Meghan Markle's Inappropriate Outfit At 2023 Invictus Games Became Beloved Online

By Kelsey Goldbach
Meghan Markle smiling at the 2023 Invictus Games in a white blazer and sunglasses. Karwai Tang/Getty

Meghan Markle has caught a lot of heat for the clothes she's worn to royal events. In fact, Meghan Markle's most inappropriate outfits have garnered criticism from social media users, tabloids, and style blogs alike. Nevertheless, the Duchess of Sussex has built a reputation as one of the biggest fashion risk-takers in the British royal family. Her looks from the 2023 Invictus Games are a perfect example. Markle's outfits were a blend of higher-end pieces from Carolina Herrera, Miu Miu, and Bottega Veneta, as well as more casual items from Ralph Lauren, Zara, and J. Crew. One of her most talked-about looks came from the morning events on September 15.

Meghan Markle walking at the 2023 Invictus Games. She is wearing a white blazer with a white shorts jumpsuit and black slides.Karwai Tang/Getty

Starting the day in a white Celine blazer over a simple Zara belted romper, Markle dressed up the outfit with a pair of black sunglasses and Saint Laurent leather slides. Even though some social media users took issue with her wearing shorts to the Invictus Games, many more gushed over the stylish look. 

Several commenters expressed their appreciation for Markle's 2023 Invictus Games look in a Facebook post in a royals-centric fan group. "A lovely up to date modern royal not frightened to be herself and not frightened to be different. Huge applause and all respect," one fan wrote. "I simply love this outfit. She is radiant," added another.

Many of Meghan Markle's inappropriate outfits have been labeled triumphs by fans

Meghan Markle in a pink dress and hat with Prince Harry at Trooping the Colour 2018. Max Mumby/indigo/Getty

The Duchess of Sussex has worn some pretty daring outfits to important events, and there's a noticeable divide between the opinions of her fellow royals and everyday fans. While some looks were labeled inappropriate by royal standards, fans and fashion critics alike fell in love with her style. Shortly after her and Prince Harry's wedding, Meghan Markle turned heads at her first Trooping the Colour in 2018. She wore an off-the-shoulder blush pink Carolina Herrera two-piece set, which caused some dress code purists to call attention to her exposed décolletage. 

Although members of the British royal family don't have any official fashion rules, there are strict expectations and conventions when it comes to their clothing choices. Royal women are expected to keep their necklines modest and avoid anything that bares their chests. So, it's no wonder that Markle's first Trooping the Colour look was a hit with U.S.-based fashion publications, yet struck royal fans in the U.K. as quite scandalous. 

In April 2026, Meghan Markle proved that she's completely free from royal style rules with another "inappropriate" outfit on a trip to Australia. She once again bared her shoulders and collarbone, this time in a casual black long-sleeved top from a Sydney-based clothing brand. Even casual wear comes with rigid guidelines, according to the BBC. But regardless of the many dress code customs, Markle clearly continues to leave these style limitations far behind and pave her own way.