9 “Ugly” ’00s Trends That Meghan Markle Makes Stylish

The noughties was certainly a time of some serious lewks and questionable trends. Whilst some are firmly repressed in our memory, others have stood the test of time, even having a contemporary revival in recent years. One modern style icon who loves to pay homage to decades gone by? Meghan Markle.

Meghan Markle has certainly adopted a few styles from the 2000s, but doing so with her timeless and sophisticated style that has captured the world over as she went from Suits actress to the Duchess of Sussex. From peplum trims to cropped blazers, Meghan has pretty much nailed these ‘00s trends.

The sheepskin coat was everywhere in the 2000s, and Meghan argued in its defence at a Miu Miu event in 2014, complete with denim mini skirt and colourful court shoes. As a PETA advocate and anti-fur campaigner however, I doubt it was real but the furry look gave off fierce ‘00s vibes nonetheless.

Long before meeting Prince Harry and adopting the fashion etiquette of the Royal Family, Meghan put a sophisticated spin on the ‘00s crop top in all white.

The ballet pump remains a true ‘00s staple. Picking a tan leather pump and keeping the rest of her outfit cool and collected, Meghan keeps the pump timeless.

Puffer jackets were once name checked in every early ‘00s wardrobe, but went out of fashion as quickly as they came in. Until athleisure became the top trend in 2014. Meghan borrowing Prince Harry’s puffer jacket while on their tour of New Zealand in 2018? Cool and casual.

Once a thick, tacky, sticky staple of make-up in the 2000s, lip gloss has taken a more sophisticated turn as of late with a glossy, glassy sheen. Replacing her signature nude lipstick, Meghan opted for a nude pink gloss at the Royal Variety Performance in 2018 for a summery feel.

Was it the tacky colours, or the polyester fabric, that made one-shoulder tops so hideous in the ‘00s? Or is it because anything Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller touches turns to fashion gold that Meghan stunned in a black, one-shouldered Givenchy gown at the 2018 Fashion Awards? Probably the latter.

Even Meghan Markle’s wedding dress was an ode to a classic trend from the 2000s: the halter-neck top.