17 Ways to Look as Polished as Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle, the actress who plays Rachel Zane on Suits and will soon wed Prince Harry, is our new source for minimalist style inspiration. The star also used to run lifestyle blog The Tig, so we know she's more than just a fan of fashion. But recently we've noticed that her brand of chic and minimal looks is just what we might need for a wardrobe refresh. In fact, we'd go as far as saying that the star is set to be the UK equivalent of Olivia Palermo

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From elegant evening looks to more casual outfits, she's got girl-next-door style down, with a little bit of the Duchess of Cambridge thrown in (just check out the matching shoes) To help you see just what we mean, we've come up with 17 style rules Meghan Markle sticks to that we know you'll want to follow stat. Click through our gallery to see why Meghan Markle is the style inspo you've been looking for.

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#1: If in doubt, opt for one knockout dress.
(Image credit: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images)

On Meghan Markle: Jill Stuart dress

Style Notes: Want a stunning dress that will make an impact? Go bold; just make sure it's a classic cut.

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#2: A stylish leather jacket over the shoulders looks chic.
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Style Notes: How do you dress when your boyfriend is a prince but you're not in the family? Wear a chic dress, but keep it fresh and young with a matching leather jacket draped over the shoulders. 

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#3: A classic button-down and skinny jeans look effortless.
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Style Notes: Perhaps one of our favourite polished looks of Meghan Markle's is the white shirt–and–skinny jeans combo. Classic but with an edge, thanks to the ripped denim. 11/10.

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#4: Go casual with all-white outfits.
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Style Notes: An all-white outfit can be seriously stylish, particularly when a basic tee is paired with wide-leg trousers. 

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#5: Match your lipstick to your dress.
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On Meghan Markle: Dolce & Gabbana dress

Style Notes: Matching your accessories to your dress isn't done as much anymore. But your lipstick? That's what you want to go for.

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#6: A pair of skinnies and a blazer is always a fail-safe look.
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Style Notes: Struggling for a minimal outfit? Fall back on your basic black skinnies or leather trousers, and add a black jacket. 

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#7: A blazer + tee + jeans = perfection.
(Image credit: Rex/Shutterstock)

Style Notes: A simple blazer and a pair of jeans is always a great idea. 

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#8: Go for solid colors in interesting shapes.
(Image credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

On Meghan Markle: Roland Mouret dress

Style Notes: Solid colors don't have to be boring. Opt for interesting necklines and hems.

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#9: A classic shift will take you a long way.
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Style Notes: You'll always need a little shift dress in the back of your wardrobe.

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#10: Find your perfect nude.
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Style Notes: The reason this works is because it matches Meghan's skin tone perfectly.

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#11: Monochrome doesn't have to be boring.
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On Meghan Markle: Peter Som dress and top

Style Notes: Want to invest in the crop-top trend? Take a tip from Meghan with this elegant take on the look.

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#12: Mirroring your partner's wardrobe is totally okay when done well.
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On Meghan Markle: Mackage coat; Wolford bodysuit; Joseph skirt

Style Notes: Notice how the couple mirrored each other's outfits. From the blue coats to the black shoes, Harry's neutral scarf matches Meghan's skirt. 

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#13: Be weather-appropriate at all times.
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On Meghan Markle: Smythe coat; Sarah Flint pumps; Marks & Spencer sweater

Style Notes: Just because the California-born actress knows the warmer climate of L.A. doesn't mean she's unaware of how cold the UK can get. Here, she gives us all a lesson in dressing perfectly for the grey weather with a chic coat and scarf.

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#14: Know the power of an exceptional hat.
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On Meghan Markle: Sentaler coat; Chloé bag; Stuart Weitzman boots

Style Notes: Now that Meghan's joining the royal family, she has to get used to wearing a hat or two. Seen here on Christmas Day attending a church service, she subtly matches her Philip Treacy hat with a chic Chloé bag and Stuart Weitzman boots.

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#15: Match your accessories to your coat.
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On Meghan Markle: Burberry coat; Strathberry East/West bag; Veronica Beard trousers

Style Notes: To pull a whole look together, without just wearing black, Meghan knows that matching your accessories to your coat is a nice touch.

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#16: A white roll-neck and black pants are Euro-chic.
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On Meghan Markle: J.Crew coat; Alexander Wang trousers; AllSaints sweater

Style Notes: The cropped trousers, white jumper, and blue coat feel very European princess. Well played, Meghan. 

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#17: Know it's okay to take style tips from others.
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On Meghan Markle: Amanda Wakeley coat and dress; Mulberry bag; Manolo Blahnik pumps

Style Notes: Where better to glean some style advice from than your future sister-in-law? The Duchess of Cambridge has been lauded for her own stylish looks, so it makes sense that Meghan looks to her for some outfit inspiration. Just check out the matching shoes.

Want to know Meghan Markle's real name? Hint: It starts with the letter R.

Elinor Block