Whether or not it’s a conscious choice, clothing says a lot about a person and the image they want to project. For most of us, this means choosing pieces that make us feel put together and confident so we can tackle whatever the day has in store, be it organizing your pantry or organizing a business merger. For celebrities, those choices often have much deeper meanings—like Hilary Clinton’s white pantsuit nod to suffragettes at the 2016 Democratic nomination event or Princess Diana’s black sheep sweater. All of this is to say that, as a fashion editor, I am fully convinced that Meghan Markle’s outfits from the past year are proof that she and husband Prince Harry have never been happier or more confident in their relationship.
Meghan Markle’s Fashion Choices This Year Are Giving Major Clues About Her Relationship with Prince Harry
The vibes are very, very good
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Published Sep 23, 2024
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I may not be a royals expert or a body language expert, but I am a fashion expert. And there’s no denying that Markle’s fashion sense has evolved greatly in the four years since she and Harry left the royal family, and I believe she’s finally in a place where she feels fully free to just be herself with the unwavering support of her husband by her side. Her outfits feel polished yet relaxed, and like she’s actually having fun getting dressed—something that is infinitely easier to do when all other aspects of your life feel grounded and steady and when you have a partner who encourages you to embrace and express all sides of yourself. I can personally attest to the powerful impact of a healthy, happy relationship on a person’s wardrobe choices.
At times when my relationships have been rocky, I’ve gravitated toward comfort dressing, like jeans and sweaters and oversize tees that make me feel cozy and protected. But when I’ve felt fully supported and loved by my partner in all aspects of my self, I’ve been so much more willing to experiment and really play with clothing, shoes and accessories. It’s easier to embrace the styles I love most, even if they’re not trendy or cool or even flattering, when I know my partner truly just loves me for me. And that’s precisely what I think Markle is experiencing right now.
Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty Images
Whether or not the royal dress code rules are indeed real, Markle’s wardrobe as a working Duchess was far more modest and prim than it is now. Sleeveless shirts, linen and cutouts would have caused a scandal (which is ridiculous and highly problematic, but that is a discussion for another time). But in the past six months, Markle has worn all three. Yes, her style started evolving almost immediately after the couple departed the UK for life in SoCal, but it has changed even more in the past year and shown us all so much more of who the true Meghan really is.
She’s rocking affordable brands like Club Monaco mixed with newer designers like Johanna Ortiz. She’s embraced bold patterns, bright colors, sequins for day and a seemingly infinite number of shoulder-baring tops. She even seems to be giving a cheeky nod to her husband’s family by specifically choosing items of clothing with royal references. There’s just no denying, Meghan is having fun with clothing in 2024 and I firmly believe it’s because Harry is there championing and loving her, no matter what.
