It’s been three years since Meghan Markle’s wedding dress made headlines worldwide, and we get why. From her classic ceremony gown to her modern second look, Markle's wedding day fashion was full of elegance and style.
For her first gown, Markle worked with designer Clare Waight Keller to design her gorgeous Givenchy ceremony dress. As previously reported by Brides, a press statement released by Kensington Palace stated, “True to the heritage of the house, the pure lines of the dress are achieved using six meticulously placed seams. The dress's focus is the graphic open bateau neckline that gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasizes the slender sculpted waist. The lines of the dress extend towards the back where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. The slim three-quarter sleeves add a note of refined modernity." And for the reception, Markle graced the world with a more playful and relaxed look–a Stella McCartney high neck, halter dress.
“Meghan Markle’s dress was everything that you dream of when you have a fairytale wedding. It was simplistic enough in the silhouette but still classic enough to be considered a timeless dress,” Stephanie White, founder & creative director of Odylyne The Ceremony, told Brides.
To recreate the look White suggests, "a very classic silhouette almost reminiscent of past princesses and duchesses. A look that accentuates the frame of the bride, but simplistic enough to let the focus be on the bride and not fully, or completely, on the details of the dress."
Meet the Expert
Stephanie White is the founder and creative director of Odylyne The Ceremony, a bridal line with ethereal and free-spirited gowns for modern-day brides.
While you may not be able to get your hands on the exact Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy and Stella McCartney dresses that Meghan Markle wore, we have the next best thing. Below, we’ve compiled 22 wedding dresses to help recreate Markle's ceremony and reception look for when you say "I do."
Best Budget-Friendly Look-Alike: David’s Bridal Off-the-Shoulder Buttoned Back Crepe Wedding Dress
This off-the-shoulder neckline gown lends itself to a sophisticated mermaid silhouette. It features a train full of movement, and cloth buttons that line the back of the dress.
SHOP NOW: David's Bridal
Best Detailed Shoulders: Oui Madam Bespoke Angelica Dress
This dress keeps the square neckline feature, but adds a modern touch by using feathers, crystals, and beading to detail the gown’s shoulders. The entire gown is also wrapped with stretch crepe fabric and features an open back and a high slit.
SHOP NOW: Oui Madam
Best Off-the-Shoulder: David's Bridal Off-the-Shoulder Mikado Trumpet Wedding Dress
Although Markle's dress was a bit more modest, this dress offers a contemporary and more modern alternative. The off-the-shoulder neckline melts into a fully buttoned-down train.
SHOP NOW: David's Bridal
Most Intricate: Viktor & Rolf Flower Sleeve Gown
This Viktor & Rolf gown offers three-quarter length sleeves with handcrafted 3D flowers. Another dress highlight? A detachable train.
SHOP NOW: Viktor & Rolf
Best Ballgown: Amsale Ailey Dress
If you love the shape of Meghan Markle's dress but would prefer a fuller ballgown, then this dress is for you. It showcases a square neckline, sheer sleeves, and a pleated skirt with pockets.
SHOP NOW: Amsale
Best Sheath-Style: Rosa Clara Dylan Dress
Simplicity is key with this dress by Rosa Clara. Made with crepe fabric, the bateau neckline and cap sleeves will offer elegance and ease on your wedding day.
SHOP NOW: Rosa Clara
Most Regal: Odylyne The Ceremony Lyonese Gown
The Lyonese gown by Odylyne The Ceremony has ruched long sleeves, with built-in fingerless gloves, for brides getting married in cooler seasons.
SHOP NOW: Odylyne The Ceremony
For a Winter Wedding: Roland Mouret Ella Wool-Crepe Gown
Although this gown is designed with wool, you won't have to worry about comfort thanks to the added interior silk lining. The high square neckline makes this a great option when replicating Meghan Markle's wedding day look.
SHOP NOW: Net-a-Porter
Best Draped Silhouette: ASOS EDITION Beatrice Bardot Drape Wrap Wedding Dress
This dress by ASOS provides a sexy, off-the-shoulder look with drape sleeves. What's even better is its budget-friendly price tag that won't break the bank.
SHOP NOW: ASOS
Most Traditional: Lihi Hod Charlotte Dress
The Charlotte dress by designer Lihi Hod is one of the best Meghan Markle-like gowns. One difference to note is the front slit, a flirty addition to the princess-inspired dress.
SHOP NOW: Lihi Hod
Best Splurge-Worthy: Oscar de la Renta Open Back Stretch Crepe Gown
This gown is a pricey option, but certainly worth the splurge. Its simple, yet elegant, touches are fit for a princess.
SHOP NOW: Net-a-Porter
Best All-Over Lace: Whistles Maria Halter Lace Wedding Dress
This classic halter dress is taken to the next level with its all-over lace embroidery. It also includes floral lace panels on the back for added elegance.
SHOP NOW: Selfridges
Best High Neck: Amsale Sammie Gown
If you’re having a wedding in a warmer month, consider this short sleeve option. The sheer back, with hand-appliqued silk organza petals, would look gorgeous in your wedding photos.
SHOP NOW: Amsale
Best Halter: Show Me Your Mumu Jasmine Halter Maxi Dress
Though this dress is offered in three colors, for a classic Meghan Markle look, opt for the ivory luxe satin option. The classic halter shape softly wraps around the neck to create a beautiful silhouette.
SHOP NOW: Show Me Your Mumu
For a Summer Wedding: BHLDN Montreal Crepe Maxi Dress
This halter dress is a classic choice for brides craving a royal look. To accessorize, try incorporating an embellished belt or shoulder-grazing earrings.
SHOP NOW: BHLDN
For the Laid-Back Bride: Les Reveries Silk-Charmeuse Halterneck Gown
Les Reveries's silk-charmeuse dress would flow elegantly as you walk down the aisle–and is the perfect dress to dance the night away during your reception.
SHOP NOW: Net-a-Porter
Most Simplistic: Cathleen Jia Ella Dress
Cathleen Jia's Ella dress is a stunning reception gown option. Pair with subtle earrings or a long flowing veil.
SHOP NOW: Cathleen Jia
For the Fashion Forward Bride: Rosie Assoulin Whoopsy Daisy Asymmetric Ruffled Silk-Charmeuse Gown
For an interpretation of Markle's reception look, this option from Rosie Assoulin is an amazing choice. The gown's ruffles add a playful detail, and the asymmetrical length makes it easy to move in.
SHOP NOW: Net-a-Porter
Best Color: BHLDN Esme High Neck Satin Dress in Oyster
For the bride who prefers color, this dress by BHLDN has you covered. Perfect for a second (or third) look!
SHOP NOW: BHLDN
Most Sophisticated: White by Vera Wang Halter Wedding Dress
Vera Wang's high neck dress offers a T-strap racerback for a contemporary look that elongates the entire figure. There is also a satin sash that defines the waist, adding a focal point to the dress.
SHOP NOW: David's Bridal
For a Casual Wedding: Galvan Pandora Silk-Satin Halterneck Midi Dress
This dress's silhouette is specifically crafted to highlight the bust and waist of a bride while providing a looser fit at the hips. Even better, the midi-length allows you to move around easily without having to be concerned about a train.
SHOP NOW: Net-a-Porter