Meghan Markle officially became a member of the royal family when she married Prince Harry on May 19. By merely uttering the words, “I do,” the former “Suits” star quickly transitioned from a Hollywood actress to the Duchess of Sussex.
However, her style evolution from one role to another was a much longer journey, mixed with both fashion faux pas and praiseworthy style moments.
The Los Angeles native got her start in the entertainment industry thanks to roles on “General Hospital “ and “Deal or No Deal.” Markle finally got her big break when she landed a role on the series “Suits” as Rachel Zane. After nabbing the part as a female lead, she started hitting red carpets and making style statements.
Although Markle eventually traded in the bright lights of Hollywood for a residence at Kensington Palace, one thing that has remained a constant in her life is an evolving sense of fashion.
When Markle hit the red carpet back in 2012 for the USA Network and Mr. Porter.com Presents “A Suits Story,” the actress wore a black sequined off-the-shoulder dress.
Even though the gown probably wouldn’t be deemed appropriate for a royal soirée, the actress’ style choice was a hit by Hollywood standards.
By 2016, Markle traded in her flashy attire for a more contemporary look. During her appearance at the P.S. Arts’ The pARTy, the future Duchess of Sussex wore a Veronica Beard Boca combo romper with a Veronica Beard Orchid Chambray Upcollar Jacket.
Although Markle has already experienced some major fashion moments since being thrust into the spotlight because of her romance with Prince Harry, she has also received some criticism from loyal followers of the royal family.
When the actress attended Queen Elizabeth’s birthday celebration on June 9, she wore a baby pink off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress paired with a matching Philip Treacy hat.
While Markle appeared to be wearing a simple ensemble at the Trooping the Colour event, the new Duchess of Sussex was criticized for showing her shoulders at the annual event, where members of the royal family typically dress in long sleeves.
This isn’t the first time Markle has bared some skin during a royal engagement. On her wedding day , the 36-year-old wore a floor-length Givenchy gown featuring a bateau neckline, a triple silk organza underskirt and a lace veil representing the distinctive flowers of the 53 Commonwealth countries.
This time around, Markle was praised for her unique fashion choice as well as the decision to incorporate a piece of history into her wedding gown .
The actress has been a member of the royal family for a little more than three weeks and there is still plenty of room for more fashion mishaps in the future. However, there are several royal rules in place to help steer her in the right direction while she makes history as the first person to ever hold the title of Duchess of Sussex.
Click through the slideshow to check out Markle’s style evolution throughout the years.
Meghan Markle wore a Mackage coat, a Greta Constantine skirt and a sweater by Victoria Beckham during a walkabout on March 23, 2018 in Belfast city centre amid the royal couple’s first joint visit to Northern Ireland.
Kelvin Boyes/AFP/Getty Images
Meghan Markle is pictured wearing a Veronica Beard jacket and romper set while attending P.S. Arts’ The pARTy on May 20, 2016 in Los Angeles.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a Misha Nonoo Husband Shirt and Mother Denim Looker Fray ankle jeans during her first public outing with Prince Harry. The couple is pictured attending a Wheelchair Tennis match during the Invictus Games on Sept. 25, 2017 in Toronto, Canada.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Meghan Markle is pictured wearing a white Line The Label wrap coat and nude Aquazzura heels while posing for a photograph with Prince Harry on Nov. 27, 2017 in West London, following the announcement of their engagement.
Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a Joseph Laurel full midi skirt, a Wolford Colorado bodysuit and Kurt Geiger Violet Boots during her visit with Prince Harry to Nottingham Academy on Dec. 1, 2017 in Nottingham, England.
Andy Stenning - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a long Sentaler coat over a Club Monaco dress and accessorized with a Chloé bag, Marks & Spencer gloves, a Philip Treacy hat and Stuart Weitzman boots while attending the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas Day church service with Prince Harry at St. Mary Magdalene Church on Dec. 25, 2017 in Sandringham, Norfolk, eastern England.
Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images
During her second public appearance as Prince Harry’s fiancée, Meghan Markle wore a Smythe coat over a Marks and Spencer top, Burberry trousers, Sarah Flint heels and a Jigsaw scarf. The couple is pictured leaving Reprezent 107.3FM on Jan. 9, 2018 in London, England.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Meghan Markle arrived to a walkabout at Cardiff Castle wearing a black Stella McCartney coat over a Theory jacket with Hiut Denim jeans, Tabitha Simmons boots and a DeMellier London bag on Jan. 18, 2018 in Cardiff, Wales.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Meghan Markle is pictured wearing an Alexander McQueen suit and a Tuxe Bodysuit blouse paired with Jimmy Choo shoes and a Prada clutch while leaving the “Endeavour Fund Awards” Ceremony with Prince Harry on Feb. 1, 2018 in London, England.
Ben Stansall - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a Burberry coat, Veronica Beard trousers and a Strathberry cross body bag during a visit to Edinburgh Castle. The actress and Prince Harry are pictured in Scotland on Feb. 13, 2018.
Jane Barlow/AFP/Getty Images
Meghan Markle is pictured wearing a belted satin wrap dress by Jason Wu during the first annual Royal Foundation Forum alongside Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on Feb. 28, 2018 in London, England.
Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Meghan Markle opted to wear a J Crew coat over an AllSaints jumper and Manolo Blahnik heels while visiting Birmingham on March 8, 2018 in Birmingham, England.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Meghan Markle chose to pair a Stephen Jones hat with a dress and coat by Amanda Wakeley while attending the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey with Prince Harry on March 12, 2018 in London, England.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a pale green crochet dress to an event honoring women. The actress is pictured attending Glamour and L’Oreal Paris Celebrate College Women Of The Year on April 27, 2016 in New York City.
Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images
Meghan Markle is pictured wearing Mother jeans while arriving to meet participants at the UK team trials for the Invictus Games Sydney on April 6, 2018 in Bath, Southwest England.
Ben Stanstall/ AFP/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a Altuzurra pin-stripe dress with a Camilla and Marc blazer while attending a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum on April 18, 2018 in central London.
Yui Mok/AFP/Getty Images
Meghan Markle chose to pair a Gucci bag and Aquazurra shoes with a Black Halo dress while attending the Women’s Empowerment reception on April 19, 2018 in London, England.
Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a green Self-Portrait dress to attend a reception for the Invictus Games with Prince Harry on April 21, 2018 in London.
Alastair Grant/AFP/Getty Images
Meghan Markle opted for a sleeveless Hugo Boss dress while attending the 25th Anniversary Memorial Service to celebrate the life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence with Prince Harry on April 23, 2018 in London, England.
Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a Matthew Williamson coat and Sarah Flint pumps for the Anzac Day dawn service on April 25, 2018 at Hyde Park Corner in London.
Toby Melville/AFP/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore an all-black ensemble to attend an Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on April 25, 2018 in London, England.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a Givenchy dress by Clare Waight Keller on her wedding day. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex are pictured walking down the west steps of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018 in Windsor.
Jane Barlow/AFP/Getty Images
The Duchess of Sussex wore a Stella McCartney dress to attend her evening wedding reception with Prince Harry on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England.
Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wore a Goat dress, Philip Treacy hat and accessorized with a Wilbur and Gussie oyster silk clutch to attend The Prince of Wales’ 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration on May 22, 2018 in London, England.
Dominic Lipinski - Pool/Getty Images
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at Trooping The Colour on the Mall on June 9, 2018 in London, England.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Meghan Markle is pictured wearing a yellow patterned dress to the Annual Charity Day Hosted By Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC at the Cantor Fitzgerald Office on Sept.11, 2013 in New York.
Mike McGregor/Getty Images
During the early days of her career, Meghan Markle wore a bodycon dress to an industry event. The actress is pictured attending the Rising Stars: Producers Ball l on Sept. 5, 2012 in Toronto, Canada.
Sonia Recchia/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a sequined dress during a red carpet appearance. The actress is pictured attending USA Network and Mr Porter.com Present “A Suits Story” on June 12, 2012 in New York.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a burnt orange draped terracotta dress to a Hollywood bash. The actress is pictured attending the GQ Men of the Year Party on Nov. 13, 2012 in Los Angeles.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a sparkly dress featuring a scooped back to an industry event. The actress is pictured attending NBC Universal’s 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards after party on Jan. 13, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California.
Paul A. Hebert/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a magenta Marchesa peplum dress to the ELLE Women in Television Celebration on Jan. 24, 2013 in West Hollywood, California.
Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a multi-colored maxi dress to the Entertainment Weekly Pre-SAG Party hosted by Essie and Audi on Jan. 26, 2013 in Los Angeles.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Meghan Markle is pictured wearing a mini shirt dress while attending the USA Network Upfront Event on May 16, 2013 in New York City.
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a short white dress on the red carpet of the MuchMusic Video Awards on June 16, 2013 in Toronto, Canada.
Jag Gundu/Getty Images
Meghan Markle is pictured wearing a white lace dress while attending the Self Rocks the Summer Event on July 16, 2013 in New York City.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a black crop top and skirt from Herve Leger By Max Azria while attending the designer’s fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2014 on Sept. 7, 2013 in New York City.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Meghan Markle is pictured wearing an all-black ensemble at the Tory Burch fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2014 on Sept. 10, 2013 in New York City.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a black silk dress while attending the Novak Djokovic Foundation dinner on Sept. 10, 2013 in New York City.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a navy lace Diane von Furstenberg dress. The actress is pictured attending the USA Network and The Moth’s Storytelling Tour “A More Perfect Union: Stories of Prejudice and Power” on Feb. 15, 2012 in West Hollywood, California.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a green and black bodycon dress to a soirée honoring another actress. The star is pictured attending the Gala Tribute for Cate Blanchett during the 51st New York Film Festival on Oct. 2, 2013 in New York City.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Meghan Markle is pictured wearing a little black dress by Alexander McQueen to the world premiere of the film “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” on Nov. 11, 2013 in Leicester Square, central London.
Andrew Cowie/AFP/Getty Images
Meghan Markle is pictured wearing an asymmetrical black dress while attending the London Global Gift Gala on Nov. 19, 2013 in London, England.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a white Herve Leger dress with a studded leather jacket while attending the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge on Feb. 8, 2014 in New York City.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Meghan Markle opted for wide-leg white trousers and a button down shirt while attending an exclusive preview of the Marchesa Voyage for ShopStyle collection on Sept. 5, 2014 in New York City.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a Roland Mouret dress to attend the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 13th Annual “An Enduring Vision” Benefit on Oct. 28, 2014 in New York City.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Meghan Markle added some color to her all-black ensemble by accessorizing with a pair of embroidered Miu Miu heels while attending the UJA-Federation of New York’s Entertainment Division Signature Gala on June 2, 2015 in New York City.
Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore an all-white number to attend the NBC’s New York Summer Press Day on June 24, 2015 in New York City.
Robin Marchant/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore a silver dress designed by her good friend Misha Nonoo while attending the 12th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards on Nov. 2, 2015 in New York City.
Andrew Toth/Getty Images
Meghan Markle is pictured wearing a high-necked Dolce & Gabbana dress while attending ELLE’s 6th Annual Women In Television Dinner on Jan. 20, 2016 in West Hollywood, California.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Meghan Markle wore all-black to attend the premiere of USA Network’s “Suits” Season 5 on Jan. 21, 2016 in Los Angeles.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images