Meghan Markle has got the relaxed, polished look down pat. She definitely has a California-meets-refined vibe where she, at a casual dress rehearsal, makes dressing casually feel intentional.
She demonstrates that simple can be special.
I have spent years analyzing Meghan Markle casual style and I can tell you this: anyone can recreate it without designer labels and without a closet filled to the brim.
This guide dissects the 11 wardrobe staples in her casual style. I will show you exactly how to style those pieces.
You will receive comparable alternatives and tips on how to put the outfits together in a way that works for you in real life and day-to-day life.
You will have the ability to build that same effortless casual wardrobe with clothing pieces that you already own or can get at any price point.
Why Meghan Markle’s Casual Style Inspires Millions
Meghan’s quiet luxury aesthetic resonates because it feels both aspirational and achievable. Her style choices prove that less really can be more.
She radiates effortless confidence in simple outfits. A white shirt and jeans look just as put-together on her as a designer gown. That’s the power of knowing what works for you.
Her style bridges modern simplicity with everyday wearability. She doesn’t dress for the runway. She dresses for real life: school drop-offs, coffee meetings, weekend errands.
What makes her approach special is the consistency. She sticks to quality basics in polished neutrals. Her wardrobe feels cohesive because everything works together.
You never see her chasing trends. Instead, she builds a wardrobe that lasts. That’s why people trust her style choices. They know these pieces will look good five years from now.
Meghan Markle Casual Style Essentials
These 11 wardrobe staples form the foundation of Meghan’s casual looks. Master these pieces and you’ll recreate her signature style easily.
1. Classic White Button-Down
Meghan wears white button-downs constantly. She rolls the sleeves for a relaxed vibe. She tucks them into jeans for instant polish.
This shirt works for brunch with friends or casual work meetings. The key is finding one that fits well through the shoulders.
Affordable options: J.Crew makes crisp button-downs that hold their shape. Everlane offers organic cotton versions at fair prices. Target’s A New Day line provides budget-friendly basics.
Style it three ways: tucked into high-waisted jeans, half-tucked with trousers, or open over a tank top.
2. Relaxed Denim Done Right
She gravitates toward straight-leg cuts and dark washes. Occasionally she wears cropped styles that hit right at the ankle.
Meghan pairs denim with everything: button-downs, trench coats, blazers, and simple flats. The combination always looks intentional.
Her style trick: She balances fit and structure. The jeans are relaxed but not sloppy. They skim the leg without clinging.
Look for mid-rise or high-rise styles. Avoid distressing or embellishments. Clean, simple denim lasts longer and mixes better.
3. Effortless Trench Coats
The camel trench is Meghan’s signature outerwear moment. She wears it over everything from jeans to dresses.
She’s been spotted in Burberry and Sentaler styles. These brands offer timeless cuts in perfect neutral tones.
Affordable alternatives: Zara and Mango make excellent trench coats under $200. Look for classic lengths that hit mid-thigh. Choose camel, beige, or navy.
Wear it belted for definition or open for a relaxed feel. This piece instantly makes any casual outfit look more polished.
4. Neutral Knits and Sweaters
Soft knits work for transitional weather. Meghan layers them over shirts or wears them alone with trousers.
She sticks to ivory, beige, and oatmeal tones. These shades feel warm and luxurious without trying too hard.
Styling tip: Pair cashmere or cotton knits with denim for weekend comfort. Add them to midi skirts for casual sophistication. Tuck them loosely into high-waisted pants.
Invest in quality here if you can. Good knits last years and feel better against your skin.
5. Casual Blazers for Everyday Chic
Structured blazers with jeans create Meghan’s smart-casual formula. This combination works for errands, lunch dates, or travel days.
She chooses fitted styles in navy, black, or camel. The blazer adds polish without feeling stuffy.
When to wear: Coffee meetings, school events, casual Fridays, or any time you want to look put-together quickly.
Affordable picks: H&M and Gap offer great blazers under $100. Look for styles with minimal buttons and clean lines. Single-button or open-front styles feel most modern.
6. Laid-Back Denim Jackets
Her Madewell denim jacket became iconic. It’s the perfect layering piece for travel or off-duty days.
Denim jackets work over dresses, with jeans (yes, denim-on-denim), or layered under coats in cooler weather.
Texture mixing: Pair denim with linen pants, cotton tees, or silk blouses. The contrast makes outfits more interesting.
Choose a classic blue wash without embellishments. This piece should last you years and work with multiple outfits.
7. Minimalist Flats & Loafers
Meghan’s footwear prioritizes comfort and polish equally. She rotates between ballet flats, loafers, and simple mules.
Tan, camel, and black are her go-to shades. These colors work with every outfit in her neutral wardrobe.
The look for less: While she wears Aquazzura and Chanel, brands like Everlane, Nisolo, and Sam Edelman offer similar styles. Target’s A New Day flats cost under $30.
