Meghan Markle’s fashion choices continue to attract the public’s attention, especially as she and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, have consistently made solo appearances at high-profile events. These separate engagements not only fueled divorce rumors, but also fueled speculation about the couple’s strategic approach to cultivating goodwill based on their individual strengths. According to psychotherapist Dr. Robbie Ludwig, Meghan’s recent style statements show a desire to establish herself as a figure of power and influence in the United States, separate from her husband’s royal heritage.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Ludwig analyzed Markle’s wardrobe as a deliberate attempt to redefine her public image. “Meghan seems to be on a mission to make herself relevant and respected in her own right, trying to become a symbol of the American royal family – independent, powerful and desirable,” she explained. That theme was especially evident in her appearance at the 2024 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles gala, where she reworked a bright red Carolina Herrera dress from 2021. The bold choice of red, often associated with confidence, power and empowerment, emphasized her intention to assert her presence. Dr. Ludwig called red “the color of the leading woman” and emphasized its psychological impact, noting, “Red clothing conveys the message, ‘I’m here, I’m not hiding, and I’m ready to take my position of power.'” She also noted the “red dress effect” , a phenomenon where red enhances attractiveness and confidence, making it the perfect choice for those redefining her image.
Markle’s style choices further complemented her reinvention story. Her Hollywood-style hairstyle, done up in a classic vintage style, signals a return to her roots as an actress while reinforcing her evolving identity. “It’s all part of Megan reclaiming her narrative and reclaiming her autonomy,” Ludwig observed. This sentiment is in line with the Duchess’s wider ambitions. At 43, Meghan seems to be strategizing for more — more influence, more fame and more opportunities to cement her position as a global icon. “Her goal, apparently, is to create a global brand, to position herself as the most powerful woman in the room,” Ludwig added, emphasizing the high stakes of such an endeavor.
However, the path to such fame is fraught with challenges. Fame, as Ludwig pointed out, is a double-edged sword that evokes both admiration and criticism. Meghan’s journey has not been without public scrutiny, and the unconditional adoration she may have expected has proved elusive. This has pushed her to find new ways to redefine her public persona, potentially through a thoughtful mix of bold fashion choices, strategic performances and independent ventures.
The Duchess’s journey reflects a larger narrative of self-recovery that seeks to balance individuality with the expectations of fame. As Meghan Markle continues to navigate the complexities of public life, her fashion choices act as both a statement of independence and a tool to redefine her identity. Whether she will achieve her vision of becoming “American royalty” remains to be seen, but her deliberate efforts to forge her own path speak volumes for her determination to remain relevant, admired and influential.
