When Meghan Markle started dating Prince Harry, there was immediate intrigue in his new girlfriend’s style. Previously the ginger-haired royal had dated a bevy of beauties who hailed from aristocratic families and subscribed to the royal rules of conservative and chaste dressing –with an emphasis on herringbone blazers, rosette trimmed headbands and tweed everything.
But Meghan Markle’s style was completely opposite to Harry’s ghosts of girlfriends past — she was drawn to shape sculpting pencil skirts, flirty button down blouses and bad girl jeans with edgy rips and tears.
And that’s what makes Meghan Markle a sartorial sensation — her more daring, less demure dress code that everyone wants to imitate. If you want to build a rewearable wardrobe and have a collection of buildable fashion pieces like the duchess — look no further.
Here are 20 Items You Need for Meghan Markle Capsule Wardrobe:
- Linen Shirt
Crisp, clean and chic — the linen shirt is a timeless Meghan staple. The duchess is especially partial to this slim fit linen shirt from JCrew.
2. Pointy Bow Heels
With a sultry cutout and pert bow at the back, these ultra-high, ultra-alluring heels are a must have in any Meghan Matching wardrobe.
3. Sheer Sleeve Dress
In her closet, the Duchess of Sussex has sheer sleeve styles from Jason Wu, Givenchy, Ralph & Russo and even Topshop. Don’t be left out in the cold and hop on the see-through sleeve trend.
4. A Silk Blouse
The duchess owns silk collared blouses from Victoria Beckham, Max Mara and & Other Stories. Make like Meghan and wear a fitted silk shirt in a fall-friendly shade like forest green or soft camel.
5. A Striped Pullover
A nautical minded sweater featuring sailor stripes is a prerequisite to receiving an ‘A’ on your duchess dressing report card. Meghan owns this Banana Republic sweater as well as striped sweaters and cardigans from La Ligne, Equipment and JCrew.
6. A Scalloped Swimsuit
Call it the LBS — Little Black Swimsuit. Worn by the duchess on Netflix, the Palm Springs by Marysia is a reversible basket-weave swimsuit constructed with recycled fibers and a cool scalloped trim. The ultimate leisure meets lounge design is resort-wear at its finest.
7. Thong Sandals
Every California girl needs a pair of thong sandals for patio dining and exclusive pool parties. Comfortable, slender strap sandals are mom-friendly and beach-ready.
8. Strapless Dress with Extra Drama
The duchess knows that nothing says seductive more than a strapless dress with plenty of shoulder baring and sharing. Meghan wore this Roland Mouret style to a private party while working as a senior royal and since then has worn captivating Johanna Ortiz and Carolina Herrera strapless designs.
9. Crewneck Sweater in Camel (Always)
Don’t delay on ordering a camel neck sweater for fall — a neutral knit is a girl’s best friend when it comes to autumn dressing in a hurry. Meghan owns taupe styles from Cuyana, Everlane and Victoria Beckham.
10. Classic White T-Shirt
On one royal engagement in Ireland Meghan paired this budget-friendly boatneck with a pricey pantsuit from Givenchy. Marrying high and low fashion finds is a smart strategy for a winning wardrobe.
11. Signature Handbag
Meghan’s Mulberry bag is part business briefcase, part travel tote, part purse. The rich wine colored tote has a sophisticated satchel structure with a pretty postman’s lock.
12. Wide Leg Pants in Cool Camel
The duchess doesn’t do navy or black — she prefers her trousers in chic camel. Owning Ralph Lauren, Max Mara and Gabriela Hearst trousers in cream or tan — the Sussex matriarch is a superfan of the leg elongating style.
13. Distressed Denim
When traveling or taking a mom timeout for errands or girlfriend getaways, the duchess is often spotted in frayed jeans with distressed details and worn whiskering. Meghan wore these Mother Denim Flirt jeans for her pre-Harry travel escapades.
14. Wrap Coat
The Duchess of Sussex is most well-known in fashion circles for her collection of wrap coats in neutral shades. She’s especially fond of belted designer styles like this Ralph Lauren Leonarda. Luxurious, soft and warm — the Bench author is never without her beloved cashmere coats.
15. Straw Hat
Simple, sophisticated sunwear is a necessity in an aspirational royal closet — Meghan loves her braided wheat hats, straw panamas and classic fedoras. She has been wearing designs from Janessa Leone on repeat in her Santa Barbara sanctuary.
16. Rain Jacket
A lightweight cargo jacket is all-weather friendly and perfect for the California climate. Meghan owns multiple mossy outerwear styles from the likes of JCrew.
17. Statement Skirt
Another Meghan Markle signature is her collection of form-fitting pencil skirts–whether leather or knit. Circa Rachel Zane — these skintight skirts are office-ready and happy hour friendly.
18. Aviator Sunnies
Gold glare-reducing sunglasses hide tired eyes, shield from strong rays and elevate a simple outfit into a statement look. Meghan owns various aviator styles from Ray Ban, Stella McCartney as well as Linda Farrow’s ‘Newman’ sunnies which she sported for a recent jaunt to the farmer’s market.
19. Chunky Jewelry
The duchess adores an oversized ring, large gold cuff, sculptural earrings or a chunky choker necklace in glittering gold. Adopting a bigger is better philosophy is always a smart accessories strategy.
20. Couture Cape Dress
Delight like the duchess in a stunning cape creation perfect for wowing at a wedding or receiving raves on the red carpet. Meghan prefers the glamour afforded by Stella McCartney or Safiyaa.
