Happy 43rd Birthday, Meghan Markle: A Look at Her Red Carpet Fashion Journey Before Royal Life

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

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

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 in a shade of navy with allover lace detailing.

2013

Markle wore the Marchesa Notte Strapless Silk Dress for Elle’s Women in Television Celebration in January 2013. The maroon dress featured a structured silk bodice and A-line skirt with a hemline at her knees.

2014

At the same event one year later, Markle opted for a sleek, sleeveless blue dress with a bevy of glassy jewels and a boatneck. She paired the cocktail dress with black pointed-toe heels and wore her hair in a tight chignon for added sophistication.

2015

Months before she secretly began dating Prince Harry, Markle appeared at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in New York City on Nov. 2, 2015. For the event, she upped her style game, wearing a metallic cocktail dress with long sleeves and a plunging neckline by Misha Nonoo along with Gianvito Rossi mule-pumps with a wide PVC strap.