Red isn't just a color for Meghan Markle. It’s a statement. When she stepped out at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Gala in October 2024, the internet basically had a collective meltdown. But here’s the thing: it wasn't a new dress.
You’ve probably seen the photos. That vibrant, plunging Carolina Herrera gown. She first wore it back in 2021 at the Salute to Freedom Gala in New York. Back then, it had this massive, dramatic train that trailing behind her like something out of a classic Hollywood film. This time? The train was gone.
The CHLA Gala: A Lesson in the "Upcycle"
Meghan’s decision to re-wear the dress without the detachable overskirt was actually pretty savvy. It turned a high-drama "New York" look into something a bit more "California sleek." She paired the modified column dress with red Aquazzura "So Nude" sandals and kept her hair in these very relaxed, beachy waves. Honestly, it felt much more "her" than the original 2021 version.
But not everyone was a fan.
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If you spend five minutes on fashion forums like What Meghan Wore, you’ll see the debate. Some people loved the sustainability angle. Rewearing a $5,990 gown (yes, that was the original price tag) is a big deal for a royal-adjacent figure. Others? They pointed out the "bust darts." There’s been a lot of chatter about the tailoring, with critics saying the bodice didn't quite sit right. It’s a reminder that even when you have access to the world’s best designers, silk-faille is a tricky fabric to get perfect.
Why red? It's not just about looking good
Meghan has used the meghan markle red dress trope as a literal uniform for high-stakes moments. Think back to the Mountbatten Festival of Music in 2020. That was one of her final "farewell" appearances as a working royal. She wore a caped Safiyaa gown in a shade of scarlet that matched Prince Harry’s military uniform perfectly.
That wasn't an accident. It was visual branding.
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Then there was the Valentino cape dress in Morocco in 2019. She was eight months pregnant. She wore red as a nod to the Moroccan flag, representing hardiness and bravery. It’s a power move. When she wears red, she isn't trying to blend in. She’s taking up space.
The technical details most people miss
If you're looking at the 2024 CHLA appearance, there are a few specific things that made it different from her 2021 NYC debut:
- The Train: As mentioned, the 2021 version featured a voluminous silk-faille overskirt. In 2024, she wore just the base column gown.
- The Neckline: It’s a plunging halter neck. In 2021, she wore her hair in a tight, polished bun, which made the neckline look very formal. In 2024, the loose hair softened the whole vibe.
- The Jewelry: She stuck to her staples. The Cartier Love Bracelet was there, along with a gold pinky ring by Lorraine Schwartz.
Basically, the 2024 look was the "unplugged" version of the 2021 original.
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What this tells us about her 2026 style
Meghan seems to be leaning into a more "approachable" luxury. By ditching the heavy trains and the stiff updos, she’s aligning herself more with the Los Angeles aesthetic than the Windsor one. It’s less "Duchess" and more "Global Philanthropist."
You can actually see this trend across her recent wardrobe—lots of neutrals, but when she goes for color, she goes hard. The red dress is her "break glass in case of emergency" outfit. It guarantees headlines. It ensures she’s the focal point of the room.
How to get the look (without the $6k price tag)
If you're inspired by the meghan markle red dress but don't have a Carolina Herrera budget, focus on the "column" silhouette. That’s the secret. Look for dresses with a structured bodice and a straight skirt.
- Fabric matters: Meghan’s dress was silk-faille, which is stiff. For a more forgiving fit, look for a heavy crepe.
- The "No-Train" Rule: If you’re buying a formal gown, see if it’s "convertible." Many modern bridal and gala designers are making pieces with detachable elements.
- Monochrome is key: Notice she wore red shoes with a red dress. It makes you look taller and keeps the focus on the silhouette rather than breaking up the line of the body.
The next time you've got a major event, don't feel like you need something brand new. Look at what you already own. Can you tailor it? Can you remove a sleeve or a train? Meghan showed us that a "re-wear" can actually be more iconic than the debut.
To start your own sustainable wardrobe shift, take a look at your most expensive formal piece and see if a local tailor can modernize the silhouette for your next big event.