Before she was the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was paving the way for kick-ass female paralegals everywhere for 7 seasons of the hit TV show Suits. The show is known for giving viewers a peek into the lives of high-powered New York City attorneys… but, it is also a goldmine of formal and classic work-attire inspiration.
Markle’s on-screen character, Rachel Zane, mastered office chic and the art of power dressing – often seen in monochromatic colour palettes, form-fitting silhouettes and sky-high court shoes. She may have traded in the courthouse for Frogmore Cottage, but Markle, who admitted to being in awe of Rachel’s wardrobe, has left a capsule of memorable outfits to drool over.
Here are our top picks to inspire your workwear wardrobe:
Credit: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Rachel is almost always seen in a fitted shirt or knit when on the job, her shirts are slightly unbuttoned adding a feminine yet ‘undone’ touch to a classic uniformed look.
Credit: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
To brave the New York City breeze, you’ve got to be classic, tailored and comfy and Rachel frequently rocked a tailored knit, tucked into a matching pencil skirt – the epitome of practical and chic.
Credit: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Rarely venturing into statement pieces, this violet ruffled look is a subtle nod to the spring season and complemented the paralegal’s everyday aesthetic perfectly.
Credit: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Rachel seems to have a soft spot for pencil skirts, and is more often than not seen in a neutral-toned skirt paired with a white shirt. Here, she wears the shirt buttoned down and cuffed which gives a perfect off-duty look.
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Credit: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Grey and blue is a staple work combo, and Rachel, who always defies the norm, gives it a little tweak with a slouchy turtleneck.
Although we miss seeing the ‘legal superhero’ and new mum on our screens, she sure as hell left a mark on our wardrobe.
Shop our edit of similar outfits below…
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Zara Longline Shirt, £25.99
This long collared sky blue shirt from Zara's main collection, is fitted with long sleeves and a button fastening in the front- hidden by a placket.
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Allude Cashmere sweater, £349 at Net-A-Porter
We all need a little bit of cashmere- this Allude sweater is knitted from beige yarn that's irresistibly soft, fluffy and springy.
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Alexander McQueen Topstitched knitted pencil skirt, £1,120 at MATCHESFASHION.COM
Made in Italy from a mid-weight stretch knit, the Alexander McQueen ivory skirt is contoured with corset topstitching. The skirt sits high on the waist into a slim pencil cut.
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AllSaints Ava Shirt, £98
AllSaints gives the classic white shirt an upgrade. The Ava Shirt is crafted from a cotton-silk blend with an exaggerated back in a loose fit.
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Alexander McQueen Grain de poudre wool pencil skirt, £450 at Net-A-Porter
The signature Alexander McQueen cut and tailoring is seen in this classic black pencil skirt. Made in Italy from smooth wool, the skirt has vertical seams at the waist to flatter the figure and is lined in silk.
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Arma Pencil Skirt, £489 at Farfetch
Dutch label Arma is at it again with this Ivory pencil skirt. The classic fit is tailored to a feminine and minimalist shape to flatter every body type.
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Dolce & Gabbana Chiffon Blouse, £795 at Farfetch
This Dolce & Gabbana black silk chiffon blouse features a high standing collar, long sleeves, a front button fastening and a frill trim.
