Meghan Markle Used to Have a Side Gig as a Fashion Expert—See the Videos

You're probably aware that Meghan Markle was an American actress before entering the British royal family. You may also know that she ran a lifestyle site called The Tig (now shuttered, sadly). And you may even knot that she's long been a humanitarian and activist for women's rights. But did you know she also moonlit as a fashion expert?

A few years ago, in her limited free time, Markle was a frequent guest on NBC's The Today Show (the sister network to USA, where her series Suits aired). There, she spent lengthy segments discussing the latest trends of the given season with much confidence on the subject and a penchant for using phrases like "pepper into your wardrobe." This discovery led me to find a plethora of other old videos on YouTube featuring the current duchess discussing fashion and her personal style at length.

So how did Markle come about this seemingly random side gig? In an interview during fashion with Joe Zee and Kristin Cavallari (below), Markle mentioned that The Tig covered fashion week, which was one of the reasons she was attending, and it was mentioned in most of her other appearances that The Tig was also a fashion site.

In case you all find this as fascinating as I do, below you'll find the proof of Markle's fashion expertise and tons of first-person musings about her own style. Scroll on to watch them all or just to read the cliffs notes that I diligently pulled from them post–Meghan Markle YouTube rabbit hole. (You're welcome.)

The Takeaway:

On how to dial up your style: "The most important thing you can do is tailoring. You think it's not gonna make a big impact, but if it fits you do a T, you look a million times better, and I learned that working on Suits."

On following trends: "You make it work for you. So many people try to jump onto a trend; not every trend is right for you."

On how to dress for the cold: "You just bundle up and people give you a pass when it's that cold." and "There's no bad weather, just bad clothing for it."

On how she describes her personal style: "For me, it's still that California girl, relaxed [vibe]. I like to look polished and put together, but there's always going to be an effortless quality to it just being from L.A."

Shop "California Girl" Pieces

The Takeaway:

While these trends are dated (this appearance was in 2015), you'll learn that she is (or was) a fan of crop tops, matching sets, round sunglasses, gingham, a "pop of color," Birkenstocks(!), and all-white looks.

Shop (Former) Summer Staples

The Takeaway:

Shot in early 2016, when grommets were the biggest trend, this segment had Markle singing her praise for mixing metallics, winter florals, textured tights, wearing something fitted with a chunky sweater, and cozy faux shearling.

Shop (Former) Winter Staples

The Takeaway:

Her style icon (in 2014) was Gwyneth Paltrow, and she loved that she dresses for her body.

Her style became much more polished when she started filming Suits (and she had lots of input on the wardrobe).

All the jewelry she wore on Suits was her own.

Her five wardrobe staples:

1. Black cigarette pants

2. Cashmere sweater

3. Great pencil skirt

4. Perfect pair of jeans

5. Sexy little dress that makes you feel really good

Shop Her Wardrobe Staples

The Takeaway: 

1. Jeans over dresses

2. Leather over prints

3. Tote over clutch

4. Heels over flats

5. Sunglasses over hats

Shop Fashion Favorites

The Takeaway:

Shift dresses are her go-to off-duty look.

Shop Shift Dresses

The Takeaway:

She's always loved heels but recently fell in love with flats. "Comfortable and chic at the same time."

Shop Chic Flats

Next up, see the mall-brand dress Meghan Markle just wore.