Kate Middleton's Former Stylist Subtly Shows Love For Meghan Markle's Style: How To Get The Look
Whether you love or hate her, you can't deny that Meghan Markle is the most influential modern royal. While Meghan Markle's best red carpet outfits crown her one of the queens of fashion, it is one of her most iconic casual looks that is sparking conversation today. Fans and critics of Markle alike were quick to point out similarities between an outfit of Kate Middleton's former assistant and unofficial stylist, Natasha Archer, and the Duchess of Sussex's go-to look. Archer posted a photo of herself rocking a white button down shirt and blue jeans to Instagram in late June 2026.
While pairing a white blouse with denim is nothing revolutionary, Archer's post did bear a striking resemblance to a recent advertisement from Markle's lifestyle brand As ever, as well as various versions of the ensemble Markle has worn over the years (like the outfit she wore to the Invictus Games in 2017). A white button down shirt and jeans has been one of Markle's favored looks over the past few years — and for good reason. The outfit combination is one of the best minimalist ways to style jeans. If you too are hoping to emulate the Duchess of Sussex, we have a few tips to elevate the iconic look.
Dark denim can greatly elevate this look
In order to pull off Meghan Markle's go-to outfit combination, you have to get the basics right. Every woman should have a few good pair of jeans in their closet — especially if they want to pull off a simple yet chic look like this. Try putting away your trendy denim in favor of timeless dark-wash jeans. The dark blue Dial Wide-Leg Jeans from COS are an excellent option to achieve an elevated version of the tried-and-true ensemble. But, for a more casual vibe, try Levi's dark wash Cinch Baggy Lightweight Women's Jeans.
A well-tailored white shirt is a must-have
A high-quality, well-fitting white button down shirt is a wardrobe staple. If you're willing to invest a little more, we recommend La Ligne's Molly Shirt. But, for a more affordable option, try the Stretch Cotton Poplin Oversized Shirt from Express. However, the most important thing to consider when picking the perfect white button down is how it fits on you — to achieve Meghan Markle's look, you should aim for a fit that is not too tight, yet not bulky and oversized.
Ballet flats are the perfect shoe to pair with this simple outfit
Ballet flats are a very versatile shoe; with a variety of colors, shapes, and materials to choose from, they are a great way to style your white button down and jeans. Flats with a contrasting texture, like satin or suede, pair perfectly with jeans. The Sandy Liang Mary Jane Pointe shoes put a preppy spin on satin flats, giving your outfit a refined edge. But something like PUMA's Speedcat ballet flats in silver may be a better fit if you're looking for a sportier vibe.
Statement necklaces can add a bit of intrigue
Statement jewelry is one of the easiest ways to accessorize the humble white blouse-blue jeans combination. Necklaces with large, modern-looking pendants like Revolve's Ettika Open Circle Statement Necklace are perfect for those who want to maintain their outfit's understated and chic vibe while still standing out from the crowd. Or, for a pop of color, try a jewel-toned collar made from polished stones, like the J.Crew beaded chunky necklace in Vibrant Emerald.
Play with proportions by swapping out skinny or straight-leg jeans for wide-leg pants
There are many ways to style the baggy jean trend, but the most versatile option is to pair them with a white button-down. Loose or wide-legged jeans can add dimension and contrast to your outfit, helping you stand apart from other iterations of the classic combination. For a dramatic cut, the AGOLDE Low Slung Baggy Low Rise Jeans provide a unique, ultra-wide silhouette. But, if you are apprehensive about wearing super baggy jeans, try a more tapered loose trouser like Aritzia's Denim Forum The Farrah Hi-Rise Wide Jean.
Dress up your look with a pair of pointed-toe heels
Pointed-toe heels are one of the perfect shoes to wear with flared jeans, which makes them an easy way to make your white button-down and denim outfit less casual. You can use footwear to bring fun color into the classic look, so bold heels like the Stuart Weitzman Power 75MM Leather Slingback Pumps in the color Sunset Pink may be the perfect fit. If you're into more unorthodox shoes, Reformation's Wilda Kitten Mule in Black Lace are a great option to bring more texture to your ensemble.
How we chose these pieces
In order to create this list, we looked to the brands we trust. We read reviews from fashion critics and everyday buyers alike on each product to ensure that we only recommended the most highly-rated items. Additionally, we provided options across a range of high and low price points in order to allow readers different choices based on their budget.
