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It’s normally the Princess of Wales who is given the title the queen of royal recycling. But Meghan Markle has proved she is just as adept at sartorial rewears as Kate.
Mastering the art of the outfit rewear, the Duchess of Sussex has joined her sister-in law in forging admirably sustainable ways to reuse her wardrobe.
Ever a fan of a Manolo Blahnik suede stiletto heel, and already having a strong penchant for Aquazzura’s pointed pumps for a royal occasion, the duchess is a big fan of the outfit recycle.
From designer go-tos such as Veronica Beard and Stella McCartney, to the purse friendly Everlane and Babaton, Meghan’s shown the power of a high-profile rewear.
Merging Hollywood glamour with royal protocol, Meghan has already proved that she knows how to make a statement, and now with a refreshing shift: instead of debuting new designer items at every event, she has been rewearing her standout pieces.
While Meghan has carved out her own unique path, often choosing bold silhouettes and contemporary designers, the decision to rewear outfits feels distinctly Kate-esque.
Could this be Meghan’s way of aligning herself with royal traditions, even from across the Atlantic?
It was during the 2019 South Africa tour that Meghan solidified her status as the queen of sustainable style with several key recycled looks.
Stepping out in 2019 for a visit to the District 6 Museum during their royal tour of South Africa, Meghan’s blue Veronica Beard button-down midi-dress had an air of familiarity. She had previously worn it during a visit to Tonga when she was three months pregnant in October 2018.
The Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance at the Children’s Hospital 2024 Los Angeles Gala wearing an elegant gown by Carolina Herrera, although this time with a sartorial twist. She first wore the plunging, silk-faille dress back in November 2021 to the Intrepid Museum’s Salute To Freedom Gala with a matching sweeping train attached at the waist
On the final day of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s royal tour of Africa, Markle recycled yet another trusty royal wardrobe outfit for her meeting with Nelson Mandela’s widow, politician Graça Machel, a beige sleeveless trench coat dress by Canadian label Nonie. The decision behind this outfit repeat is a particularly sentimental one as it was first worn by her in July 2018 to another event which paid tribute to Mandela.
The tour itself, where recycling was a recurring theme, was a turning point in Meghan’s royal life and her wardrobe choices reflected a new, thoughtful approach to fashion.
By rewearing her outfits, Meghan signals a sense of practicality and relatability. It’s a subtle but powerful way to connect with the public, especially during a time when sustainability reigns supreme.
While Meghan’s wardrobe is undeniably vast, there are a few standout pieces that she seems particularly fond of, and these sartorial choices are as deliberate as they are stylish.
Her recycling habit didn’t end with her time in the Royal Family, and she has continued to champion this approach.
Stepping into the limelight for a solo appearance at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala last year she wore a scarlet Carolina Herrera dress that she had previously worn three years earlier at a Salute To Freedom Gala.
Meghan recycled one of her favourite dresses, a flowy sleeveless maxi-dress by Martin Grant to attend a Youth Reception in Cape Town in 2019. The striped dress had been seen a year earlier on Bondi Beach and was teamed with sand-appropriate Castaner espadrilles and Karen Walker earrings, although for its second appearance Meghan kept the footwear the same but opted for different jewels
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped out for a photocall following their official engagement announcement in 2017, Meghan wore a white wrap coat from Line the Label over an emerald green fitted Parosh dress and cream Aquazzura heels. Almost two years on she rewore the Parosh dress for the WellChild Awards, pairing it with a camel Sentaler coat in 2019
The Duchess of Sussex stepped out in one of her most affordable looks at the One Young World summit at Royal Albert Hall in 2019, wearing a £38 sell-out Babaton for Artiza purple frock. Think this dress looks familiar? Meghan originally wore it in Birkenhead at the start of 2019 when she was six months pregnant with baby Archie
Meghan Markle opted for a sleek black coat by Stella McCartney with a ribbon belt for her third royal appearance with Prince Harry in Cardiff in 2018. The outfit was completed with black skinny jeans by Hiut Denim, velvet Tabitha Simmons boots and a DeMellier London bag. Ten months later it was turned into a chic maternity look for the Festival of Remembrance
Designer Phillip Treacy has long been a go-to for members of the Royal Family, so it’s no surprise that Meghan has turned to the iconic hat designer and reused his pieces. For royal family friend Charlie van Straubenzee’s wedding in August 2018, she debuted the chic topper and paired it with a Club Monaco blouse. A few months later it made an appearance in Sydney, this time with a button-front bespoke Emilia Wickstead dress
Everlane’s belted, wide-leg jumpsuit was first spotted on Meghan when she wore it on set at the British Vogue shoot for the September 2019 issue which she guest-edited. The all-in-one was seen again later in 2019 when she visited The Woodstock Exchange in Cape Town for women entrepreneurs working in technology
Attending the Invictus Games opening ceremony in 2018, Meghan turned to her favourite navy blue Stella McCartney cape dress. Showing just a hint of a baby bump, she teamed it with a matching coat from Winser London, a Dior clutch and a deliberately messy ponytail. The piece was previously seen in April earlier that year during the Queen’s birthday celebrations
Dressed in a camel hue, Meghan brought the glamour to the Invictus Games in 2023 with a pair of wide-leg Gabriela Hearst trousers paired with a L’Agence silk blouse. Fast forward a year and it was the same trousers that were the star of the show but this time they were styled with a Leset sleeveless rollneck for a Thanksgiving dinner for the Welcome Project
Although on last year’s occasion she gave the Carolina Herrera dress a revamp – removing the train which flowed from the waist – but it still shouted Hollywood glamour.
As Meghan continues to rewrite the rules of royal style from her Montecito mansion, it’s clear that her approach to fashion is evolving.
By rewearing her favourite pieces, she’s striking a balance between luxury and sustainability, all while maintaining her signature elegance in a move that feels both modern and meaningful.
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