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Meg-a Change

How Meghan Markle went from California girl in itsy-bitsy dresses to buttoned-up Royal style queen

MEGHAN Markle is fast becoming a style icon - but that wasn't always the case.

Since she met Prince Harry in 2016, the bride-to-be has gone from girl-next-door starlet to chic Royal star with the fashion world's eyes on her.

 Meghan keeps it smart in a classic pencil dress from Black Halo for The Royal Aeronautical Society, April 2018
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Meghan keeps it smart in a classic pencil dress from Black Halo for The Royal Aeronautical Society, April 2018Credit: AP:Associated Press

Gone are the miniskirts and bandeau dresses worn at celebrity parties and press events. Instead ladylike length skirts, tailored separates and polished coats and blouses refine her simple look.

Now the Duchess-to-be is proving to be a huge fashion influence.

Royal fans were smitten with the cream coat from the Canadian brand Line The Label which she wore to announce the couple's engagement in November.

So much so it sold out immediately and has since been renamed ‘The Meghan".

 Meghan looks casual and cool in jeans, t-shirt and cap for the Pre-Emmy event, 2005
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Meghan looks casual and cool in jeans, t-shirt and cap for the Pre-Emmy event, 2005Credit: Getty - Contributor

Her effortless style has since won her many fans - and boosted the profile of numerous designers.

She pushes boundaries by wearing popular designers like Manolo and Chloe and taking more fashion risks than those that have gone before her.

So, as the world waits for details of her wedding dress, let’s take a look at some of her standout style moments over the past thirteen years.

 Meghan wearing a strapless monochrome bubble-hem dress in 2006
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Meghan wearing a strapless monochrome bubble-hem dress in 2006Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Meghan wearing boot cut jeans and statement pearl necklace at the National Kidney Foundation event, 2006
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Meghan wearing boot cut jeans and statement pearl necklace at the National Kidney Foundation event, 2006Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Meghan wearing a ruched body con mini dress teamed with a classic blazer at the L’Oreal event, 2012
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Meghan wearing a ruched body con mini dress teamed with a classic blazer at the L’Oreal event, 2012Credit: Getty - Contributor

 

My View

Deputy Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend gives her expert opinion on Meghan's style evolution.

FROM bouncy blow-dries and body-con dresses, to androgynous shapes and conservative looks - Meghan’s style has come leaps and bounds.

Born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, California, the bride-to-be’s look has shifted – taking her from Cali girl to following the Crown's rules.

Above-the-knee hems and plunging necklines have been swapped for longer lengths, reserved cuts and simple, and often neutral accessories.

Formerly favouring pencil skirts, pussy-bow blouses and figure-hugging frocks thanks to her character in hit show Suits - Meghan occasionally slips back into her old style. Just look at that black pencil dress by Black Halo.

But even though she has become more conventional in her dressing, her looks still have their own unique flare.

Oversized shapes and British labels, such as the high street's very own Marks & Spencer, have made her look more down to earth and someone we can all steal style tips from.

And she is often welcoming a fashion-forward touch too, with stacking jewellery, cross-body bags and relaxed tailoring.

It’s easy to see why were all desperate to know where she shops.

We still want her to hold onto her roots though and the occasional baseball cap or relaxed pair of jeans here and there proves she is doing so - but we much prefer her princess looks now.

 Meghan showing off her legs in a nude skirt and top combo at The USA Upfront Presentation, 2012
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Meghan showing off her legs in a nude skirt and top combo at The USA Upfront Presentation, 2012Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Meghan making a statement in a bold block colour dress in 2012
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Meghan making a statement in a bold block colour dress in 2012Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Meghan wearing a burnt orange wrap dress at the GQ Men of the Year Party, 2012
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Meghan wearing a burnt orange wrap dress at the GQ Men of the Year Party, 2012Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Meghan daring to go strapless in a colourful maxi dress at the Actors Guild Party, 2013
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Meghan daring to go strapless in a colourful maxi dress at the Actors Guild Party, 2013Credit: Getty Images - Getty
 Meghan wearing a raspberry pink dress at the Elle Women in Television Celebration Event, 2013
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Meghan wearing a raspberry pink dress at the Elle Women in Television Celebration Event, 2013Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Meghan looking chic wearing Rolan Mouret at The Elton John’s Aids Foundation Event, 2014
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Meghan looking chic wearing Rolan Mouret at The Elton John’s Aids Foundation Event, 2014Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Meghan shining in a sequinned long-sleeve dress in 2013
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Meghan shining in a sequinned long-sleeve dress in 2013Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Meghan wearing a brown and black pleated dress for The Today Show, 2015
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Meghan wearing a brown and black pleated dress for The Today Show, 2015Credit: Rex Features
 Meghan baring all in sailor stripe suit co-ord at The Today Show, 2016
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Meghan baring all in sailor stripe suit co-ord at The Today Show, 2016Credit: Rex Features
 Meghan looking fabulous in red at The Today Show, 2016
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Meghan looking fabulous in red at The Today Show, 2016Credit: Rex Features
 Meghan looking every bit the sultry, glamorous actress in 2016
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Meghan looking every bit the sultry, glamorous actress in 2016Credit: Rex Features
 Meghan looking casual-chic in a simple white shirt and jeans at the Invictus Games, 2017
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 Meghan looking casual-chic in a simple white shirt and jeans at the Invictus Games, 2017Credit: Splash News
 Meghan wearing Canadian brand Line the Label cream coat for the Royal Engagement Press Announcement, 2017
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Meghan wearing Canadian brand Line the Label cream coat for the Royal Engagement Press Announcement, 2017Credit: Getty Images - Getty
 Meghan matching husband-to-be Harry in a navy full length double breasted coat for the First Royal Visit, 2017
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Meghan matching husband-to-be Harry in a navy full length double breasted coat for the First Royal Visit, 2017Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Meghan wearing designer couture gown for the Official Engagement photos, December 2017
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Meghan wearing designer couture gown for the Official Engagement photos, December 2017Credit: Reuters
 Meghan's nod to Scotland Heritage with tartan coat for the Edinburgh Castle Visit, February 2018
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Meghan's nod to Scotland Heritage with tartan coat for the Edinburgh Castle Visit, February 2018Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Meghan keeps it smart casual with a messy bun and smart coat for her Second Public Appearance, January 2018
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Meghan keeps it smart casual with a messy bun and smart coat for her Second Public Appearance, January 2018Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Meghan looks refined and polished in a chic navy and cream belted coat for her Birmingham Visit, March 2018
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Meghan looks refined and polished in a chic navy and cream belted coat for her Birmingham Visit, March 2018Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Meghan steps out in Manolo Blahniik court shoes, cream coat and hat combo for Commonwealth Day, March 2018
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Meghan steps out in Manolo Blahniik court shoes, cream coat and hat combo for Commonwealth Day, March 2018Credit: Rex Features
 Meghan boldly wears fashionable pinstripe dress and smart jacket for the Commonwealth Youth Forum, April 2018
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Meghan boldly wears fashionable pinstripe dress and smart jacket for the Commonwealth Youth Forum, April 2018Credit: AFP

You too could dress like a Meghan in a trenchcoat and trilby for under £40!

Envious of Meghan's glow? It's not just down to her being in love! We spoke to her facialist Sarah Chapman about how the Royal-to-be achieves perfect skin.

If you don't want to miss the opportunity to see Meghan's wedding dress, we've got all the essential details you need know for when she ties the knot next month.

 

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding day secrets revealed in new documentary Invitation To A Royal Wedding

 

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