Even in a year where there were weeks at a time with no appearances and, when those appearances did occur, we could only see her from the chest up thanks to Zoom, Meghan still managed to deliver on the fashion front in 2020. Let’s just pause for a moment to reflect back on the Duchess of Sussex this year.
Within the first eight days of 2020, it was announced that Harry and Meghan would be stepping back from Senior Royal duties and by March we saw them close that chapter of their lives, at least for now. Next came a move to the United States followed by Archie’s first birthday and the purchase of a new home. We now know this time period also included the loss of Meghan and Harry’s second child.
The announcement of Archewell brought deals with Netflix, Spotify and most recently a project with Chef Jose Andres and World Central Kitchen. There were also numerous – but thoughtfully chosen – appearances to promote some of Meghan and Harry’s causes. Meghan also became a startup investor to Clevr, an organic oat milk latte start-up company. And, not to mention, she did all of this while working her way through a global pandemic like the rest of us.
Before the year (mercifully) ends, we wanted to look back at our favorite Meghan looks of 2020.
We’ll start with Rachel’s Top 5 Picks for 2020 —
No. 5: TUXE for International Day of the Girl, October
On International Day of the Girl, October 11th, when Meghan (and Harry) spoke to Malala Yousafzai via Zoom, she was in a “rewear”, her TUXE ‘Renegade’ bodysuit. I like the bodysuit, but it’s the entire look that Meghan is pulling off here that took my breath away. The turtleneck, white pants and pulled-back hair with a bold lip really worked for me. She is stunning.
Outfit details: Bodysuit – TUXE ‘Renegade bodysuit, $300 / White pants and belt – TBD / Jewelry – Monica Vinader Linear Friendship Bracelet in gold, $175, her Cartier ‘Love’ bangle bracelet in gold and Princess Diana’s Cartier Francaise Tank watch in gold.
No. 4: Reiss and Massimo Dutti for Canada House, January
Even without COVID, January 7th seems like a lifetime away. The day before Harry and Meghan announced their step back as Senior Royals (Oh how naïve we were!), the Sussexes visited Canada House in London, with Meghan in Reiss. There is something about Meghan going monochromatic that makes me very happy. You know what I’m talking about: The green monochromatic look. The red monochromatic look. And, while brown certainly isn’t my favorite color, she even manages to make that color look like a monochromatic dream.
Outfit details: Coat – Reiss ‘Sabel’ Wool-Blend Overcoat, $350 (similar here) / Turtleneck and satin skirt – Massimo Dutti / Shoes – Romy Pumps by Jimmy Choo in the velvet ‘oxid’ colorway / Earrings – Catherine Zoraida ‘Swallow stud earrings in gold, $160 / Ring – Kismet by Milka ‘Hamsa’ ring, $300 / Bracelet – Kismet by Milka Dangle Disc bracelet in rose gold, $650
No. 3: Melon Sleeveless Top/Dress, The 19th Represents, August
Let me be the very first to tell you that this melon top would absolutely look awful on my fair skin, but on Meghan, it is divine. Knowing what colors work for you is a skill that is so important, and I hope we see more of Meghan in this color, because it works – and I only wish we could see more of the look. Meghan wore it while appearing at The 19th* Represents Summit on August 14th.
We should note that the top she wore was originally thought to have been from Hugo Boss. The Hugo Boss ‘Cisona’ top in light orange is done in a silk stretch finished with binding at the neckline (you can see the stitching in the stock photo, right), while the top Meghan is wearing appears to be facing at the neckline (no stitching). It could’ve also been a dress she was wearing. We are hoping Meghan wears the top or dress again and we see clearer images to confirm the details. You can read more about facing and binding necklines here.
No. 2: Brandon Maxwell, Remembrance Sunday, November
Even for a somber occasion, Meghan still looked beautiful in Brandon Maxwell while observing Remembrance Sunday in Los Angeles on November 8th. It was one of the few times we saw Meghan in a full-body look this entire year, and she did not disappoint.
credit: Duke and Duchess of Sussex / Brandon Maxwell, the Pleated wool-twill and silk-organza coat, $3,295.
No. 1: Blue, Red and Green for That Week in March
When Meghan says farewell, she apparently says farewell with these three looks, which I have been calling “you know, the blue, the red, and the green” rather than the Victoria Beckham, the Safiyaa, and the Emilia Wickstead – are, in my opinion, some of Meghan’s best of all time.
