Look For Less: Recreate Meghan Markle’s Most Stylish Spring And Summer Looks

Whether you’re Team Meghan or Team Kate, there’s no denying that Meghan Markle has an amazing fashion sense. If you’re not a fan of short skirts, tube tops, or Daisy Dukes, then taking style cues from the Duchess of Sussex could be just what you need to feel elegant this spring and summer.

More than 29 million people watched Meghan and Prince Harry’s royal wedding in 2018, but she was turning heads with her style long before she donned her iconic Givenchy wedding gown. Sadly, Meghan and Harry’s relationship with the royal family still appears to be somewhat strained after they forfeited the titles His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness and permanently relocated to California.

Even though she’s no longer performing royal duties, Meghan still travels the world raising awareness for causes near and dear to her heart – and of course, wearing fabulous outfits while doing so. She recently made headlines for wearing a Princess Diana-inspired outfit to the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games, and she’s sure to get those kinds of comparisons for years to come.

Keep reading to find out how you can recreate Meghan Markle’s spring and summer looks for less.

Neutrals Look Polished Year-Round

Meghan’s style always looks simple yet refined, and part of that is due to her reliance on neutrals. A lot of us assume it’s time to break out the pink, coral, and turquoise when spring arrives, but you can have a more versatile wardrobe by sticking to neutral colors that work year-round. This outfit of Meghan’s doesn’t have any so-called “spring” colors, but she still looks ready for warmer weather. Add a French tuck and a pair of her favorite Rothy’s to your go-to denim, and you’re set!

For Your Closet: Target Long Sleeve Oversized Button-Down Boyfriend Shirt, $24.99

For Your Closet: Madewell 10" High-Rise Roadtripper Authentic Jeans, $79.50

For Your Closet: Rothy’s The Point in Fawn, $145

Summer Doesn’t Equal Shorts

Learning to dress up a pair of shorts is a skill – a skill which I am personally still developing! That’s why I appreciate many of Meghan’s warmer weather looks, which rely on midi skirts and flowing trousers (partly due to the royal dress code, I’m sure). Believe it or not, such outfits can keep you just as cool as a pair of denim cutoffs…and keep you from looking like a kid at summer camp.

This outfit of Meghan’s screams summer because of its nautical chic vibe – without making her look like she’s headed to an audition for Anything Goes. A striped button-up is a summer wardrobe staple that can be layered when the weather gets chillier come fall. And while wide-leg trousers intimidate many women who are afraid they’ll look, well, wide, you’d be surprised how flattering they are. A well-fitting pair of wide-leg pants will elongate your legs as well as make your waist appear smaller.

For Your Closet: Alex Mill Double-Button Shirt in Bold Stripe, $145

For Your Closet: Zara Flowy Menswear Style Pants in White, $59.90

Embrace the Boatneck

We can’t have an article about Meghan Markle’s fashion without discussing the boatneck. Did she single-handedly revive the neckline in 2018? We may never know.

The boatneck, or bateau neckline, dates back to the early 20th century, when it was invented by French designer Jeanne Lanvin. The boatneck emphasizes the collarbone without showing too much décolletage (a no-no for royals). It can be tricky for busty women to wear, since many people prefer to wear a strapless bra with a boatneck, but some higher-quality boatneck tops and dresses feature snaps to keep bra straps from getting out of place.

Canadian wardrobe stylist Kirsten Reader discussed tips for styling the boatneck in an interview with HuffPost shortly after Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding. "I am not a fan of a necklace with it, because it competes,” Reader said. “Because it's so sophisticated, keep everything else simple.”

The boatneck certainly is sophisticated – it’s a great option for events like weddings and graduations where you want to elevate your style. 

For Your Closet: New York & Company Nula Ruched-Side Maxi Dress, $150

For Your Closet: LifeStride Parigi Pump in Taupe, $59.99

Choose Bold Accessories

One way that Meghan could make bold fashion choices while performing royal duties was through her accessories and jewelry. Meghan made headlines for wearing bright red tassel earrings from Madewell (which retailed for under $25) during a 2019 visit to South Africa. Sadly, those exact earrings are no longer available, but similar styles are! 

Meghan is also known for wearing another affordable Madewell item – a $58 Madewell x Biltmore panama hat. More and more women are gravitating toward hats in the summer to prevent sun damage as well as to dress up their outfits! Like the earrings, the same hat is no longer for sale, but you can find a similar style available in multiple colors on Madewell’s site. 

For Your Closet: Etsy Tassel Earrings 3 Tier Ombre in Garnet/Red, $10

For Your Closet: Madewell Packable Braided Straw Hat in Natural Multi, $39.50

Buy Sustainably

My final tip for anyone wanting to emulate Meghan Markle is to consider sustainability when it comes to your fashion. Town & Country has a great list of Meghan’s and Kate’s favorite sustainable brands, and although there are a few pricey designers on the list, there are other brands that the average woman can definitely afford. Veja sneakers, Reformation, and Rothy’s are not cheap per se, but their items are still accessible and make great investment pieces.

Sustainability doesn’t just have to do with how clothing is sourced or made – it also has to do with how you wear it. Use Meghan’s techniques of relying on neutrals and pieces that can be worn year-round to get the most out of your clothes, and you’ll look fabulous while doing it.

For Your Closet: Blenders Eyewear in Midnight Drama, $59

For Your Closet: Reformation Christen Linen Dress in Dusk, $178

For Your Closet: Alohas Buckle Up Tan, $147

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