Meghan Markle first wore this gown, in 2021 during the Salute to Freedom gala with her husband, Prince Harry.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, often feels worlds apart from the everyday experiences of most people. Her journey from American actress to British royal has been filled with high-profile moments, and her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, embodies an aspirational quality that can be hard to relate to. Yet, on a recent occasion, a glimpse of connection emerged when Meghan graced the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala in a striking red Carolina Herrera dress that she had previously worn back in 2021.

Rewearing outfits might seem like a mundane act for many, but for someone in the public eye, it carries a different weight. Recently, celebrities like Cate Blanchett, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Billie Eilish have made headlines for donning their past red carpet looks, championing the conversation around sustainability in fashion. In this context, Meghan’s choice to revisit a previous ensemble becomes a statement not only about style but also about conscious consumerism.

However, Meghan’s take on the Herrera dress showed her personal evolution in fashion. When she first debuted the gown three years ago at a gala honoring veterans in New York, it was styled with all the traditional trappings expected of a royal. The dress featured a grand built-in train, which she paired with sleek satin pumps and the exquisite 2.15 carat Birks Snowflake Snowstorm Diamond Earrings, jewels she often wore during official royal engagements.

Fast forward to the gala this past Saturday, and Meghan’s interpretation of the same dress was strikingly different. Since stepping back from royal duties alongside Prince Harry more than four years ago, she has embraced a more relaxed, tailored version of the gown, opting for a look that feels more personal and in tune with her current lifestyle. Her hair fell gracefully down her back, and her jewelry was minimal—no necklace, no prominent earrings—just a few delicate rings and her beloved Cartier Love bracelet. Completing the outfit were chic open-toed slingbacks from Giuseppe Zanotti, adding a contemporary twist to her ensemble.

This shift in her fashion choices signals a departure from the stringent sartorial rules that once dictated her wardrobe. Meghan appears to be embracing a style that reflects her individuality, reminiscent of her pre-royal days. Last September, she captivated audiences in an off-the-shoulder emerald lace tube dress from Cult Gaia at the Invictus Games closing ceremony in Düsseldorf, Germany. More recently, during her visits to Nigeria and Colombia, she opted for vibrant, strappy sundresses with thigh-high splits, embodying a free-spirited approach to fashion.

Meghan’s evolving style not only showcases her personal growth but also serves as a reflection of broader cultural shifts in how we view fashion and sustainability. By reimagining a previous outfit and prioritizing a more tailored, less ostentatious look, she aligns herself with a growing movement among celebrities advocating for sustainability in the fashion industry.

In a world where fast fashion reigns supreme, Meghan’s choices encourage a more thoughtful approach to clothing, demonstrating that style can be both chic and sustainable. As she continues to navigate her life away from the constraints of royal expectations, her fashion statements become a window into her evolving identity—one that merges elegance with authenticity.

While Meghan may remain a figure shrouded in glamour and celebrity, moments like these serve as reminders that even those in the spotlight can find common ground with everyday experiences. Whether it’s through the choice to rewear a beloved dress or to embrace a more personal style, Meghan’s journey reflects a desire for connection, understanding, and, ultimately, a commitment to a more sustainable future in fashion.