Not Your Average Cinderella Story: Meghan Markle’s Style Evolution

A fresh-faced Meghan Markle looks every bit the young starlet as she attends a photo exhibit for COACH in East Hampton in 2006. Dressed in a simple, strappy dress with a croc-print clutch, Markle looks breezy and casual for the event.

Check out the style evolution for everyone’s favourite girl-next-door TV friend.

On-trend for the times, Meghan Markle looks picture-perfect in a strapless babydoll-style dress with an oversized white bow detail and voluminous black skirt. The colour contrast and style work well with the actress’ wavy hair and minimal accessories for a sweet and stylish red carpet look.

From the start, it was clear that Meghan Markle was more at ease in her off-duty styling than glammed up for red carpet events. Wearing a romper and flats, the actress looks confident and pulled-together in basics that are elevated by her chic sunnies and Louis Vuitton bag.

From the smiling, bubbly Markle to the brooding, cool-girl we all know and love, check out the style evolution for the one and only KStew.

In a fitted midi dress with velvet bodice overlay and peplum-waist detail, Meghan Markle looks chic in an understated LBD with a twist. Channeling her on-screen Suits character, Rachel Zane, Markle makes this black dress in a classic silhouette look anything but basic.

SEE ALSO: Our favourite photos of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Meghan Markle stuns in a slinky red midi dress with low-cut neckline and gathered waist detail. We love the pop of colour on the actress, who accessorizes the look with minimal jewellery and strappy sandals. A perfect look for the rising star.

Back then, she was more Hollywood-chic before she started sharing similar style to Princess Diana.

Rocking a colour-block strapless dress from BCBG, Meghan Markle proves accessible fashion can look high-end on the red carpet.

Looking windswept and drop-dead-gorgeous while attending Elle’s 2nd Women in TV event in 2013, Meghan Markle stunned in a strapless plum midi dress with a cinched-in waist and gathered bust detail. The pop of colour looks incredible on the actress, who’s clearly developed a preference for strapless midi style gowns.

One woman who always manages to bring her own wind for that windswept-glam-of-dreams is Queen Bey, whose style evolution is a must-see.

Serving up something a little different on the red carpet, Meghan Markle wows in a floor-length, halter-style teal gown, fitted through the body with a fishtail bottom. It’s very different than her usual go-to look, but works to showcase Markle’s developing sense of red carpet style.

Still experimenting with her style, Meghan Markle steps out for New York Summer Press Day in 2015 wearing an all-white ensemble consisting of a fitted, semi-sheer knit top and wide-leg, pleat-detail pants. The look doesn’t seem to work with her wet-look beachy waves and smokey-eye makeup, and the fit somehow doesn’t flatter the actress’ otherwise killer figure.

RELATED: Meghan Markle style secrets: 21 of her best fashion moments.

With slicked-back locks, a bold red lip and a tailored pantsuit, Meghan Markle is all business to discuss her role on Suit at AOL Studios in 2016. In spite of her willingness to talk about her role on the hit TV show, the actress would remain tight-lipped about her budding relationship with Prince Harry, whom she met after being set up by a mutual friend on a blind date.

In case you're wondering, it went well — as these photos would suggest.

Now under the public eye 24/7, and less than a year after making their relationship official, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announce their engagement to the world. In terms of style, Markle’s fashion choices seem more conservative and calculated than ever before, as her outfits make headlines daily, and retailers begin selling out of whatever pieces she’s worn, to eager fans of the would-be royal.

Meghan Markle loves the Brits, and so do we. Check out the style evolution for one of our favourite British exports, Harry Styles.

In one of the history’s most highly-viewed televised events, Meghan Markle marries Prince Harry at Windsor Castle in 2018. While the bride wore multiple dresses that day (we are still floored by the white halter-neck dress!), her formal wedding gown was the one that got the most attention. After months of what-will-she-wear speculation by the media and fans, Markle did not disappoint.

Understated, elegant and timeless, it was the perfect gown for the actress-turned-royal, who looked every bit the princess on her big day.

RELATED: The most beautiful royal wedding gowns and what they cost.

Newlyweds, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive in Tonga during their official Autumn Tour in 2018. Now rarely photographed outside of royal engagements, formal dress has become the norm for the newly-minted royal, who stuns in a chic long-sleeved red dress and navy-blue pumps.

Check out the style evolution for everyone’s favourite 90’s grunge icon.

Another perfect ensemble for yet another royal engagement. Meghan Markle is quickly becoming the world’s most-watched royal, as she continues to make headlines for not only her family drama (ahem: Meghan Markle’s father, specifically) but also her killer style. Suddenly making royal fashion seem accessible for the masses, Markle showcases styles that are appropriate for her title, while still within reach for fans who wish to imitate her looks. Boatneck cuts and cinched waists are becoming a signature for the Duchess, who rocks a fascinator like she’s been doing it her whole life.

Talk about a busy royal! Less than a year after getting hitched, the newly-minted Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle hits the stage at the 2018 Fashion Awards in a one-shoulder black gown as she debuts her — wait for it — baby bump! Cue the collective “AW!” heard around the world.

RELATED: Here's what we can learn from new mom Meghan Markle.

Showing us all how to carry killer style through every trimester, Meghan Markle served up colour-blocking styles, unexpected prints and fits that flatter throughout her pregnancy – all while rocking that mom-to-be glow.

RELATED: How Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton are raising their kids differently.

Now presenting baby Archie! The proud new parents presented the insta-famous baby to the world at Windsor Castle in May of 2019. For the occasion, glowing new-mom Meghan Markle wore a white sleeveless belted dress with blazer-style lapel.

Check out the fashion evolution of the star who’s style has had us on our toes from day one: the one and only Lady Gaga.

Monochromic in head-to-toe winter white, a pregnant Meghan Markle looks radiant in a matching sheath dress and tailored coat with earth-toned pumps. This simple, elevated take on classic pieces is the perfect example of how Markle manages to keep it timeless, all while setting new trends.

Making an appearance at one of the last official events the pair attends as full-fledged royals, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry went out (and into “normal life”) in style. Sporting bright pops of colour and figure-flattering cuts, Meghan Markle seems to brim with new life as she and the hubby say their formal goodbyes to their royal titles — and hello new beginnings.

Cool-girl status cemented, check out the style evolution for the do-no-wrong icon Zoe Kravitz.

We’re already sorry to be seeing the last of Meghan Markle’s royal style as Duchess of Sussex, but we can’t wait to see what the actress-turned-royal-turned-commoner-again has in store for us as she adjusts to her new life with Harry in 2020.

SEE ALSO: Meghan Markle and the struggle for black women everywhere.