meghan has on numerous occasions channeled certain outfits worn by Carolyn – who died with her husband in a plane crash in 1999 – at the height of her fame.

White shirt and maxi skirt

In early 2019, Meghan attended the Endeavor Fund Awards in an ensemble straight out of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s lookbook.

The Duchess, who was pregnant with son Archie at the time, paired a white button-down shirt from Givenchy with a floor-length black skirt.

It was strikingly similar to the look Carolyn wore to a charity gala in March 1999.

The former publicist tucked a white men’s shirt, with the top buttons left undone like Meghan’s, into a long black skirt with ruffled hem, both designed by Yohji Yamamoto.

Ripped jeans

For her first-ever official public appearance as Prince Harry’s girlfriend in 2017, Meghan kept it casual in ripped Mother jeans and a crisp white oxford from Misha Nonoo.

A white button-down is commonly considered a wardrobe staple, but the garment also happened to be a big favorite of Carolyn’s.

She dressed for Labor Day in 1996 in a similar oversized shirt with rolled up sleeves, ripped jeans, messy hair and sunglasses.

Camel skirt

For her first royal event after her engagement to Harry was announced, Meghan paid tribute to an outfit Carolyn wore at a similarly crucial public moment.

The looks may be more than twenty years apart, but the basic elements are all there: a black sweater, a camel-colored midi skirt and knee-high boots.

Carolyn wore her look in 1996 when she and her husband JFK Jr. showed up outside their Tribeca apartment after her own wedding.

Meghan opted for a Joseph skirt and Kurt Geiger to seemingly mirror Carolyn’s look.

Asymmetrical neckline

Another aspect in which Meghan Markle channels Carolyn is her choice of sophisticated dresses that combine simplicity with a fashionable touch.

In 2018, she wore the Black Halo ‘Jackie O’ dress, named after Carolyn’s mother-in-law – 1960s style icon and former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

It had the same asymmetrical neckline as the dress Carolyn wore to the White House in 1998.

Black t-shirt and jeans

Accessories play a crucial role in paralleling the fashion between the two icons.

Like Carolyn, Meghan often dresses in classic clothing, such as during the 2023 Invictus Games when she opted for a J Crew top and Frame skinny jeans.

The look was similar to Carolyn’s denim and t-shirt combo when she was spotted walking her dog shortly after her honeymoon in 1996.

Carolyn was known for her minimalist approach to accessories, often paired with simple gold earrings or a delicate necklace.

Meghan follows suit, usually opting for understated jewelry that complements her outfits without overwhelming them.

She seems to share the style philosophy with Carolyn that less is undeniably more.

Monochrome

Meghan can also channel Carolyn in her love of monochromatic ensembles.

Carolyn has often been seen in all-black or all-white outfits and Meghan has taken a similar approach.

She often opts for monochrome looks that are both sophisticated and modern.

When Meghan launched her Smart Works charity collection in 2019, Meghan’s Jigsaw pants and Misha Nonoo shirt were reminiscent of Carolyn’s Hyannis Port ensemble in 1998.

Strapless

Markle’s preference for off-the-shoulder strapless dresses is another nod to Carolyn’s influence.

Both women prefer chic and polished dresses that emphasize structure and shape.

For a 2016 appearance, Meghan dressed in Cedric Charlier, echoing Carolyn’s evening gala look at the Municipal Arts Society in 1998.

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