Before Meghan Markle became a global sensation as the Duchess of Sussex, she was already turning heads as Rachel Zane on Suits. The hit legal drama, which debuted in 2011, was a major turning point in Markle’s career, who had been acting since 1995.
But Suits didn’t just boost her acting profile—it also shaped her into a budding fashion icon. Although much of her personal style was reflected in Zane’s on-screen presence, Markle still carries the inspiration she drew from the character.
Meghan Markle in Suits | credit: USA NetworkThe 43-year-old credits the show’s costume designers for doing a splendid job of making her character look stunning on screen. The impact of playing Zane for seven seasons was so profound that Meghan Markle credits the show for elevating her real-life fashion sense.
Suits changed Meghan Markle’s life in more ways than one
During an interview with Glamour Magazine in 2017, Meghan Markle described her preferred fashion as a “relaxed California girl style.” However, a lot changed once she donned the role of Zane. The show was mainly shot in Toronto, and the weather played its role in influencing her wardrobe as well. Yet, the biggest transformation came from her character itself.
The fashion on Suits is gorgeous, so it also became my education of designers and really knowing what fits my body well.
Over time, Markle developed a better understanding of what worked best for her body type. She referred to Victoria Beckham’s fashion during the interview to make her point. She said, “For example, I love Victoria Beckham dresses, but I don’t have the long torso to support that silhouette.”
Playing Zane helped Markle embrace a more specific and refined style, often marked by Burberry and Prabal Gurung’s works.
I wear a lot of Burberry on the show, and I wear a lot of Prabal [Gurung], because Rachel’s whole aesthetic is someone who comes from money and has a real classic design sensibility. It’s really modern because she’s still young.
Meghan Markle in SuitsWhile Suits shaped her fashion sensibilities, it was Markle’s royal status that cemented her influence as a global style icon.
Meghan Markle’s journey to becoming a global fashion icon
After tying the knot with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in 2018, her fashion choices started making global headlines. Quickly, Markle became one of the biggest fashion trendsetters in the world.
The same impact was felt following the release of her recent show, With Love, Meghan, where her wardrobe once again drew attention, highlighting her signature blend of elegance and modern sophistication.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry (credit: sussexroyal/Instagram)Despite stepping away from royal duties in January 2020, Markle has maintained her influence. Through her appearances for various charity work, public events, or even her Netflix show, Markle has kept a firm grip on the fashion pulse.
During her interview, she had said, “Rachel’s clothes reflect how she’s feeling.” After nearly a decade of bidding farewell to Rachel Zane, Markle is still seemingly drawing inspiration from her iconic character.
All seasons of Suits can be streamed on Netflix.