13 Affordable Pieces That Define Meghan Markle's Wardrobe
Remember when Kate Middleton came onto the scene back in the 2000s when she first started dating Prince William? Every place she visited was documented. Every move was a moment to examine her body language. Then when the couple was engaged and married years later, it really took off. We were introduced to Pippa and Kate’s parents and the interworkings of her personal life. And then the hair products she used, the sandals she wore, her maternity dress—each detail of her look was covered by every imaginable media outlet, and the items would always, always sell out. It was called the “Kate Middleton effect.”
But now, in the excitement around the royal wedding, Meghan Markle has entered into a similar territory, and her selling power is undeniable. Pieces the newly minted royal wears command immediate attention and often sell out within mere hours. According to WWD, a pair of Finlay London sunglasses Markle wore last year lead to “a major six-figure online boost” with “multiples thousands of pairs” sold, accounting for “75% of all online sales in the past six months” for the brand.
And I can believe it. She’s an American woman of color at the center of a fairytale scenario, and it has been a historic moment to watch her transition into the royal family. I tuned in for the real-time broadcast of the royal wedding and watched for nearly three hours to take in the whole entire thing—as did 29 million people around the world, according to Forbes. Unsurprisingly, interest in Meghan Markle is at a high, and my social media feeds are flooded with photos of the duchess—her style and outfit choices obsessed over. If you too are fascinated by Meghan Markle and her fashion sense, you can tap into her style with pieces straight from the royal’s closet. And did I mention the affordable items all ring in under $300?
The bag she carried for her first appearance after the royal wedding
Her oyster-colored version is completely sold out, but the brand carries the clutch in over a dozen colors—including this very similar steel shade.
A dress from one of her go-to Canadian brands
After living in Toronto to film Suits, Meghan Markle has proven her affinity for Canadian brands, including Aritzia, which is one of her favorites for affordable pieces.
Yet another Aritzia find
Markle's Aritzia loyalty is seriously strong. Here she chose one of the brand's waist-cinching belts.
And another
Yes, I told you she loves Aritzia. Here she was snapped wearing one of its classic trench coats with a pair of jeans from her favorite denim brand, Mother.
Her favorite yoga pants
Meghan Markle loves leggings from Under Armour and wears them on repeat for her yoga classes.
And proof that she also wears leggings outside the gym
She loves a legging/pants hybrid, which puts an end of the debate about wearing leggings as pants. Why yes, royal appearances can include them.
This bag sold out after she wore it
The navy-and-white striped version Markle wore is sold out, but you can order the same bag in red. Bonus: It's marked down to just $89.
Layer like a royal
Hold onto this scarf beyond this season for an essential fall staple.
Get her look from head-to-toe
If you want to wear a full Meghan Markle look, you can still order all the pieces she's wearing here. We're talking sunglasses, top, jeans, and bag.
And now, the Cinderella shoes that make you feel royal.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
The Designer Behind Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress Just Debuted a Jewelry Collection at Reformation
It'll go fast.
By Eliza Huber
-
Meghan Markle and Fashion People Just Proved This Bag Color Can Look Elegant
A key new-season trend.
By Natalie Munro
-
The Chicest Looks at the 2024 ESPYs, From Meghan Markle to Serena Williams
Consider me impressed.
By Eliza Huber
-
I Used to Hate This Sandal Trend, But Meghan Markle Just Convinced Me Otherwise
Now, I want like five pairs.
By Eliza Huber
-
Meghan Markle Loves Dior But Also Wears These 7 Lesser-Known Brands
Under the radar.
By Erin Fitzpatrick
-
The One Winter Outfit Combo Every Royal Owns
Crown optional.
By Drew Elovitz
-
Hot Tip: Meghan Markle's J.Crew Sweater Just Went on Sale
Get it while you can.
By Erin Fitzpatrick
-
Before Businesscore, There Was Rachel Zane in Suits—29 Pieces She'd Buy Today
I've never been so inspired to dress for the office.
By Yusra Siddiqui