The Royal Shopper

Six things Meghan Markle made me want to buy after I watched her Netflix series

As HELLO!’s resident shopping expert, it’s only right that I discuss the Meghan Effect. It may have divided opinion but Meghan’s Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, was incontestably a feast for the eyes.

Did I want to wear cream before watching that show? No, not particularly.

Did I care about how chic my apron looked before the show? Nope, not one bit.

Did I contemplate wearing Crocs around the house? Oh hell no.

But now? Well… it’s a yes to all of the above.

I watched all eight episodes and I was super impressed with her looks (sorry, lewks, IYKYK) so I want to dedicate my this post to all the ways she has influenced me without even trying. And I just want to make it clear, I’m not talking about making my dog its own dog biscuits, I seriously don’t have time for that. But shopping for some new outfits? Oh, I’ll make time.

Let’s go, shall we?

Click on the price either in dollars or pound sterling to proceed. FYI, when you purchase through links, we may earn commission.

1. Crazy for cream

I don’t have much cream in my wardrobe, I’ll be honest. I’m too clumsy and I know I’ll spill coffee/balsamic vinegar/wine (delete as applicable) down myself as soon as I wear cream. But if Meghan can chop juicy-looking cherry tomatoes wearing cream in the kitchen, what am I so afraid of? My favourite outfit had to be in episode two where Meghan is joined by her friend Mindy Kaling. Like Mindy, I too was impressed with the ensemble and stunned to know her pants were from Zara. Meghan admitted her closet is made up of “high low” and I just adored how her sweater was worn over her shoulders. Divine.

Cream outfit credits:

Pants: Zara, past season. If you’re looking for similar, I love these Banana Republic Wide-Leg Pants, $120 / £60

Short-sleeved knit: Loro Piana Takao sweater, $1,200 / £1,080

Sweater over the shoulders: Jenni Kayne, $395. This Graham & Spencer knit is very similar and it’s priced at $107 / £111

Slides: Loro Piana Summer Charms suede slides, $920 / £640

2. Go for gold

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love gold jewellery as much as the next girl, but lately I have been swayed to the rising trend of silver. But Meghan? She’s loyal to gold. Whether it’s the gold signet ring she wore or the Lorraine Schwartz emerald cut pinky ring, the Logan Hollowell ‘Leo’ ring or the amazing Cartier watch – this show is packed with gold.

Because Meghan’s collection of jewels are quite expensive, below I’ll share some of my fave lookalikes for less.

Get the look for less:

Cartier watch lookalike: Abbott Lyon Essence Gold 33 Watch, $180 / £149

Medallian necklace lookalike: Mejuri Zodiac Pendant Necklace, $128 / £128

Zodiac ring lookalike: Lisa Angel Constellation Ring, $32.50 / £25

3. A stylish apron

At 40 years old, I’m now in the market for a stylish apron. I’ve never felt so grown up – and do you know who’s to blame? Meghan. In the series we see three very chic aprons, and now I’m seriously tempted to ditch my bright yellow one for a more muted version. She really has influenced me in the most bizarre ways.

Meghan’s apron credits:

Cream apron: Solino Home linen apron, $49.99 / £42. I have found a great lookalike for less: H&M linen apron, $24.99 / £15.30

Khaki apron: White Flower Farm, $44. I’ve found a great lookalike on Light In The Box for $10.99 / £16

Denim blue apron: Finery LA, if you’re looking for one similar, Levi’s has a great one for $54, and if you’re in the UK, I love this one from Le Creuset (a brand Meghan also loves) for £54

4. Guest room baskets

Ok, so, I may not have a guest room, but that hasn’t stopped me from wanting to buy some cute baskets for my imaginary one. I love the idea of having guests over and treating them to a wooden basket packed with popcorn and bath salts (though if they’re looking to take a bath, they might need to give me a little heads-up so I can put the hot water on first).

Where to shop:

The Container Store if you’re in the US

Dunelm if you’re in the UK

5. Terracotta for the win

Much like cream, I’ve never ever wanted to wear terracotta before, but somehow Meghan just makes it look so damn luxurious. We spot her wearing two different terracotta outfits throughout the series, and well, now I’m suddenly wanting something for my own closet.

Terracotta outfit credits:

Episode 4 ‘cognac’ dress: Zara past season, but I love this Etsy design for a similar vibe

Episode 6 (photographed above): The Sezane ‘Racquel’ dress, (available in other colors). Click here if you’re looking to shop in the UK

For a similar look I love this Nobody’s Child Burnt Orange Tiered Roselena Midi Dress, $120 / £89

6. Crocs. I said what I said

If you know me, you’ll be wondering if I’ve fallen over and hit my head. I’m not a Crocs girly, let’s put it that way. But the thing is, Meghan makes Crocs look pretty chic and they just make sense to wear them around the house.

Crocs credit:

Crocs Unisex Unisex Clog: Shop on Amazon for $39.99 / £43

Final verdict

I really enjoyed seeing all the fashion and homeware moments on With Love, Meghan. Lots of the items she wore in the show have sold out, including the jewellery and her kitchen essentials which just proves that the Meghan Effect is still a thing, even without royal engagements and red carpet appearances. Have you been influenced by Meghan? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to know.

If you have any suggestions for future The Royal Shopper posts, let me know either in the comments or by DMing me on Instagram @leannebayley.