Long before the Sussexes relocated to California, the world received its first glimpse into Meghan Markle’s royal style evolution.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry met in July 2016 and announced their engagement in November 2017 (Credit: WENN / John Rainford / Danny Martindale)
On December 1, 2017, just days after announcing her engagement to Prince Harry, the future Duchess made her official debut in Nottingham for the Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry met on a blind date at Soho House’s Dean Street Townhouse set up by a mutual friend (Credit: WENN)
It was a masterclass in winter dressing that set the tone for her tenure as a working royal: a curated blend of accessible luxury and high-end staples.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day event at the Nottingham Contemporary Centre on December 1, 2017 (Credit: WENN)
Much like the Duchess of Cambridge’s approach to diplomacy through fashion, Meghan’s look felt approachable yet polished—anchored by a pair of boots that quickly became the focal point for footwear enthusiasts.
Meghan Markle shows off her tri-color burgundy Strathberry Midi Tote (Credit: WENN)
For her first official public appearance with Prince Harry, Meghan opted for black suede over-the-knee boots from KG Kurt Geiger.
Meghan Markle wears a long Mackage Elodie coat made using luxury cashmere blend fabric (Credit: WENN)
She showcased her impressive sartorial sense in an effortlessly sophisticated ensemble that helped her combat the cold in style.
Meghan Markle styled her skirt with a Wolford ‘Portland’ turtleneck (Credit: WENN)
The American actress and humanitarian wore a Mackage double-breasted military coat over a Wolford “Portland” turtleneck and a Joseph midi skirt.
Meghan Markle shows off her gold and diamond trilogy engagement ring (Credit: WENN)
Her skirt features a pleat detail from the waistband seam, slanted slip pockets, and a fluted raw hem.
Meghan Markle’s Cleave & Company engagement ring features a cushion diamond and a pair of round side stones on a gold band (Credit: WENN)
The “Violet” Factor: A Close-Up Look at Meghan’s KG Kurt Geiger Boots
She styled it with a burgundy midi tote from Edinburgh-based Strathberry and capped it off with a pair of black on-trend slouchy boots.
Meghan Markle steps out in black suede KG Kurt Geiger “Violet” over-the-knee boots, featuring a sleek pointed toe and sculptural cone heels that add modern polish to her winter ensemble (Credit: WENN)
The “Violet” boots come in classic black suede and feature a pointed-toe silhouette, cone heels, and burgundy lining.
Violet over-the-knee boots from Kurt Geiger London
KG Kurt Geiger “Violet” Over-the-Knee Boots, $295
From Sturdy Boots to Couture: Meghan’s $75,000 Ralph & Russo Engagement Look
Later that month, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released their official engagement photos.
Meghan Markle wears a $75,000 Ralph & Russo dress in her engagement photo with Prince Harry (Credit: Alexi Lubomirski / Kensington Palace)
The photos were taken by Alexi Lubomirski at Frogmore House, which is a 17th-century English country house in Windsor owned by the Crown Estate.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released their official engagement photos taken by Alexi Lubomirski at Frogmore House (Credit: Alexi Lubomirski / Kensington Palace)
Following their fairytale wedding at St. George’s Chapel on May 19, 2018, the couple’s engagement portraits remained a focal point of fashion discourse.
While the $75,000 Ralph & Russo Fall 2016 Couture gown featured a tiered tulle skirt that was nothing short of cinematic, its intricately embroidered sheer bodice ignited a firestorm among royal traditionalists.
Critics labeled the ‘naked dress’ aesthetic a departure from centuries of conservative palace protocol, yet for many, it served as a definitive signal of Meghan’s intent to modernize the royal image through high-octane, unapologetic glamour.
Shared by @kensingtonroyal with the caption ‘Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments following the release of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle’s engagement photographs. The couple are so grateful for the warm and generous messages they have received during such a happy time in their lives. As a way to say thank you, they have decided to share this candid photograph from the day of their portrait sittings directly with all of you.’
Meghan Markle’s Royal Style Evolution: From Engagement Heels to Statement Boots
From her first official appearance with Prince Harry to globally watched royal moments, Meghan Markle’s footwear choices have consistently balanced elegance, accessibility, and modern polish. If you enjoyed this breakdown of her Nottingham debut boots and early royal wardrobe, explore more of her most memorable shoe moments below.
👠 Explore Meghan Markle’s Best Shoe & Style Features on YourNextShoes.com:
- 👢 Meghan Markle Celebrates Christmas in Stuart Weitzman “Hiline” Boots — A royal winter styling moment with statement over-the-knee boots.
- 🖤 Meghan Markle Wears Victoria Beckham Boots for Christmas Day Church Service — Meghan’s sleek leather boots from Victoria Beckham’s Pre-Fall collection.
- 👡 Meghan Markle Announces Engagement in Aquazzura Heels — Iconic Aquazzura “Matilde” pumps from her engagement announcement.
- 👠 Meghan Markle’s Aquazzura “Rendez Vous” Heels — A royal style statement from the 2019 Endeavour Fund Awards.
- 👟 Birdies Shoes: Comfy Slip-Ons That Meghan Markle Loves — Meghan’s casual chic footwear moments with Birdies.
- 👠 Meghan Markle’s Height & Shoe Style: How Stilettos Elevate Style — A style analysis of her stiletto choices and silhouette.
- 👠 Meghan Markle’s Admiral Blue “Portrait of Lady” Sling Pumps — Aquazzura slingbacks she wore to the 100 Days of Peace concert.