They are most certainly statement looks, vibrantly colored, perfectly cut, and as memorable as can be. For she and Harry’s so-called “farewell tour” of the U.K., Meghan wore the Victoria Beckham ‘t-shirt fitted’ dress in turquoise on March 5th to the Endeavour Fund Awards, the Safiyaa ‘Kalika’ long red dress on March 7th to the Mountbatten Festival of Music and finally, the Emilia Wickstead bespoke cape dress in emerald green for Commonwealth Day services on March 9th,.
Outfit details: Dress – Victoria Beckham t-shirt fitted dress in turquoise / Shoes – Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in navy, $665 / Bag – Stella McCartney ‘Lucia’ Plexi Clutch blue and rose gold, $2,255 (no longer available) / Dress – Safiyaa ‘Kalika’ long red dress, $1738 / Shoes – Stuart Weitzman high heel pumps in crimson (no longer available) / Bag – Manolo Blahnik, the Capri Jewel Buckle Clutch in red satin, $1670 / Earrings – Simone Rocha floral beaded drop earrings in burgundy-red from the AW19 collection, $325
Also worth noting was the far less talked about but still gorgeous midnight blue Scanlon Theodore dress worn for Meghan’s final solo event as a working Royal — the Association of Commonwealth Universities engagement on March 9th.
credit: Sussex Royal / Scanlon Theodore – crepe knit cravat dress
Now a look at Susan’s Top 5 Picks for 2020 —
Interestingly enough, but not surprising, is that Rachel and I did overlap on some of our top 5 picks. I, too, loved the bright Commonwealth colors Meghan chose for her and Harry’s final appearances as Senior Royals. Bold, bright colors seem to really suit Meghan, however, I’m also quite fond of neutral palettes as well.
No. 5: Scanlon Theodore for the ACU engagement, March
Meghan looked polished, professional and yet stunning in this Scanlon Theodore dress. It is a dress that can be worn for work (toss a blazer on over it) and be ready to go for a cocktail party or night out on the town. It’s certainly a dress I would love to have in my collection.
No. 4: ME + EM, Jennifer Chamandi and Black Crop Trousers for International Women’s Day, March
Meghan, once again, looked polished and professional in black crop trousers, a ME + EM ivory belted fringe boucle jacket, Rejina Pyo bag and Jennifer Chamandi ‘Lorenzo’ two-tone pumps for a visit to the Robert Clark School of Science, March 6th. I love this entire outfit, head to toe. It’s something I would wear to the office, in fact, I’ve worn similar pieces.
Outfit details: Jacket – ME+EM Belted Fringe Boucle Jacket in cream/ivory, $335 / Bag – Rejina Pyo ‘Nane’ bag, $395 / Shoes – Jennifer Chamani ‘Lorenzo’ two-tone pump, $737 / Jewelry – Kismet ‘Edge of Ember’ pendant, $170 and Jennifer McCormick ‘Chi Chi’ bracelet, $10,850
No. 3: RBG Tee, Frame Jeans and J Crew Cardigan for Teenager Therapy Podcast, October 2020
Moving on to casual outfits as these days, like many of us, that’s all I seem to be wearing. I’m quite fond of the classic t-shirt and jeans look so when Meghan wore an RBG t-shirt (in honor of the late Ruth Bader Ginsberg), a pair of Frame ‘Le Garcon’ crop jeans and the J. Crew v-neck cardigan sweater in stripe for the Teenager Therapy podcast, October 10th, I wanted to “Repli-Meg” her outfit immediately. I will say, that for my style preferences, I did replace the pumps with a nice pair of white sneakers.
Outfit details: Shirt – R.B.G. t-shirt in Ice Blue Heather color with distressed turquoise lettering, Etsy – Ferris Built shop, $24 / Jeans – FRAME Le Garcon Crop Boyfriend Jeans / Mask – Ruth Bader Ginsberg quote “when there are nine” (women on the Supreme Court). Etsy – Just Posh Style shop, $16 / Shoes – Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in black suede, $665 / Jewelry – Cartier ‘Love’ bangle bracelet in gold, Monica Vinader Linear Friendship Bracelet in gold, $175 and Prince Diana’s Cartier Francaise Tank watch in gold.
No. 2: Anthropologie, DL1961, Rothy’s for LA Preschool Learning Center, August
Another fabulous casual look was when Meghan wore a pair of DL1961 jeans and an Anthropologie ‘The Cate’ Classic Buttondown in chambray blue with her Rothy’s – ‘The Point’ flat in black. A look that has become a part of that “classic casual style”. Most of us have a chambray shirt in our closets, certainly a pair of jeans and some sort of black flat. It’s something that can be worn in any season or changed up a bit with a pair of boots.
