The Fall Trends That Meghan Markle Would've Worn (But Can't Anymore)

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(Image credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

For one reason or another, there are many things the royal family can't wear, and now that it's Meghan Markle's first fall season as an official member of the royal family, she's going to have to rethink her fall wardrobe. The problem is that she loves fashion and is used to keeping up with the trends. While she should certainly still be able to do that, it's going to come with some constraints from here forward, especially since many of the trends this year are quite… extra.

In Markle's Hollywood days, she embraced the California-girl aesthetic and gave trends her own effortless spin. But her life requires a wardrobe with a lot more polish these days. We took a hard look at the F/W 18 trends and how Markle used to dress and have decided upon the trends that she'd wear if she could but what she'll have to wear instead (fortunately, it's all stylish). Read on and feel free to place your bets.

Would've Worn: '80s Glam

Will Wear: '80s Preppy

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(Image credit: Jim Spellman/WireImage)

Markle used to be no stranger to flashy, glamorous trends but it's safe to say they won't fly with the queen. Instead, we expect to see her reviving safer '80s looks such as polo shirts and sweaters draped over her shoulders.

On Meghan Markle: Misha Nonoo dress; Gianvito Rossi shoes

Shop the Preppy '80s Trend

Would've Worn: Animal Print

Will Wear: Embossed Croc

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(Image credit: Josiah Kamau/BuzzFoto via Getty Images)

If she does wear animal print (see shoes above), we expect Markle will keep it very subtle. A more likely trend she'll try is embossed-croc pieces, which always look chic and expensive.

Shop the Croc Trend

Would've Worn: Prarie Pieces

Will Wear: Suiting

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(Image credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

Boho pieces have crept their way into Markle's wardrobe on occasion, but once fall arrives, we think she'll be more likely to wear structured suiting.

Shop the Suiting Trend

Would've Worn: Logomania

Will Wear: Logo Clutches

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(Image credit: Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage for Kari Feinstein PR)

We wouldn't blink an eye if Markle wore a Gucci logo T-shirt and were still an actress. These days, though, she dabbles with subtle logos on belts and handbags, rather than front and center.

Shop the Logo Clutch Trend

Would've Worn: Fuchsia

Will Wear: Brown

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(Image credit: Sonia Recchia/Getty Images)

Both of these color trends will be everywhere come fall, but Markle is more likely to leave the bright ones to the queen and stick with neutrals herself.

Shop the Brown Trend

Would've Worn: Western

Will Wear: Plaid

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(Image credit: Splash News)

Markle has always appreciated a cool denim look, so it would only be natural for her to work in some of the Western elements that are trending for fall. It may not be appropriate for royal engagements, but all the (slightly) punky plaid pieces on the market certainly would be.

On Meghan Markle: J.Crew shirt, sandals, and sunglasses; Chanel bag

Shop the Plaid Trend

Would've Worn: Statement Earrings

Will Wear: Modern Pearls

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(Image credit: D Dipasupil/FilmMagic)

Markle often relied on major statement-making earrings for red carpet appearances, but these days, her jewelry is far more subtle and classic (yet still fresh and modern).

Shop the Modern Pearl Trend

Next, find out Meghan Markle's hack for avoiding blisters with heels.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.