This Was the Year Meghan Markle Well and Truly Left “Royal” Dressing Behind Her

When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent out their 2024 Christmas card this week, much of the focus was—inevitably—on the rare glimpse it offered of their two growing children, who can be seen running into the outstretched arms of their beaming parents in a photo on the front. But while that picture of blissful domesticity (down to the three dogs scampering around the family’s feet) reveals that Prince Archie has most definitely inherited his dad’s hair, and that Princess Lilibet is now almost as tall as her big brother, other snapshots reflect the change that has taken place in their mother’s wardrobe over the past 12 months.

Three of the photos were taken during Harry and Meghan’s visit to Colombia in August, a fourth is from their trip to Nigeria three months before that. Almost five years have now passed since the couple relocated to California—and relinquished the ribbon cutting and pageantry (not to mention publicly-funded security) of their life in Britain—but these overseas excursions still functioned, in effect, as royal tours, what with their tightly choreographed schedules of charity visits and cultural performances and cute photo opps. The key difference? The Duchess is no longer bound by the same rigid expectations (unspoken or otherwise) she was obliged to take into consideration as a core member of the Firm.

And so, the strict heels and Philip Treacy fascinators of her pre-Sandringham summit tour wardrobe were replaced by flat leather sandals and straw boaters for 2024’s less formal—though no less high-profile—trips. Instead of prim shirt dresses and caped gowns, Meghan’s luggage contained relaxed skirts from the affordable Aussie brand Posse, billowing backless maxi dresses, and aviator shades.

A pregnant Meghan with Prince Harry in Fiji in October 2018.

Photo: Getty Images

And in Colombia in August 2024.

Photo: Getty Images

In Johannesburg in 2019.

Photo: Getty Images

And in Nigeria in May this year.

Photo: Getty Images

Of course, there is more to the unique position Meghan now occupies on the world stage than the Sussexes’ new-look international promo trips, but these subtle shifts are instructive. This year, the Duchess seems to have approached dressing for all of the various facets of her life with fresh confidence. (Showing a little skin is extra enjoyable, one assumes, when doing so no longer risks inspiring insinuating commentary about “propriety” from right-wing tabloids.)

For the low-key day-to-day in Montecito (school runs, play dates, lunches at Tre Lune), there are relaxed La Ligne denim and white linen shirts by Anine Bing—quality basics elevated with the sort of accessories any woman who aspires to the Rich Mom aesthetic has on her wish-list. (Namely Cartier Juste Un Clou jewelry, Chanel ballet flats, and a Lady Dior.) And look, we’ve known it since she and Harry made their very first public appearance as a couple: Meghan looks great in jeans and a white shirt.

A backless white Oscar de la Renta dress and a dash of bling for the ESPY Awards this year.

 Photo: Getty Images

Also working: the neutral separates from St Agni, Gabriela Hearst, and Khaite she now relies on when in business mode. Meghan—who presides over her own fledgling American Riviera Orchard empire in addition to holding minority stakes in several female-owned ventures—now subscribes to a sort of luxe “California founder” chic (a look best embodied by Gwyneth Paltrow at her ski trial in, ironically enough, Utah), that has successfully taken her from SXSW to the G9 Summit to the Our Place HQ.

Rounding all of this out: gowns. The actress-turned-duchess has been navigating the razzle-dazzle of the red carpet since she was playing Rachel Zane on Suits, switching out the Tig-approved crop tops and shrobing for Clare Waight-Keller’s Givenchy once she married an heir to the throne. But her 2024 outings had a new sense of ease.

Meghan wearing Carolina Herrera in 2021.

 Photo: Getty Images

And an update on the same look this year.

 Photo: Getty Images

Take her look for the Jamaica premiere of Bob Marley: One Love in January, where she styled her princessy ball skirt with a simple tank. Or her appearance at a children’s gala in LA in a red Carolina Herrera dress we last saw her wearing in 2021. This time around, Meghan ditched the trailing over-skirt, the fussy updo, and the pointy shoes for a take that felt cooler and more modern—as well as commendably conscious. (“Loving this rethink!” said Elizabeth Holmes, bestselling author and one of the most avid royal style-watchers on the scene.)

In her guest editor’s letter for the September 2019 issue of British Vogue, the Duchess of Sussex described how she sought to spotlight “Commonwealth designers, ethical and sustainable brands”, as well as “heritage, history and heirloom.” In many ways, Meghan—who this year threw her weight behind Cesta Collective, an ethical handbag brand that preserves artisan basket weaving techniques, and styles the priceless jewelry she inherited from her late mother-in-law with her eco-friendly denim—demonstrates the same priorities she always has. She just seems to be having more fun with it.

In a strapless black Oscar de la Renta gown on the red carpet earlier this month.

 Photo: Getty Images