The REAL motive Meghan likes to put on purple, in keeping with a method professional… and it is not what you assume

While the Duchess of Sussex often chooses to wear beige, when she wants to switch things up a bit with a pop of colour, she shows a preference for one in particular: scarlet red. 

Meghan has regularly been seen out and about in glamorous dresses, eye-catching accessories and bold monochromatic outfits in this striking hue, clearly underlining it as a favourite.

This colour also carries significant meaning, which the former actress is perhaps also aiming to convey.  

Kate Jones, stylist at House of Colour, told MailOnline: ‘The colour red traditionally represents power, opulence, passion and love. It’s bold and exciting, especially if worn top to toe. It tells your audience that you are a confident person who isn’t afraid to be noticed.

‘Meghan would also be drawn to the colour because it represents strength and courage, characteristics I believe she is keen to project.’

The detachable train 

‘Primary red is a colour that suits absolutely every skin tone and yet many people are too shy to wear it,’ Kate says.

‘Whether Meghan has had her colours analysed or not, she’s probably been advised that it suits her – and she does look fabulous in red; it illuminates her skin, helping it to sparkle and shine.’

This may explain why the Duchess recently decided to wear her £5,233 Carolina Herrera silk gown again at a charity gala in Los Angeles. 

She debuted the show-stopping gown at the Salute to Freedom Gala in New York in 2021, which she attended with Prince Harry. 

For her recent appearance, however, Meghan removed the detachable overskirt, revealing a figure-hugging silhouette.

Caped perfection 

Surpassing this look was Meghan’s appearance at the Mountbatten Festival of Music in 2020, when she wowed onlookers with a scarlet dress by Safiyaa, costing £1,295.

The ‘Kalika’ style incorporated a raised collar, shoulder cape and back drape detail, crafted from the brand’s trademark heavyweight crepe. 

Completed with co-ordinating Manolo Blahnik accessories, it was one of Meghan’s finest outfits to date.

Kate said: ‘It’s worth noting that the effect of red on Meghan is particularly striking, as she is often seen in chic neutral colours, such as black, navy, beige and cream. 

‘So, when she wears red, we can assume she’s making a concerted effort to be noticed.’

Colour block 

For the One Young World summit in Manchester in 2022, the Duchess oozed confidence in a distinctive £471 blouse and co-ordinating £514 trousers from the sustainable brand Another Tomorrow. 

The highlight of her ensemble was the semi-sheer blouse with a removable scarf, which she elegantly draped over one shoulder. 

She completed the look with Aquazzura heels in a matching shade, adding a touch of contrast with chunky gold jewellery from Tabayer. 

Trophy coat  

When she visited Birkenhead in Merseyside in January 2019, Meghan made an eye-catching statement in a £1,143 scarlet wool coat by Canadian brand Sentaler.

She elevated the ensemble with vertiginous red stilettos by Stuart Weitzman, while her hair was styled in a chignon.

The Duchess clearly aimed to make a statement on this occasion, possibly inspired by Queen Elizabeth II, who famously wore colour to ensure that she could be seen by onlookers when attending events. 

‘Red is a colour that makes you stand out from the crowd – something that would appeal to Meghan,’ Kate said. 

Ladylike ruffles 

Meghan took centre stage at the Women in Leadership panel event in Nigeria in May this year, likely influencing her choice of a vibrant dress by Nigerian designer Orire.

Made from heavyweight crepe, the £265 design featured a strappy neckline and ruffled hem, creating a welcome ladylike aesthetic.

By wearing red, Meghan conveyed a sense of power and authority while addressing the audience. 

This time, she allowed her dress to be the focal point, teaming it with Aquazzura nude sandals and diamond jewellery.

Fit and flare 

Meghan turned heads when she arrived in Tonga in October 2018, wearing a demure £380 dress by Self-Portrait.

The flattering fit-and-flare style boasted intricate embroidery, a cinched waist and pleated midi skirt.

Meghan finished her ensemble with Manolo Blahnik heels, a bespoke Dior clutch and delicate jewellery by Ecksand, creating a timeless look.

Elegant maternity wear

During her royal tour of Morocco in February 2019, Meghan showcased a custom-made dress by Valentino. 

The trapeze-cut design beautifully accommodated her baby bump and featured swirling embroidery across the cape detail. 

The colour of the dress may have symbolised the passion and love associated with her journey into motherhood for the first time.

She added complementary nude accessories, including a Valentino clutch and court shoes. 

Returning to her roots 

Meghan has long been enamoured with the vibrant hue of scarlet red. 

As early as 2006, during her appearance on the US version of TV game show Deal Or No Deal, she wore a skimpy mini dress in this exact shade.

Although her style has evolved significantly since her days as a suitcase girl, Meghan’s enduring affection for red demonstrates her fearless fashion sense.