What would we do without a handful of trusty staples to keep us in sartorial check? From the perfect white button-down to a dependable little black dress, these essentials are the building blocks of a well-rounded wardrobe that make day-to-day dressing infinitely easier. Undoubtedly, there are certain celebrities who are on top of it in terms of styling their basics—Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, to name a few. But today, we’re taking a deeper dive into Meghan Markle’s enviable staple closet. While statement pieces are a big part of her wardrobe as a royal on duty, she tends to anchor these pieces with dependable basics—think nude pointed-toe pumps and neutral overcoats. Her off-duty looks are likewise made up of timeless classics—skinny black jeans and white button-down shirts. She certainly has a knack for styling simple staples for maximum impact. If you want to emulate her steadfast closet of basics, then scroll below for the go-to pieces that anchor her closet.
Nude Pointed-Toe Pumps
Definitely one of the hardest-working items in Meghan's closet, neutral pumps are her preferred shoe of choice for almost every outfit, from dresses to pants. She loves them in black too.
On Meghan Markle: Brandon Maxwell dress; Manolo Blahnik BB Nude Pump ($625)
White Button-Down Shirts
She wears them dressed down with skinny jeans and dressed up for red carpet events. Meghan knows the dependably chic power of a staple white button-down.
On Meghan Markle: Givenchy white button-down shirt and black high-waisted skirt
Black Pants
Whether a tapered cut, wide-leg trousers, or, more recently, black skinny jeans, Meghan keeps her look polished in trusty black pants.
On Meghan Markle: Givenchy black trousers and blazer
On Meghan Markle: Givenchy black pantsuit
On Meghan Markle: William Vintage Courrèges Haute Couture black trapeze coat in matelassé silk circa 1965; Manolo Blahnik BB Nude Pump ($625); Le Specs Sunglasses; Hatch Skinny Maternity Jeans ($248)
Neutral-Color Overcoats
Whether beige, camel, white, or black, Meghan loves a beautiful staple overcoat to make her whole outfit infinitely more refined.
On Meghan Markle: Calvin Klein turtleneck dress; Amanda Wakely Crombie Coat ($1190)
On Meghan Markle: Brock Collection Odilia Floral-Print Dress Midi Dress ($1044); Soia and Kyo Adelaida Wool Coat ($695)
On Meghan Markle: Victoria Beckham Deep Navy Tailored Slim Coat; Victoria Beckham Black Powder Box Bag ($2125)
On Meghan Markle: H&M MAMA Fine-Knit Dress ($50); Emporio Armani Beige Single Breasted Cashmere Coat ($1699); Aquazurra Deneuve Taupe Suede Pump ($750)
Leggings
While we don't see the duchess wearing these too often, on a recent trip to New York, she stepped out in chic black staple leggings, topped off with a camel coat to keep the look sophisticated. We're convinced she wears them behind closed doors when hanging out at the palace!
On Meghan Markle: Adidas UltraBoost Running Shoe ($180); Black leggings; Cuyana Le Sud Weekender ($395); Camel Coat
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