It's all change for style-queen Meghan as she ditches British labels and opts for Californian cool, writes ELIZA SCARBOROUGH

When Meghan Markle first joined the royals, she leant towards British brands Burberry, Emilia Wickstead and Stella McCartney. 

Since she relocated to California with Harry, however, the Duchess has favoured unfussy ensembles in neutral shades, although splashes of colour still shine through on the red carpet.

Her choice of designers has also changed. Where once she championed all things British, she has now turned to American labels.

Luxury brands including Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and Valentino are joined by cool-girl pieces from the likes of Heidi Merrick, Khaite and Cult Gaia. 

‘There has been a shift in dress for Meghan, who is finding her own identity which is classic with a French feel thanks to the clean lines and block colours,’ Lizzi Zita, fashion commentator for Sky News tells us.

It is understood that Meghan has recently teamed up with stylist-to-the-stars Jamie Mitzvah –  and this could have played a role.

‘Sadly, Meghan’s brand shifts are a loss for the UK, especially the young designers,’ comments Zita.

Carolina Herrera

Salute to Freedom Gala, 2010

The Duchess of Sussex chose a vibrant red gown by one of her go-to designers, Wes Gordon at Carolina Herrera, for her first red carpet appearance in 18 months. 

With its plunging neckline and thigh split, the gown looked daring from the front, while the back view offered a more classically fairytale feel with a long flowing skirt and bow detail.

Khaite

Polo Match, 2022

Eschewing a traditional dress code, Meghan wore a long-sleeved, tie-fronted blouse in a black and white polka-dot print by Celine with a pair of loose white shorts styled with a black belt. 

Meghan Duchess of Sussex with a girlfriend at Prince Harry’s polo match in Carpenteria, California in 2022

They were both from one of her favoured New York luxury brands, Khaite. She finished the look with a pair of Aquazzura pumps and a wide-brim hat.

Dôen

Polo Match, 2022

Meghan dressed in double denim to cheer on the Duke of Sussex during a polo game at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. 

Meghan Markle hangs out with the Polo WAGS as she enjoys a cold drink and watches Prince Harry play

Turning to Dôen, a Los Angeles-based line inspired by nostalgia for the California of decades past, she wore a pair of high-waisted jean shorts with a loose-fitting chambray shirt.

Louis Vuitton

Ripple of Hope Award, 2022

Meghan looked timeless when accepting the Ripple of Hope award wearing a custom look by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton.

Meghan and Prince Harry, Duchess and Duke of Sussex are pictuerd with Kerry Kennedy at the 2022 Ripple of Hope Awards in  New York

 It was her first time sporting the French label at a high-profile event, and the off-the-shoulder neckline, long sleeves, and minimalist, architectural aesthetic was in line with her clean, modern wardrobe. The duchess wore her hair in her signature slicked-back bun, a classic, elegant style that perfectly complemented the Bardot neckline.

Valentino

Global Citizen Live Concert, 2021

For the Global Citizen Live concert Meghan chose a chic Valentino embellished mini dress.

Harry and Meghan Markle speak on stage at Global Citizen Live: New York in September 2021

Featuring flower appliqués, she paired the sixties style shift from Italian powerhouse Valentino with Manolo Blahnik black pumps, a Jennifer Mayer bracelet and a loose, low ponytail.

Bleusalt

Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund video, 2023

Meghan Markle embraced neutral tones in a co-ordinating camel sleeveless turtleneck sweater and matching skirt by Californian label Bleusalt to congratulate winners of the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund.

Meghan and Harry contact winners and participants for Youth Leaders Changing the Future of Technology

The Malibu-based sustainable brand is described as being inspired by a lifestyle in and around the ocean, and this ensemble was impeccably effortless for the glowing duchess.

Toteme

Invictus Games 2023

The duchess stuck to her post-palace, stealth luxury aesthetic, wearing a figure-hugging wool-blend grey halterneck knitted dress from Toteme as she attended the Team Canada meeting at the Invictus Games.

Meghan is pictured at the Team Canada Reception for the Invictus Games 2025 at the Hilton Hotel in Dusseldorf last year

Toteme is a fashion house rooted in Swedish sensibilities, modern aspirations and the notion of style, a perfect style pairing for Meghan’s new laid-back luxury looks.

Cult Gaia

Invictus Games 2023

Meghan Markle attended the closing ceremony of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games wearing an emerald-hued, laser cut bodycon dress from Los Angeles based Cult Gaia.

Pictured at the closing ceremony of last year’s Invictus Games in Dusseldorf 

 While she favoured brands like J Crew and Banana Republic for previous appearances at the event, this piece is from fashion girl favourite Cult Gaia and was designed in a 3D printed fabric meant to imitate the appearance of traditional lace. 

Despite the skin-baring details, the dress maintained its business-appropriate quality without veering into something too sultry.

Hermès

Invictus Games One Year To Go, 2024

The Duchess of Sussex excelled at dressing for Canada’s sub-zero temperatures when in Whistler for the Invictus Games One Year To Go celebration.

Meghan is seen in Whistler on the second day of the One Year to Go Event before the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 

Her chic co-ordinated snow-ready outfit comprised of a Hermès puffer jacket, La Ligne skinny jeans, a dark blue scarf, and matching hat from Canadian store Aritzia together with Kamik boots as she met with competitors and spoke to sports coaches.

