Meghan Markle reveals the intentional messages behind her fashion choices

Meghan Markle said she realized her style could move the needle on causes or labels close to her heart.

The “Meghan Effect” and Conscious Fashion

Meghan Markle has officially acknowledged what many fashion watchers have long speculated — that her wardrobe was a tool for communication during her time as a working royal. Speaking on The Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast, the Duchess of Sussex, 43, confirmed that she strategically used fashion to spotlight small businesses, ethical causes, and female-founded brands.

“There’s this thing known as the ‘Meghan Effect,’” Lima, co-founder of It Cosmetics, said during the episode, referring to the surge in sales that brands experience after Meghan wears their products. Meghan confirmed her awareness of the term and revealed that she often made deliberate choices to support brands that align with her values.

Wearing Her Values: Fashion as a Silent Voice

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Meghan explained that during her time in the British royal family, she was often restricted in what she could say publicly. “There was a long time where… I wasn’t out talking. So if you couldn’t hear me, how could I be heard through what I was wearing if that was what people were focusing on?” she reflected.

Instead of making verbal statements, Meghan used fashion to amplify voices and causes she believed in. “It felt really great when, specifically, it can help uplift brands that have a great ethos and female founders,” she said. Her style choices often centered on companies with social or environmental missions, quietly but effectively channeling attention to their work.

Proven Impact: From Small Brands to Sell-Out Success

Jamie Kern Lima pointed to one dramatic example of the “Meghan Effect”: the Valencia Key gold bracelet, priced at $125, which Meghan wore during the 2025 Invictus Games and again during her As Ever brand announcement. The bracelet saw an astronomical 11,000% increase in sales, with the entire stock selling out.

Another standout example was Meghan’s decision to wear Outland Denim black skinny jeans during her 2018 visit to Australia with Prince Harry. She chose the brand for its mission — employing survivors of human trafficking — and its sustainability practices. The company holds a B Corporation certification, highlighting its ethical and environmental commitment.

Conclusion: Fashion With a Purpose

Meghan Markle’s fashion choices have always sparked headlines, but now, she’s peeled back the curtain to reveal the intention behind them. Far from being mere style statements, her wardrobe served as a subtle but powerful way to champion values she couldn’t always speak about publicly. In doing so, she has not only defined her personal style but also helped elevate brands that might otherwise remain under the radar — proving that fashion, when worn with purpose, can indeed speak volumes.

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