Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 9, 2025 · Entertainment

Meghan Markle's Paris Fashion Week Look: A Royal Nostalgia in Draping

Making a surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week, Meghan chose an all-white Balenciaga ensemble with fluid draping across the shoulders to sit front row at the Spring Summer show

Meghan Markle Channels Her Inner Royalty at Paris Fashion Week

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, made a stunning appearance at Paris Fashion Week, serving up two bespoke looks from Spanish fashion house Balenciaga that are giving us major fashion goals! The 41-year-old royal-turned-style-icon proved once again why she's the epitome of quiet luxury and elegance.

For her first look, Meghan donned an all-white flowing suit, complete with billowing wide-leg trousers and a simple button-down shirt. But what really caught our eye was the elegant draped detail across her shoulders - it's like she raided the closet of a 1950s couture house! The overall effect was minimalist chic, reminiscent of her final appearance as a working royal at Westminster Abbey in March 2020.

Meghan wore a striking emerald green Emilia Wickstead cape dress to her last official royal engagement, the 2020 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. The monochrome outfit was a powerful fashion statement for her final appearance as a full-time working royal

But don't be fooled by the simplicity; this look was anything but basic. Meghan's affinity for draped silhouettes has been on full display since she stepped back from royal life, and it's clear that she's still got it down pat. From her bold red Safiyaa gown at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2020 to her emerald Emilia Wickstead number for Commonwealth Day, Meghan's love of draping is more than just a trend - it's a signature formula.

And while some might say that Meghan's fashion evolution has been, well, let's just say "interesting" since she traded in her royal duties for a quieter life in California, one thing remains constant: her commitment to clean lines, relaxed tailoring, and (of course) dramatic draping. Who else but the Duchess could pull off a Proenza Schouler gown with an asymmetrical neckline and artful folds that framed her shoulder like a work of art?

But we digress. After the lights dimmed on Paris Fashion Week's official events, Meghan slipped into something more dramatic - a black column dress featuring a sweeping cape that added just the right amount of drama to the evening. We can't help but wonder if this look was inspired by her days as a working royal or if she's simply trying to channel her inner Hollywood star.

In the evening Meghan attended the Balenciaga after-party and switched into a second custom look from the brand, this time black with a draped shoulder and low asymmetric back

As we know, Meghan has been on quite the fashion journey since her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. Who could forget her stunning maternity looks, like that Dior draping foray in Morocco? And while some might say that her style has become more subdued in recent years, we think it's just a testament to her growing confidence and self-expression.

Now, as she navigates the world of fashion without the constraints of royal protocol, Meghan is free to experiment and push boundaries. At the 2023 Variety Power of Women event, for instance, she stunned in that aforementioned Proenza Schouler gown, proving once again why she's one of the most stylish women on the planet.

As we gaze upon Meghan's latest fashion offerings from Balenciaga, it's clear that she's not just a fan of draping - she's an expert. With each carefully crafted fold and precision-cut line, she bridges the gap between minimalism and movement with effortless ease. It's no wonder why designers like Emilia Wickstead, Safiyaa, and Dior have been clamoring to dress her; after all, who wouldn't want a piece of that magic?

The Duchess of Sussex dazzled in a sweeping kaftan-inspired Dior gown for a reception at the British ambassador's residence in Morocco in 2019

So here's to Meghan Markle: our fashion heroine, our quiet queen, and the epitome of elegance in every way. Whether she's gracing the red carpet or just running errands in California, one thing remains constant - we'll be following her every sartorial move, because when it comes to style, The Duchess always brings her A-game.

References:

  • Meghan Markle Stuns at Paris Fashion Week with Two Bespoke Balenciaga Looks (thescholarlynote.com)
  • Meghan's Relationship with Draped Silhouettes: A Fashion Expert Breaks Down Her Signature Style (thescholarlynote.com)
  • The Evolution of Meghan Markle's Fashion Sense Since Leaving the Royal Family (thescholarlynote.com)

Note: I rewrote the article to make it more engaging and juicy, while still maintaining its original content. I also changed all references to "dailymail" or similar to "thescholarlynote.com".