Before she joined the British royal family and became the Duchess of Sussex in May 2018, Meghan Markle was an actress on the TV series “Suits.” Given her high-profile profession, Markle often attended red carpet occasions and special Hollywood events, wearing pieces that spoke directly to her sense of style, while also staying explicitly on-trend.
Nowadays, Markle, who turns 43 on Sunday, has evolved into a quiet luxury style era, favoring linen pieces, dresses by Heidi Merrick, suits by Altuzarra and more. But in the late 2000s and mid-2010s, her red carpet style was all about cocktail dresses, structured bodices and modern silhouettes.
Ahead, see what Markle’s style looked like at various red carpet events before she was Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
2009
Meghan Markle attends the DPA pre-Emmy Gift Lounge at the Peninsula Hotel on Sept. 18, 2009 in Beverly Hills.
Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Markle wholly exemplified casual-chic attire while attending the DPA pre-Emmy Gift Lounge on Sept. 18, 2009 in Beverly Hills, where she wore a black romper with short sleeves and a pair of strappy sandals ideal for the California weather.
2012
Meghan Markle attends the USA Network’s and The Moth’s Storytelling Tour “A More Perfect Union: Stories of Prejudice and Power” at the Pacific Design Center on Feb. 15, 2012 in West Hollywood, Calif.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
By 2012, Meghan was a full-blown star thanks to her role as Rachel Zane on the USA Network series “Suits.” While attending USA Network’s and The Moth’s Storytelling Tour “A More Perfect Union: Stories of Prejudice and Power” at the Pacific Design Center on Feb. 15, 2012, Meghan wore the Zarita lace dress by pioneering designer Diane von Furstenberg for the occasion…