The Duchess of Sussex arrived on the royal scene with Hollywood sparkle and a wardrobe to match, filled with bodycon dresses, ripped jeans...
The Duchess of Sussex arrived on the royal scene with Hollywood sparkle and a wardrobe to match, filled with bodycon dresses, ripped jeans and stilettos that screamed starlet, not sovereign.
But since marrying Prince Harry and stepping into her royal role, Meghan’s style has undergone a radical transformation as she has gradually exchanged her red carpet-ready ensembles for a more modest, regal wardrobe.
In doing so Meghan appears to have looked no further than her sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales, for inspiration, actively mirroring Kate’s most memorable looks.
From buttoned-up coats to modest midi dresses, and classic checks to elegant evening gowns, Meghan appears to be borrowing liberally from Kate’s style playbook, in a game of royal fashion déjà vu. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
She’s swapped sultry for subtle and glamour for grace, traits long associated with Kate's carefully cultivated image.
Gone are the days of floppy fedoras and trilbies, in their place are elegant fascinators, structured pillboxes and tilted brims, staples of Kate’s royal wardrobe.
The Princess of Wales's fashion formula has always been about balance, conservative yet modern, refined yet relatable. She champions British designers including Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham, and Catherine Walker, often re-wearing pieces to promote sustainability.
Meghan, in contrast, once favoured bold American designers and high-end Hollywood labels, but since marrying into the Royal Family her wardrobe choices have pivoted towards British brands.
Donning pieces from Kate’s go-to designers Erdem, Emilia Wickstead, and Alexander McQueen, even Meghan's designer choices echo those of the Princess of Wales.
Ultimately, whether you call it imitation, admiration, or savvy styling, one thing is certain, Meghan’s wardrobe evolution is no accident as she aligns herself with the British royal fashion aesthetic.
The Princess of Wales has mastered the art of regal elegance, naturally becoming the model to follow, and as Meghan has followed suit the similarities are striking, from the silhouette to the styling, and even in her posture.
Even as Meghan and Harry have stepped back from royal duties the fashion mimicry has continued.
During her appearances in the US, Meghan’s wardrobe has kept many of the hallmarks of Kate’s elegance, monochrome palettes, and modest hemlines.
Meghan often injects a subtle twist into her ensembles, now choosing American designers, mixing high street with high end, and opting for more relaxed fits than Kate’s traditionally tailored look.
But the blueprint is still visible. Whether it’s a crisp white shirt tucked into tailored trousers, or an evening look elegantly revealing her shoulders, the influence is clear as she has transformed from showbiz siren to demure duchess.
