Happy Birthday, Meghan Markle! Tracing the Duchess of Sussex’s Style Evolution

Happy birthday, Meghan Markle! The Duchess of Sussex turns 38 today. And what a year she’s had: Since her last birthday, Markle became a new mom when she gave birth to her and Prince Harry’s son, Archie Harrison, in May. Recently, she’s adapted her wardrobe to match her royal status, mastering the art of great statement coats and easy, polished dresses; but looking back across the years, it’s clear just how much her fashion tastes have changed. And in honor of her special day, Vogue is exploring Markle’s dramatic fashion evolution, from her years as an emerging actress, to her starring role on Suits, to her most recent chapter as a senior member of the British royal family.

Pre-Harry, Markle’s red carpet outfits—back when she was a model and on-the-rise actress—often veered toward territory that was more playful and sexy; in the early 2010s, she favored trendy items like body-con and color-blocked styles, or baby doll dresses with oversized bows across the bust. As she gained fame as the attorney Rachel Zane on Suits, Markle’s style grew more refined: She began favoring dresses with cleaner lines on the step and repeat, choosing to play with color, texture, and prints while keeping the silhouettes meticulously tailored.

But when she met Prince Harry and the couple got married in May of 2018, everything changed. Her move into the realm of royalty saw Markle elevate her fashion sense with unrivaled polish: These days, she has a penchant for structured outerwear, often sporting classic trenches and overcoats. Along the way, it seems she’s also honed an appropriately diplomatic knack for tailoring the designer or label she wears to the city or country she is visiting. Then, for evening appearances, she’s developed a taste for impeccably tasteful gowns and cocktail dresses, like the elegant Jason Wu number she wore for her most recent appearance, at The Lion King premiere in London. Below, see Markle’s full sartorial transformation.