Meghan Markle’s fashion choices have long been dissected by the public and media, but recent insights reveal there may have been a practical explanation behind some of her most talked-about style moments.
While working royals are not permitted to accept free clothing outright, protocol allows for garments to be borrowed and returned—a practice well-known in the fashion world.
Celebrity stylist Martine Alexander explained to the Daily Mail that Meghan’s team likely “contacted PR companies or brands directly to ask if they can borrow pieces” on her behalf. This would help explain some of the iconic ensembles she wore during her 2018 Tonga tour, her first overseas engagement as a married royal.
One example includes her £360 beige linen trousers and matching single-breasted waistcoat from Australian brand St Agni, worn at a Hamptons business summit. Observers noted her feet were hidden entirely by the trousers. Stylist Rochelle White suggested this wasn’t accidental: the trousers were probably a sample pair, designed for a model taller than Meghan.
“Samples are intentionally made with models in mind,” Alexander explained. “Temporary alterations are possible, but trousers are tricky—you’d have to cut the length off.”
Fashion expert Jane Tippett also pointed out Meghan’s minimal re-wearing of outfits as a clue that her looks were often borrowed rather than owned. The infamous Self-Portrait dress with the fluttering label, for example, was likely a “sloppy mistake” by a newly minted working royal, Tippett noted.
In contrast, Princess Kate is renowned for re-wearing her favorite pieces, demonstrating a different approach to royal style that balances practicality and sustainability.
Meghan Markle’s wardrobe choices, from borrowed samples to one-time wears, highlight both the challenges and realities of navigating royal fashion while under intense public scrutiny.