Outfit details: Shirt – Anthropologie ‘The Cate’ Classic Buttondown in chambray blue, $88 / Jeans – DL1961 ‘Emma’ jeans, $179 / Shoes – Rothy’s ‘The Point’ flat in black, $145 – receive $20 off your pair when you click here. / Jewelry – Cartier ‘Love’ bangle bracelet in gold, Monica Vinader Linear Friendship Bracelet in gold, $175
No. 1: The ROW, Le Chameau and DL 1961 for Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, January
Bundle up, it’s cold in Canada! Meghan looked toasty and warm yet comfortable in this casual wintry sweater and jeans outfit for a meeting with Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre in Vancouver, January 14th. I love a good cozy sweater and jeans with boots in the winter months and this outfit looks perfect!
Outfit details: Sweater – The Row ‘Bea’ cable-knit swing sweater in antique white, $405 (no longer available) / Boots – Le Chameau ‘Jameson’ quilted leather boots in caramel, £375 (UK delivery only) / Jeans – DL1961 ‘Emma’ jeans, $179 / Jewelry – Shirley horoscope pendant in 10k gold, $79, with the Virgo zodiac sign for Harry and Killer Whale Tail with diamond by artist Hollie Bartlett (Haisla), 18kt gold with diamond, $1,760.00 CAD / $1,400 USD.
Please leave a comment and tell us what your favorite look of 2020 is! Be sure to check out our What Meghan Wore Instagram account for an easy way to see all the looks from 2020.
We look forward to covering the work and the wardrobe of the Duchess in 2021 – we have a feeling both will be on point.
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Archewell Audio – A Podcast
ICYMI – Harry and Meghan signed a deal with Spotify recently for a podcast featuring the couple – Archewell Audio. You can listen to Harry and Meghan introduce their new podcast as well as talk about their upcoming Christmas special airing this week below:
Archewell Foundation and World Central Kitchen
Also, this past weekend, it was announced that the couple’s non-profit Archewell Foundation is teaming up with Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen, the non-profit that feeds people in disaster-stricken areas around the world.
In an email statement, Harry and Meghan said —
“The health of our communities depends on our ability to connect to our shared humanity. When we think about Chef Andrés and his incredible team at World Central Kitchen, we’re reminded that even during a year of unimaginable hardship, there are so many amazing people willing — and working tirelessly — to support each other. World Central Kitchen inspires us through compassion in action.”
World Central Kitchen has distributed 50 million meals in 17 countries since it started in 2010.
The couple confirmed that they will work with Andrés to bring additional partners to build more Community Relief Centers around the world. Harry and Meghan will plan to visit the centres in the future once coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
Chef Andrés had this to say on the project —
“We are more energized than ever to continue this vital work and we’re proud that it will be hand in hand with Archewell Foundation and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. I have come to know both of them well, and believe that their values are directly aligned with what we stand for at World Central Kitchen.”
Follow Chef José Andrés on Instagram here.
Visit Chef José Andrés site here.
Visit World Central Kitchen’s site here.
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One final note, this past weekend, Meghan and Harry were spotted out in LA. We won’t be posting a photo of the couple here, but some readers were asking about the coat Meghan wore. For those interested, it is the J. Crew Chateau Parka in Italian-Stadium Wool, $375. (It had been on sale for around $189 but as of today it looks as though J. Crew removed all discounts on the coat.)
While the coat in the photo appears to be a brown, the brown version, currently on J. Crew’s site, has a lighter tan faux fur trimmed hood than that of the trim on Meghan’s. It could be that the coat is from another season or a completely different color. We show the coat below in both the brown and black versions.
The Chateau Parka has been a staple piece in J. Crew’s outerwear collection for many years.
It appears that Meghan may have been wearing her Boots – Le Chameau ‘Jameson’ quilted leather boots in caramel, £375 (UK delivery only), first seen in Vancouver, Canada, January 2020. Upon closer look, we do not think Meghan was wearing her Le Chameau boots. The brown boots she is wearing are a new pair we have not seen before. We will update once we have more information.
susan says
Interestingly, I think her best looks were all very bright colours, whereas she often wears very low key neutrals. She looked luminous in the jewel colours of her final public engagements in the UK.
Lauren says
I just love this! My favorite look from this year was her blue shirt she wore during the leadership summit.
Melissa M Hayes says
Wondering if she’s actually wearing the Sophie Lis love pendant for the meeting with Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre in Vancouver, January 14th.?
WhatMeghanWore says
Melissa, that’s another good suggestion! We hadn’t seen her actually wear that until March of this year. I’ll have to take a closer look at the images we have again and see if we can tell. Thanks! Susan C.