37 stylish outfits Meghan Markle wore before she became a duchess

To celebrate the Duchess of Sussex's birthday we take a look back at her best pre-royal looks 
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Sabrina Carder4 August 2018

On August 4 Meghan Markle will celebrate her 37th birthday.

Having experienced a whirlwind year, it will be the former actress's first birthday as a royal and, therefore, celebrations will be done a little differently.

Sharing her birthday date with the late Queen Mother, Meghan will probably be celebrating her special day from the confines of a castle. And, it's not just birthday drinks with the gals that she'll be missing out on, she most probably won't be wearing a sparkly party-ready ensemble either.

Since taking the title of Duchess of Sussex, her wardrobe has dramatically changed in order to fit in with the royal family's sartorial rules. That said, a few of her favourite signature styles have stayed with her and here's proof:

1. She still loves a suit

Meghan attends a dinner launch in 2014 (Getty Images for Relais & Chateaux)
Getty Images for Relais & Chateaux

In recent months, Meghan has raised a few eyebrows with her love of androgynous suits, most recently wearing a sleek black design by Givenchy for a day in Dublin.

But, a scroll back through her wardrobe archive proves that she has long-loved a fitted two-piece.

Meghan wears a short suit to a Hollywood party in 2016
Getty Images

Back when she was starring as Rachel Zane in the aptly named show, Suits, she wore a very similar black ensemble to a dinner launch in 2014. And, even tested style boundaries by wearing a pair of shorts and matching blazer to a Hollywood bash in 2016.

2. Chic Dresses

Meghan Markle attends the 12th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in 2015
Getty Images

Dresses have become a key staple in the new duchess's wardrobe and, luckily, she's had a lot of practise when it comes to finding the perfect dress for any occasion.

Although her duchess-appropriate dresses mostly stick to neutral hues and modest silhouettes, her pre-royal wardrobe was filled with bold colour and short styles.

To the 2015 Vogue Fashion Fund Awards Meghan stunned in a metallic mini dress, which showed off her long legs as well as a low v neckline.

Meghan wears Self Portrait in 2016
Getty Images for Glamour

She has found a few ways to fit her favourite brands into her new life. In 2016 the actress was seen wearing a powder blue dress by Self Portraita brand which had previously been royal-approved by Kate Middletonand the new duchess has continued to champion the London label, wearing a striking floral green dress to an Invictus Games reception.

3. White Trousers

At the NBC's 2015 New York Summer Press Day
Getty Images

This year Meghan has become known for ditching feminine skirts for funky trousers - a style choice she has made numerous times, including at Wimbledon when she wore a dramatic pair of white flares.

Although it was the first time we've seen the duchess wear white trousers, it was definitely not their debut.

At the Marchesa Voyage for ShopStyle collection in 2014
Getty Images for ShopStyle

In 2015 she attended NBC's New York Summer Press Day in a chic all-white look. Plus, wore a strikingly similar outfit to her Wimbledon look to the Marchesa Voyage for ShopStyle collection in 2014.

Proof that Meghan has successfully made a royal transition without losing her personal style.

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