When you marry into the royal family, every outfit you wear becomes part of your public identity. Meghan Markle knows this better than anyone. Even years after stepping away from royal duties, the Duchess of Sussex faces intense scrutiny every time she steps out.
Most of the time, Meghan nails her looks with chic and polished style. But she has admitted to a few fashion missteps along the way. In an interview with Glamour, she confessed that a Diane von Furstenberg lace dress she once wore was “too tight, too short, and trying too hard.”
Here are some of Meghan’s least flattering looks, from her Hollywood days to her life as a duchess.
The Oversized Look That Fell Flat
Fit can make or break an outfit, and oversized clothing is tricky to pull off. Meghan learned this the hard way at SXSW 2024, where she joined a panel for International Women’s Day. She wore a pinstripe champagne shirt and skirt by Giuliva Heritage. The business-casual style looked sloppy on stage, with poor fit that dragged the look down. Thankfully, her earrings added a touch of brightness.
Her Wedding Dress
Choosing a wedding gown is always a big deal. For Meghan, marrying into the British royal family raised the stakes even higher. She picked a minimalist white Givenchy dress with three-quarter sleeves. Priced at $100,000, the gown was far from cheap. Still, critics felt it was underwhelming. A stylist linked to Kate Middleton called the fit “too loose,” saying a simple dress needs flawless tailoring. Even Katy Perry chimed in, saying she would have gone for “one more fitting.”
A Patterned Dress That Looked Too Corporate
Before her royal life, Meghan was best known for her role in the hit show Suits. She often dazzled on red carpets, but not at the 2013 annual Charity Day in New York City. She chose a knee-length dress with a bold yellow print and shiny fabric. Instead of stylish, it gave off corporate office vibes. At a time when monochrome looks and power suits were trending, the outfit felt busy, overwhelming, and a little confusing.