Happy birthday Meghan Markle! We’ve seen Meghan Markle’s iconic and colorful fashion as a royal, and her ultra-chic looks after leaving the firm in 2020. But Meghan was in the spotlight years before even being linked to the British Royal Family, and during her time as an actress, she arrived in style at nearly every event she attended.
Now, the British Royal family’s protocols on style can be a lot. For instance, you can’t wear delicate fabrics for fear of creasing, must always have a purse on them, must wear pantyhose and natural makeup, and more, per Marie Claire. You get the idea: it can be very constricting, especially for someone like Meghan, who was always willing to try new trends! She’s rocked crop tops, bold patterns, and even a sheer top or two.
While her blog The Tig was running, Meghan would frequently talk about styling tips, fashion, and even released two clothing collections inspired by the blog. To call Meghan a fashionista would be an understatement, and when you see her looks dating back to 2012, you’ll see what we mean.
Meghan has always been a style icon, so let’s take a look back at her top pre-royal fashion moments!
In honor of Meghan Markle’s birthday today on Aug 4, let’s see her best pre-royal fashion below.
A version of this article was originally published on March 2023.
Bold in Black (2011)
Back in 2011, Meghan Markle attended the launch of The Alexa Chung For Madewell Fall 2011 Collection, rocking a relaxed black mini-dress and matching cardigan ensemble.
Black Velvet (2011)
In Oct 2011, Meghan Markle won the peplum trend by arriving in this black velvet number for the Anti-Defamation League Entertainment Industry Awards dinner.
Babe in Blue (2012)
This lace Zorita Diane von Furstenberg dress made waves in both 2012, and a decade later in 2022 when Furstenberg revealed both she and Kate Middleton rocked the same look.
Sparkling for ‘Suits’ (2012)
Back in 2012, no one could take their eyes off of Meghan when she stepped out in this off-the-shoulder, sparkling gown in her go-to color back then.
Boho Beauty (2012)
We see Meghan was also experimenting with some boho styles back in 2012, something she definitely wasn’t able to do as a royal.
Colorblocking Cutie (2012)
Colorblocking: we almost forgot about the vibrant trend that ruled fashion from 2012-2014, including Meghan’s closet. (But she totally rocked it!)
Powerful in Pink (2012)
While Meghan has never given up her love for pink (even while as a royal), we really love this bold silk number she rocked at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival.
Silky Siren (2013)
Silk just looks so good on Meghan, and this plummy dress may be an all-time fav from us. (Fun fact: members of the British Royal family can’t wear silk because they don’t want to show any creasing!)
Elegant in Every Color (2013)
Meghan really showed everyone she could rock any style and in any color, showing fans she can wow in an elegant look like this navy and black number.
Glittering Gal (2013)
At the InStyle And Warner Bros. Golden Globe Party, Meghan turned heads in this seriously glittering mini-dress we hope she recreates one day!
Crop Topped Cutie (2013)
It’s trippy to see the Duchess of Sussex in a crop top, but she totally rocked this Herve Leger crop bodycon fit-and-flare dress.
Beautiful & Bold (2013)
Meghan was never afraid to rock bolder patterns, and this yellow silk dress proved that fact fully!
Delicate Details (2013)
Truly, delicate fabrics were made for Meghan because she looks so confident and gorgeous in them!
Cutie in a Crop Top (2014)
Seeing Meghan in a crop top is like seeing Kate in a tank top, it’s just a surreal moment for everyone.
Flirty in Florals (2013)
Back in 2013, Meghan wowed everyone in this firm-fitting, dark floral mini-dress at the Tracy Reese show during Spring 2014 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Marvelous in Mini (2013)
Maybe it’s because it’s a mini-dress, or maybe it’s the unique pattern, but this ensemble is peak Meghan Markle pre-royal fashion!
Mermaid Meghan (2014)
Meghan really showed off her elegant red carpet style when she showed up in this dark, mermaid-style gown from Roland Mouret for Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 13th Annual An Enduring Vision Benefit.
Extraordinary & Edgy (2014)
Meghan was all about the edgy-chic vibes that were hitting the mainstream in 2014, per this simple white dress she edged up with a studded leather jacket and dark heels.
Lovely in Leather (2014)
While the sweater look is as royal as it gets, the leather pants are such a 180 from her usual look and we can’t stop staring!
Sharp in Sheer (2014)
While Meghan hasn’t given up on love for wide-flare pants, this look may be one of the most daring we’ve ever seen from her (especially since’s it’s a sheer top with eye-catching dark makeup!
Pretty in Pink (& Black!) (2015)
This is a pre-royal look that doesn’t get talked about enough. Like not only are the slacks so chic and fit perfectly on her, but the sheer sleeveless top looked so good on her as well! Truly, 12/10 and we need to see this look again!
Monochromatic Meghan (2015)
No matter the color, no matter the style, Meghan knew how to dress for her confidence. As you probably noticed, she used to rock bold black-and-white looks. Back in a previous interview with ET Canada, per Yahoo, in 2016, she said “I love monochromatic dressing!”
Iconic Skirt (2014)
Okay, but this ensemble may be the most iconic pre-royal look Meghan ever rocked. Back at the 2015 NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Upfront event, Meghan wowed in not only a pristine white button-down but also black sandals and an ornate pencil skirt.
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 19: Actress Meghan Markle attends the NBC/Universal 2014 TCA Winter Press Tour held at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on January 19, 2014 in Pasadena, California.
Always in Red (2016)
In 2016, Meghan noticeably wore one color more than others: red.
Ravishing in Red (2016)
For ELLE’s 6th Annual Women In Television Dinner, Meghan rocked a sensational red mini-dress that showed her daring spirit when it came to fashion.
Neat Necklines (2016)
We love a unique neckline moment, and this red and black mini-dress Meghan wore back in 2016 is everything!
Chic & Casual (2017)
Before Meghan became a royal, she still kept her chic and casual looks while dating Prince Harry. One of her best looks from their time together before marriage was this ensemble consisting of a Misha Nonoo button-down shirt, Mother jeans, and Sarah Flint flats.
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