The 5 Accessories from Sustainable Brands Meghan Can’t Live Without

Today’s post is from guest contributor, Alisha Christine McCorkell.

Meghan is well-known for her advocacies. Just this year, she received the Women of Vision Award from the Ms. Foundation for Women, the oldest women’s foundation in the United States. This was for her philanthropy through the Archewell Foundation, which provided 12.66 million COVID-19 vaccines in 2022 and aided in resettling nearly 175,000 refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan.

Yet Meghan’s principles don’t just manifest in her charitable initiatives. You can also spot them in the brands she chooses to wear, putting the so-called Meghan Markle effect—the tendency for her chosen pieces to rapidly sell out—to fantastic use. To shed some more light on her subtle fashion for a cause campaign, here are five accessories from sustainable brands Meghan can’t live without.

Sunglasses

Meghan does not remain idle—she and her husband are often out and about in charitable events and fun family days. During these outdoor excursions, Meghan often favors women’s sunglasses from Ray-Ban. More specifically, she dons the brand’s classic Aviators to add a touch of glamor to every outfit she wears. Though these shades are available in multiple color combinations with a choice of varied lenses, Meghan’s go-to appears to be gold-rimmed Aviators with dark lenses. Ray-Ban’s sustainable efforts allow you to cop a similar, more eco-friendly look, as it now offers its most popular models—including its Aviators—in biodegradable acetate frames and bio-based nylon lenses partially made from renewable sources. The company has also completely changed its packaging to 100% recycled paper.

Meghan in the Classic Aviators in black and green, $171 and the Classic Aviators in gold, $171 back in 2016.

Bracelet

Meghan dons carefully selected jewelry to shine at her elegant best. One dainty piece that’s been seen when she raises her hand for a wave is a golden, wide ripple bracelet from Bar Jewelery. This accessory has no gems or flourishes—rather than being obviously eye-catching, the bracelet’s wavy, modernist design adds a quiet sparkle to Meghan’s fine wrist. It’s sustainable, too, as Bar Jewellery uses recycled metal for its pieces.

Below the Duchess is seen wearing the Wide RIpple Bracelet from Bar, $297, in January 2019 when the couple visited Birkenhead, UK.

Earrings

The Duchess is not a woman who would say no to a bit of shimmer. Recently she wore the Semi Hoop diamond earrings from Kimaï, $795 ($1590 a pair), which are bejeweled with glistening diamonds. Don’t worry—these aren’t the traditional mined products of a destructive industry. They’re lab-grown in a high-pressure and high-temperature environment and, thanks to some stellar technological advances, are chemically and physically identical to the mined versions. This allows Meghan to don gleaming, iridescent jewelry that tops her look and is completely guilt-free.

Meghan wearing the Kimaï Semi Hoop diamond earrings in gold at the Invictus Games, Germany, September 2023 and the ‘Felicity’ gold and diamond earrings, $845 for a single, $1790 for a pair.

Mini bag

The mini bag trend has been going strong for the past few years, attracting fans like Blake Lively and Rihanna. You can also add Meghan to the list. In January 2018 she carried the DeMellier mini ‘Venice’ bag in forest, $495. Her preference for the accessory may stem from the bag’s sheer chicness. Its exterior is made of soft cowhide leather—sustainably sourced from suppliers certified by the European Leather Working Group—polished to a subtle shine, and finished off with pale gold details. Meghan’s version of the bag is forest green, though you could also get it in cognac or black shades. The size isn’t big—there’s only enough space to hold an iPhone 14 or similar—but Meghan’s sustainable fashion statement is bold, especially considering that DeMellier only uses leather that is a by-product of the food industry and would have otherwise gone to waste. DeMellier’s environmental friendliness and suave style both play a part in making the brand one of Meghan’s mainstays.

Meghan carrying the DeMellier ‘Venice’ bag in January 2018.

Tote bag

When Meghan needs something bigger to carry her necessities, she goes for tote bags from the direct-to-consumer fashion brand Everlane. The company stands on ethical pillars like radical transparency and sustainability, and has tried to live up to them by rejecting fast fashion and producing timeless wardrobe staples. One of these is Meghan Markle’s Day Market Tote, which she famously wore in one of her first appearances with Prince Harry and continues to be a favorite.

Carrying the Everlane The Day Market Tote in cognac, Invictus Games Toronto, September 2017.

Everlane has updated the tote to The New Day Market Tote in brown, black and brandy, $275 NOW $206. The brand also offers a similar style as well, the Luxe Italian Leather Tote in cognac, $275, NOW $206.

Meghan has also worn a number of pieces from Everlane available below.

Everlane Black Cashmere Scarf, $140 (January 2018, Cardiff, UK)

Everlane Silky Cotton Relaxed Shirt, $88 NOW $66 (Polo, May 2022)

Everlane Cashmere Classic Crew Sweater, $158 (Toronto Airport, June 2017)

Meghan’s fashion choices are dictated not only by sophistication but also by her values. In doing so, she spotlights fashion brands doing beautiful and altruistic work.

For more insights into Meghan’s carefully chosen looks, visit some of our previous posts here and here.

Written by Alisha Christine McCorkell
Exclusive for whatmeghanwore.net