Meghan Markle’s appearance at the LA Children’s Hospital Gala marked a significant shift in her style – one that’s a world away from her time as a working royal.
The former Suits star exuded confidence as she graced the red carpet in a striking scarlet Carolina Herrera gown, priced at £5,232.98.
The dress, with its plunging neckline and sleek, figure-hugging design, highlighted her refined yet effortless style.
Eagle-eyed fans recognised the gown from three years earlier, but this time Meghan opted for a fresh twist, removing the dramatic overskirt and trading pointed pumps for sultry sandals.
Her hairstyle also reflected this change, as she swapped her polished updo for soft, tousled waves, creating a more relaxed aesthetic.
Meghan Markle’s recent appearance at the LA Children’s Hospital Gala marked a significant shift in her style
Since relocating to California with Prince Harry in 2020, Meghan has undergone a noticeable Hollywood transformation.
This shift has gradually evolved, reflecting her new life away from royal duties.
Meghan seems far more at ease on the red carpet now, embracing bolder and more glamorous looks than during her time as a working royal.
As a member of the Royal Family, she adhered closely to protocol, often opting for more conservative fashion choices, such as neutral tones, traditional silhouettes, closed-toe heels and tights for official engagements.
A prime example was the outfit she wore to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party, held in honour of then-Prince Charles’s 70th birthday, just weeks after her wedding to Harry.
She chose a sophisticated nude fit-and-flare dress by Goat, a British label that had been previously worn by Kate Middleton.
The dress featured sheer sleeves and delicate paneling, aligning with the elegant and modest styles often favoured by royal women.
The Duchess completed her polished look with a coordinating Philip Treacy hat, Tamara Mellon pumps and nude tights, conforming to the more conservative fashion expectations for formal royal events.
As a member of the Royal Family, Meghan adhered closely to royal protocols, often opting for more conservative fashion choices (pictured at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in honour of then-Prince Charles’s 70th birthday in May 2018)
At Trooping the Colour in 2018, Meghan stepped out in an elegant dusky pink Carolina Herrera dress, complemented by a Philip Treacy hat
At Royal Ascot, she donned an ivory shirt dress by Givenchy, once again pairing it with a Philip Treacy hat, maintaining her signature minimalist yet refined aesthetic for the prestigious event
For the Lion King premiere in 2019, Meghan chose a black dress by Jason Wu, teamed with a Gucci clutch and Aquazzura heels
The following month, at Trooping the Colour, Meghan stepped out in an elegant dusky pink Carolina Herrera dress, complemented by another Philip Treacy hat.
For Royal Ascot, she donned an ivory shirt dress by Givenchy, once again pairing it with a Philip Treacy hat, maintaining her signature minimalist yet refined aesthetic for the prestigious event.
These outfits demonstrated Meghan’s consistent approach to royal fashion, preferring classic, neutral tones with modern tailoring.
After stepping back from her royal duties and relocating to Montecito, California, with Prince Harry, Meghan’s fashion choices began to evolve significantly.
Embracing a more relaxed and contemporary style, Meghan moved away from the formal attire typically associated with royal engagements.
Instead, she adopted a chic California aesthetic, characterised by designer pieces, relaxed silhouettes and luxurious fabrics, along with a palette of camel and grey tones.
Her staple pieces included an oversized Max Mara cashmere coat, Frame skinny white jeans and Chanel ballerina flats.
She also opted for shorts on multiple occasions, in the form of a pink suit by Staud, a tailored Bermuda style by Dior and a denim version from Doen.
After stepping back from her royal duties and relocating to Montecito, California, with Prince Harry, Meghan’s fashion choices began to evolve significantly (pictured in September 2021)
The Duchess earned instant style points at the 2022 NAACP Image Awards in a one-shoulder gown by Christopher John Rogers
She opted for shorts on multiple occasions, once in the form of a pink suit by Staud
Meghan’s staple pieces include an oversized Max Mara cashmere coat, Frame skinny white jeans and Chanel ballerina flats
She wore a pair of tailored Staud shorts with a J.Crew cardigan during the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf
Meghan wore a monochrome jumpsuit by Gabriela Hearst during dinner with friends in New York City in July 2022
In May 2023, the Duchess dazzled in a golden Johanna Ortiz gown as she accepted the Ms. Foundation ‘Women of Vision’ award in New York
This shift reflected not only her newfound freedom from royal protocols but also her desire to express her individuality and resonate with her current lifestyle.
Recently, she has embraced a series of standout ensembles, with bold, glamorous dresses that embody her Hollywood life taking centre stage in her wardrobe.
In May 2023, the Duchess dazzled in a golden Johanna Ortiz gown as she accepted the Ms. Foundation ‘Women of Vision’ award in New York.
The figure-hugging dress featured a textured scallop jacquard design and cut-out accents, which Meghan made her own by removing the straps from the original off-the-peg style.
She paired the stunning gown with metallic Tom Ford sandals, a coordinating gold clutch from Carolina Herrera and lashings of diamond jewellery.
Likewise, at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Meghan exuded glamour in a green lace gown by Cult Gaia, featuring a strapless neckline and form-fitting silhouette.
To elevate the ensemble, she paired it with Aquazzura pumps and her signature chignon hairstyle, which showcased intricate Kimai hoop earrings.
At the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, she exuded glamour in a green lace gown by Cult Gaia, featuring a strapless neckline and form-fitting silhouette
One of Meghan’s most noteworthy appearances was at the 2023 Variety Power of Women event in Los Angeles
In July, Meghan donned a St Agni linen co-ord to the G9 Ventures summit in The Hamptons
Adding an extra touch of opulence, Meghan accessorised with her Lorraine Schwartz pinky ring, said to feature diamonds from the Middle East, and iconic Cartier ‘Love’ bracelet.
One of Meghan’s most noteworthy appearances was at the 2023 Variety Power of Women event in Los Angeles.
She captivated onlookers as she posed for photographs in a Proenza Schouler dress, featuring an asymmetric off-shoulder neckline and thigh-high side slits.
She paired the gown with a clutch from the same brand and slingback heels from Aquazzura.
Shortly before re-wearing her show-stopping Carolina Herrera gown, Meghan stepped out in a distinctive linen co-ord by St Agni during the G9 Ventures summit in The Hamptons.
The oversized silhouette perfectly captured California’s laid-back vibe while embracing the latest trends, complemented by statement sunglasses that enhanced her effortlessly cool style.
Such outfits would have likely been considered inappropriate during Meghan’s time as a working member of the Royal Family due to the strict protocols surrounding royal fashion.
Following the resignation of their chief of staff, Josh Kettler, after just three months, and ongoing reports regarding Meghan’s alleged difficult behaviour, it’s believed that Harry and Meghan are strategically opting for more solo appearances.
This move is reportedly in line with guidance from Meghan’s talent agency, WME.
According to Grazia, their advisors have encouraged them to ’embrace their independence,’ suggesting that the red carpet comes more naturally to Meghan than it does to Harry.
