Inside Meghan Markle’s style glow-up from boho chic to Hollywood glam

Last night Meghan Markle was the image of Hollywood glamor with a slicked-back bun and what fashion experts believe to be a bespoke, flowing maxi skirt from Carolina Herrera – as she and her husband attended the premiere of the new Bob Marley film in Kingston, Jamaica. But when the Duchess of Sussex, has in past jetted off to the island – for her own wedding to first husband Trevor Engleson in 2011 and to a friends’ nuptials in 2017 – her ensembles appeared significantly less A-lister polished.

She paid a visit to the Caribbean nation thirteen years ago, showing off an even more laid-back style when she had her first ever wedding there. The Duchess – who has in past described herself as a ‘Californian hippie’ – donned a casual white sleeveless frock, adorned with minimal glittering detail at the waist, as she and her former husband had a beach barbecue at their reception.

The pair tied the knot at the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios before their split in 2013, and Meghan could also be seen wearing a yellow bikini and baseball cap as she enjoyed some drinking games with pals ahead of the ceremony. 

Meanwhile in 2017, Meghan visited once again when Prince Harry’s pals Tom Inskip and Lara Hughes-Young tied the knot. Then, the mother-of-two channlled a boho-chic vibe with a simple flowery dress – featuring a flowy silhouette and a halter neck – along with some sunglasses. Instead of pinning her hair up, the former actress kept her brunette tresses relaxed and wavy. 

It’s also a marked contrast from Meghan’s previous island looks, such as her soft floral ensembles during a 2018 trip across Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. 

The Duchess of Sussex oozed glamor in a monochrome ensemble, which she looked to team with a simple body suit, on Tuesday evening. The strappy design showed off her toned shoulders and cinched at the waist, as the mother-of-two grinned for the cameras during Paramount’s glitzy screening of the biopic at the Carib Theater. Meghan teamed her sophisticated look with flashy accessories, and is thought by royal watchers, including Royal Fashion Police on Instagram, to have sported 18K Gold earrings from Jennifer Meyer Jewelry, costing $3,250 (around £2,558.37).

Elsewhere, the Duchess held onto her classic ‘J Box clutch’ from Jimmy Choo (worth £750, or around $952.75) – one of her staple items, which she has worn multiple times over the years. She showed off her dewy skin with simple, understated make-up and styled her hair in a slicked-back bun. Meanwhile Prince Harry, 39, opted for a casual black suit and white shirt for the event. 

Accustomed to wearing designer clothing and exquisite jewels, the Duchess of Sussex is widely recognized for her luxurious style. And in 2023, this was no exception as Meghan showcased a wardrobe worth £86,612.16 ($110,359.48). It is £4,121.48 ($5,251.10) more than her 2022 total, which was £79,000 ($100k). As a senior royal, her closet totaled £44,188 ($56,299.05). However, in 2018 her clothing bill totalled almost half a million pounds. While a working member of the Royal Family, the cost of Meghan’s clothes for work engagements was covered by then-Prince Charles through the budget he gave the couple from the Duchy of Cornwall.

Meanwhile, in 2021, she showcased outfits worth £58,388 ($74,405), and in 2020, the year she stepped back from her role as a working royal. However, since the couple became financially independent, it is not clear who is picking up the bill for Meghan’s clothes, whether she pays full price or receives discounts from designers. On International Women’s Day in March, she showcased her most expensive outfit, featuring a £2,996 ($3,818.45) Max Mara Lilia coat, paired with a Chanel 19 Flap bag, costing £4,759.54 ($6,066.11). The Duke and Duchess of Sussex turned heads as they posed for photos and shook hands with actors last night. 

The pair posed with the president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, Brian Robbins, and his wife Tracy James (pictured together). Meghan and Harry – who stepped down from royal duties four years ago – also stood with prime minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet at the premiere. Holness has said his country is ‘ moving on’ from the British monarchy. Harry’s father, King Charles, is currently head of state of Jamaica.

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