Sentaler

Invictus Games One Year To Go, 2024

Meghan delivered yet another successful style statement at the wheelchair curling event, wearing a Sentaler coat, over a Bleusalt top and Le Ligne black jeans, paired with Co riding leather boots and camel Maxmara gloves. 

Meghan looks chic at the Vancouver Curling Club earlier this year

A female-owned Canadian brand, fashion designer Bojana Sentaler launched the label in 2009, best known for its timeless designs and modern silhouettes.

La Ligne

Los Angeles, 2024

Markle opted for low-key cosy cashmere when heading out to dinner in LA, donning a grey sweater from La Ligne, which she French tucked into a pair of Anine Bing jeans and accessorised with ballet flats from Chanel and a bag from Goyard.

The duchess enjoys a casual sushi dinner with a friend in Studio City, Los Angeles

La Ligne is a cornerstone of Meghan’s West Coast style, she chose a dress for a family portrait in 2021, a striped sweater in her Netflix docuseries and their jeans during her trip to British Columbia.

Maxmara

California, 2023

Despite 70-degree weather, the Duchess of Sussex donned a camel Maxmara coat, Hermès silk scarf and Frame skinny jeans as she stepped out in California. 

Meghan is seen for the first time since Prince Harry’s Royal Highness stylee was removed from the official Royal Family website.

She kept with the luxury brands for her accessories, donning Chanel slingbacks, a Givenchy belt, Lanvin earrings and a Goyard bag.

J Crew

Invictus Games, 2023

Hailing from the cool-girl American label J Crew, Meghan’s cardigan blazer is elevated by black contrast trims and gold buttons.

Attending the Wheelchair Basketball preliminary match between Ukraine and Australia during day four of the Invictus Games last year

The picture of polished chic when worn together with shorts from the same brand, Meghan’s appearance in the blazer almost immediately caused the site to crash and it was an instant sell-out.

Giuliva Heritage

SXSW Conference and Festival, 2024

Meghan spoke onstage at the 2024 SXSW Conference and Festival wearing a silk set from Giuliva Heritage. 

The Duchess of Sussex, attends the SXSW 2024 Conference and Festivals at the Austin Convention Center in Texas

Sticking to her neutral uniform while talking about women’s issues in digital spaces, she chose the husband shirt and maxi skirt from the Italian brand which is focused on sustainability and renewable energy.

Cuyana

Invictus Games, 2023

Meghan has long been a devotee of Cuyana, a San Francisco-based sustainable brand known for its ‘fewer, better’ philosophy. 

Harry and Meghan in the Dusseldorf sunshine last year

At the 2023 Invictus Games she opted for their effortless silk silk trench coat with oversized lapels and high-waisted trousers, which were cinched with a matching belt and ended just above her ankles. 

She styled the ivory separates with a plain white tank and elevated the ensemble with tan pumps.

Johanna Ortiz

Ms Foundation Women of Vision Award Ceremony, 2023

Meghan accepted the 2023 Women of Vision award at a glittering gala in New York, and her equally shimmery dress marked a departure from her royal wardrobe showcasing her golden award-inspired approach to event dressing.

The Duke and Duchess attend the Ms Foundation Women of Vision Awards in New York last year 

 Her strapless gold-textured Johanna Ortiz dress featured a keyhole cutout at the bodice under the bust and was paired with Tom Ford’s Padlock sandals.

Oscar de la Renta

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 2024

Meghan Markle was effortlessly stylish in a springtime floral ensemble as she visited Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Meghan Markle delights youngsters at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles by reading to them during a visit in 2021

Her Oscar De La Renta silk-chiffon landscape shirt dress with long cuffed sleeves and a sash belt was worn before in her Netflix docuseries, although on this occasion it was paired with her favourite Aquazzura pumps.

Zara

Invictus Games, 2023

Markle opted for another muted outfit at the Invictus Games, sporting a cream playsuit from Spanish high-street chain Zara with a matching Celine blazer.

Meghan during day 6 of the Invictus Games 2023 at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf

Looking typically stylish in the two tones of off-white, the royal styled her hair in loose waves and accessorised the laid-back look with Saint Laurent black leather sandals.

Brandon Maxwell

Invictus Games, 2022

It was American luxury brand Brandon Maxwell who dressed Meghan during the 2022 Invictus Games in an ivory-toned belted jacket with no buttons and a silver belt buckle.

Meghan watches the sitting volley ball competition at the Invictus Games 2020  in The Hague, the Netherlands. Postponed because of Covid, the event took place in 2022

The Duchess layered the longline blazer over a pair of medium-wash jeans and brown suede heels by Manolo Blahnik.

Heidi Merrick

Polo Match, 2024

Heidi Merrick is another designer that gets the Meghan stamp of approval, and when attending one of Prince Harry’s polo matches she chose a breezy halterneck dress from the Californian label.

Meghan wears Heidi Merrick at a Florida polo match this year

Featuring cutout and pleat details together with a statement bow and cutout back detail, the dress was made from ivory silk and hemp. Markle completed her ensemble with sunglasses from Merrick and paired them with nude leather pumps by Aquazzura.

Official tour of Nigeria, 2024

The Duchess also favoured Heidi Merrick during the first day of her official tour of Nigeria

The Duchess opted for Heidi Merrick’s ‘Windsor’ dress when she and Prince Harry visited a school in Nigeria.

Hailing from the brand’s 2018 collection, the slinky silk creation featured an open back and floor-skimming length. Markle added vintage Lanvin earrings and her signature wrist stack, comprising Princess Diana’s Cartier watch and her Cartier ‘Love’ bracelet. 

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