Meghan Markle’s Iconic Black Dress Moments: From Red Carpet to Royal Style
Meghan Markle turned heads over the weekend during Paris Fashion Week, making a surprise appearance at Pierpaolo Piccioli’s debut Balenciaga show. She first wowed in an all-white ensemble—an oversized button-down shirt, wide-legged trousers, and a matching cape—offering a luxurious, understated style that reflects the “stealth wealth” aesthetic of Montecito, where she now lives.
But it was her after-party look that really captured attention: a sleek black caped dress by Balenciaga, a style the Duchess has long favored. Meghan’s love for little black dresses (LBDs) isn’t new—it stretches all the way back to her acting career.
Meghan’s Early Black Dress Favorites
Even before her royal days, Meghan often chose black dresses for red carpet events. Some memorable moments include:
- 2011: A black velvet peplum dress at an awards dinner in Los Angeles.
- 2012: An off-shoulder sequined dress for a Suits fashion show in New York.
Red Carpet Hits Before Royal Life
As her career flourished, Meghan continued to embrace black dresses that blended elegance with glamour:
- 2013: At the London premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, she wore a black embellished minidress by Alexander McQueen.
- 2013: A strapless ruched dress with bow detailing at the London Global Gift Gala.
Meghan’s Black Dresses During Royal Life
Even after joining the royal family, Meghan frequently turned to her favorite black dresses:
- 2018: At a women’s empowerment reception during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, she wore Black Halo’s Jackie O dress.
- 2018: For the Oceania exhibition at London’s Royal Academy of Arts, she chose a black Givenchy dress with velvet panels and sheer sleeves.
- 2018: A custom Gabriela Hearst dress for a meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
- 2018: The one-shoulder velvet Givenchy gown at the Fashion Awards in London, while pregnant with Archie.
- 2019: A sheer-panelled Jason Wu dress for The Lion King premiere in London.
Recent Black Dress Highlights
Meghan’s black dress style continues to impress in recent years:
- 2024: A strapless black gown by Oscar de la Renta at the Paley Honors Gala in Beverly Hills.
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2025: A custom caped Balenciaga dress for the brand’s after-party
during Paris Fashion Week.
From red carpet glam to royal elegance, Meghan Markle proves time and again that the little black dress is her ultimate style staple. Whether at a high-profile event or a fashion week after-party, her LBDs remain timeless, versatile, and always unforgettable.
