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Meghan Markle has undergone a style evolution — from Hollywood actress to senior royal and swiftly back to a private citizen. That means her fashions have also changed after no longer being bound by those strict wardrobe protocols handed down by the palace. The Duchess of Sussex has never abandoned her love for a neutral palette, but she has added a touch of California casual into her closet now that her role in the public eye has shifted.

This new era of Meghan is what Vogue dubs her “freedom style” because who could forget her notable quote in the Harry & Meghan docuseries as to why she “rarely wore color.” She shared, “There was thought in that, I was like, well, what’s a color that they’ll probably never wear? Camel? Beige? White?” The Duchess of Sussex didn’t want to tip the balance of power by wearing a glamorous green or a bold blue because it might upstage some of the higher-ranking royals.

While she always looked good, Meghan wasn’t able to take her fashion up a notch — until now. The Duchess of Sussex is playing with shades of red intermixed with her favorite colors of beige, cream, and black. She’s not only on trend, she’s also setting the trends, from her slouchy trousers to her daring off-the-shoulder looks. (Hello to that Christopher John Rogers gown she wore to the 2022 NAACP Awards!) It’s exactly that fashion edge that many royal fans have been waiting for with the Duchess of Sussex — she’s truly a breath of fresh air!

Check out all of the gorgeous looks Meghan has worn in her post-royal life that have taken her fashion to the next level.

A version of this article was originally published on Jan 2023.

For the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards event in 2023, Meghan Markle arrived in a glittering gold cutout gown from Johanna Ortiz, which she paired with a CH Carolina Herrera bag, and Tom Ford shoes.

In what became the television event of 2021, Meghan wore a stunning Giorgio Armani dress from their 2022 Spring/Summer Cruise Collection while she was pregnant with Lilibet. She may have been sending a message with the lotus flower pattern in her Oprah Winfrey interview because it’s often thought to symbolize “rebirth, self-regeneration and spiritual enlightenment.” It was a fitting outfit for her post-royal life in Montecito, California.

It was still serious pandemic times, so Zoom interviews were all the rage, and stylish leisurewear was key for those professional moments. Meghan kept in line with her favorite neutral tones in a Co Collection robe, tank, and trousers for her A-list guest — and the Duchess’ 40th birthday.

When Meghan and Harry made their first official visit to New York City in their post-royal life, they were all-business. She chose a Max Mara coat in navy to coordinate with her monochromatic turtleneck and pants for the appearance.

This Loro Piana suit was straight up fire for Meghan because she veered out of her usual neutral color wheel for a major red hue. The slouchy feel to the outfit also made it casual enough for her sit down and read her children’s book, The Bench, to the students.

Just three months after having Lilibet, Meghan stepped out in a stunning Valentino dress at Global Citizen Live in New York City. The sheath dress with floral embellishments at the hem and neckline of the dress were perfect for her and Harry’s warmly received appearance.

We like to call this a classic Meghan look because no one does a camel coat better than the Duchess of Sussex. She wore the Max Mara jacket and Lafayette 148 skirt as a part of her whirlwind NYC appearances with Prince Harry in 2021.

This red Carolina Herrera gown at the Salute to Freedom Gala was a showstopper for the Duchess of Sussex. After leaving her senior royal role and a pandemic, it had been a hot minute since anyone had seen her in formalwear. This was like a coming out party and she rocked the look.

At the start of 2022, Meghan and Harry’s first public appearance of the year was accepting the NAACP President’s Award at the 53rd Annual NAACP Image Awards. The Duchess of Sussex went with a vibrant ombre-blue gown in an off-the-shoulder design created by Christopher John Rogers — it was spectacular, and it was a hint of the fashions to come in a pretty stellar style year for her.

The opening ceremony was a big deal for Meghan because she was making a speech at the event. She chose a gorgeous red outfit by Another Tomorrow that felt youthful, but professional all at once. She swept her long hair back in a sleek ponytail and paired the outfit with pointy-toed heels.

In honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, Meghan and Harry made a long-awaited return to the UK together after leaving their senior royal roles. To mark the historic occasion, Meghan took a page from sister-in-law Kate Middleton’s fashion playbook with the tried-and-true coat dress by Christian Dior. It was a wonderfully tailored look for the buttoned-up event.

This stylish outfit might be one of our Meghan Markle faves because it shows off her toned arms with the halter neckline while allowing some playfulness with the belted, baggy pants by Brandon Maxwell. She looks right on trend in this ensemble — and perfect for a sporting event.

Monochromatic suits in 2022 were all the rage, and Meghan rose to the occasion in a Valentino white suit. The double-breasted blazer with the matching pants were a breath of fresh air — a total power suit.

Meghan is proving that skinny jeans have not gone out of vogue because she styled them perfectly with a belted oversize jacket by Brandon Maxwell. It takes the idea of business casual to the next level.

Meghan looked to France for fashion inspo with her crop Celine jacket and stylishly rolled Moussy Vintage jeans. The pièce de résistance to the entire ensemble is, of course, the ballet flats. Très chic!

Meghan wrapped up 2022 with a simple, yet elegant, custom-made Louis Vuitton in a crisp winter white. Her preference for clean lines is on full display here, and the off-the-shoulder moment creates a bit of drama.

Meghan kept her color palette in her preferred black-and-white tones, but added dimension and drama with the ruched, off-the-shoulder shirt by Khaite. It was nice to see her playing with textures and fabric when it comes to her classic wardrobe.

With the entire world watching, Meghan had a fashion moment that was tasteful and stunning all at once. Wearing a caped Stella McCartney block dress paired with black opera gloves and a wide-brimmed hat, she also added a sentimental touch — the pearl and diamond earrings and a gold bracelet that were gifted to her from the Queen.