Outdated Trends We Can't Believe Meghan Markle Wore

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is usually consistent about keeping her wardrobe timeless, but every once in a while, she opts for a trendier 'fit. Most of the time, it works well. We can safely say she led the charge on cute off-the-shoulder tops making a comeback in 2024.

Unfortunately, Markle has occasionally missed the memo on style trends that have expired. Like her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Sussex does occasionally sport a skinny jean in 2024, the ultimate no-no of the current decade. Our Montecito gal is also known to sometimes dip into the oversized clothing craze, which is also considered passé at this point. We can't say we blame her. After all, who among us isn't holding onto skinny jeans or a peplum top for 'just-in-case?' But when it comes to royalty, well, let's just say we expect a little better. So despite Meghan's style savvy, there's no denying she has exhibited some sartorial flops over the years. 

Finicky, strappy heels have long since taken a backseat for many of us, Markle included, but there was a time when these were her go-to red carpet favorites. During her acting era, the Duchess of Sussexx frequently opted for busier heels, with embellishments and numerous straps.  She's since evolved to more slender footwear options, like the Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps, which appear much easier to style.

With how minimalist Markle's style became as a working royal, it's hard to imagine her wearing any large statement-making pieces. However, back in the 2010s, she was not so different from the rest of us, and couldn't resist participating in the decade's biggest accessory trend: blanket scarves.The former actress was frequently seen pairing a large, grey scarf with her signature leather jacket for the quintessential chill-girl look. This wasn't the only time she cozied up with an oversized scarf or billowing poncho. In 2015, she was  photographed leaving her "Suits" trailer in a pink and grey striped poncho by Reitmans, reminding us all of our penchant for gigantic scarves — even in warm climates like Los Angeles — was indeed a bit of a frivolous choice.

Monochromatic dressing, the style of wearing an entire outfit in one color, can look sophisticated, and Meghan Markle has vibed many times with a minimalist, tonal palette. She often favors outfits entirely in whites, sands, oatmeals, or olive greens. While Markle pulls it off well, the minimalist color trend ultimately saw its peak in 2023, and has been on its way out ever since. Fashion forecaster Simonetta Lein explained that the look now is more colorful, expressive clothing that shows personality. 

Ah, yes. The infamous skinny jean. There are a few 40-plus celebrities who will not let the skinny jean die away. Funny enough, both Meghan Markle and Catherine, Princess of Wales, continued wearing the fitted denim despite looser styles being the current trendy look. Markle often pairs her skinny jeans with ultra-high stilettos and structural blazers, so she deliberately dresses them up. We're guessing she got the memo loud and clear about skinny jeans, but refuses to listen and we have to respect her determination. 

On the complete opposite side of the pant spectrum from the skinny jean is the billowing pant, and Meghan Markle has also opted for this style of trousers on a number of occasions. As Simonetta Lein pointed out, oversized clothing has also reached its limit, and is now a look of the past. However, Meghan still rocks the high-waisted, ultra wide-leg look. She does balance the baggy bottoms with fitted tops, so this helps create more of a defined silhouette. Nevertheless, roomy slacks are dated. 

The off-the-shoulder trend is outdated, particularly in highly-tailored pieces like blazers, where exposed shoulders are unexpected. Meghan Markle loves an off-the-shoulder vibe, and this is fine when it comes to more casual, summer pieces like tube tops and beach dresses. However, the juxtaposition of an off-the-shoulder style in workwear has come and gone. The preferred tailoring is a full, classic blazer now. 

We've seen Meghan Markle sport a matching linen blazer and short set on more than one occasion, and while the look certainly serves a laidback, SoCal vibe, it's not the best. The look for 2024 is longer lines, so if you're opting for a matching linen set, go for structured trousers with a linen vest or shirt. Or, opt for a longer linen skirt with a coordinating linen top. However, proceed with caution; another danger we've noticed with the all-linen looks is that they can wrinkle quickly.