Keep shoes simple. No bows, excessive buckles, or loud patterns. Let the quality and fit speak for themselves.
8. Subtle Accessories
Her jewelry stays minimal and gold. Think small hoop earrings, thin bracelets, and simple pendant necklaces.
She carries structured totes in leather or suede. These bags look expensive without screaming for attention.
How it works: Minimal jewelry completes a casual look without competing with it. One or two pieces are enough.
Budget finds: Amazon and Etsy offer beautiful gold-plated jewelry. Cuyana makes quality leather bags at fair prices. Even Target’s Universal Thread line has great options.
9. Effortless Monochrome Looks
Tone-on-tone dressing creates a longer, leaner silhouette. Meghan uses this trick constantly.
Example outfit: Beige sweater with camel trousers and tan shoes. Everything stays in the same color family but different shades.
This approach makes you look taller and more polished. It also makes getting dressed easier because you’re not mixing colors.
Recreate it affordably: Shop one color family at a time. Build your beige collection, then add pieces slowly. Mix textures to keep it interesting: knits, leather, cotton, suede.
10. Casual Dresses & Shirt Dresses
Her day dresses balance comfort with refinement. She chooses simple silhouettes in solid colors.
Cotton shirtdresses and midi lengths appear frequently. These styles work for warm weather but can be layered in cooler months.
Her approach: The dress does the work. She keeps accessories simple and lets the piece speak for itself.
Look for dresses with waist definition and quality fabric. Avoid busy prints. Stick to neutrals or classic stripes.
11. Natural Beauty & Hair Finishing Touches
Meghan’s beauty routine enhances her casual-chic aura. She focuses on glowy skin and minimal makeup.
Her sleek ponytail or loose waves keep hair polished but not overdone. This fresh California look complements her wardrobe perfectly.
Quick tips: Moisturize well for natural glow. Use neutral lip colors. Keep hair neat but not too styled. The goal is looking put-together without appearing like you spent hours getting ready.
Good grooming matters as much as clothing. Clean nails, healthy hair, and fresh skin complete the overall impression.
How to Recreate Meghan Markle’s Casual Style on a Budget
Building a Meghan-inspired wardrobe doesn’t require unlimited funds. Smart shopping and strategic choices get you the same look for less.
Start with a capsule wardrobe concept. Choose versatile pieces that mix together easily.
Your starter capsule:
- One tailored blazer in navy or camel
- Two neutral knits: one cream, one beige
- Two pairs of quality jeans: dark wash and mid-wash
- One camel trench coat
- Two pairs of shoes: tan flats and white sneakers
- Three accessories: gold hoops, leather tote, simple watch
These 11 pieces create dozens of outfit combinations. Add more slowly as your budget allows.
Where to shop: Target and H&M offer excellent basics at low prices. Zara and Mango provide designer-inspired pieces. Everlane focuses on quality essentials. Amazon surprises people with its range of affordable options.
Smart mixing: Pair one investment piece with everyday basics. A great coat makes a simple tee and jeans look expensive. Quality shoes upgrade an entire outfit.
Buy the best you can afford for items you’ll wear constantly. Skimp on trendy pieces you’ll wear occasionally.
Focus on fit over brand names. Tailoring a $30 shirt costs $15 but makes it look like $100. This matters more than where you bought it.
Conclusion
Meghan Markle casual style redefines what modern elegance looks like. She proves you don’t need complicated outfits or expensive labels to look polished.
The real takeaway? Style comes from simplicity, proper fit, and quiet confidence. Price tags don’t determine how good you look. Smart choices do.
I’ve applied these principles to my own wardrobe and it’s changed everything. Getting dressed takes less time and I feel better in what I wear.
Start with one or two pieces from this guide. See how they work in your life. Then build from there.
Ready to create your own capsule wardrobe? Check out our complete guide to affordable alternatives for every piece. Drop a comment below with which item you’ll try first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Meghan Markle’s casual style so popular?
Her style combines accessibility with sophistication. She wears affordable basics mixed with quality investment pieces, proving you don’t need a royal budget to look polished and put-together every day.
Where can I buy affordable versions of Meghan’s casual outfits?
Target, H&M, Zara, Mango, and Everlane offer similar styles at lower price points. Focus on neutral colors and simple silhouettes rather than exact brand matches to recreate her look affordably.
What colors does Meghan wear most in her casual wardrobe?
She gravitates toward camel, beige, ivory, navy, white, and black with occasional olive or grey. This neutral palette allows everything to mix together seamlessly, creating more outfit options with fewer pieces.
How can I achieve Meghan’s minimalist jewelry look?
Choose simple gold pieces like small hoop earrings, thin chain bracelets, or pendant necklaces. Wear one or two pieces at a time rather than layering heavily for that understated, polished appearance.
What’s the key to making casual look polished like Meghan?
Focus on proper fit, quality fabrics, and keeping it simple. Clothes should fit well without being too tight or loose, and avoid over-accessorizing or mixing too many patterns together.
