Meghan Markle Criticized for Copying Angelina Jolie’s Style Over 20 Times—The Fashion Fiasco You Didn’t Know About
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Meghan Markle’s fashion choices have consistently garnered attention ever since her engagement to Prince Harry in 2017, sparking widespread interest and debate about her style evolution. One of the latest criticisms, however, involves claims that Markle has imitated Hollywood royalty Angelina Jolie more than 20 times. This criticism, which has generated substantial online conversation, raises questions about the nature of celebrity style, inspiration, and imitation.
Context and Comparison: A Shared Aesthetic
Both Meghan Markle and Angelina Jolie have much in common beyond their Hollywood acting careers, including their philanthropic endeavors with the United Nations and their interactions with Queen Elizabeth II. Their public personas often overlap, and their fashion choices are no exception. Both women favor sophisticated, chic suiting, elegant midi dresses, and neutral color palettes. Such similarities have often led to comparisons between the two, but recently, those comparisons have turned into criticism, with some fans accusing Markle of directly imitating Jolie’s iconic looks.
Source of the Criticism
The specific criticism of Meghan copying Angelina over 20 times began on a fan account, Remoulade Sauce, on X (formerly Twitter). This account compiled a list of what it described as near-identical outfits, drawing attention to the frequent similarities between their sartorial choices. This compilation was later highlighted in an Express.co.uk article, which detailed several examples, including:
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2011 vs. 2017: Angelina wore an oversized white belted coat in New York; Meghan wore a similar coat for her engagement announcement.
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2010 vs. 2012: Angelina wore a black, strapless sequined mini dress by Emporio Armani; Meghan wore an off-the-shoulder version at a Suits fashion show.
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2010 vs. 2017: Angelina wore a beige double-breasted trench coat with brown knee-high boots; Meghan sported a similar light brown coat and boots for her first Christmas at Sandringham.
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2014 vs. 2017: Angelina carried an oversized Everlane Portfolio handbag; Meghan was spotted with the same design in brown.
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2014 vs. 2018: Angelina wore a white gown with a cape-like detail for the Unbroken premiere; Meghan wore a similar Givenchy creation for her first engagement with the Queen.
This list, compiled by the Remoulade Sauce account, led to further discussion in the media and online platforms.
Public Reaction and Polarization
The response to these comparisons has been divided. Some social media users expressed shock and frustration, with one user commenting, “Omg wow I had no idea. I think Meghan just copies any famous woman who is talented and liked.” Others defended Markle, arguing that both women share similar styles and that the similarities are merely a coincidence, not a deliberate imitation: “There is no competition here at all, they are both famous people and have a similar style. End of.”
This debate has spilled over onto platforms like Reddit, particularly in the r/SaintMeghanMarkle community, which often critiques Meghan. Some users cited the fashion compilations as proof of Markle’s repeated imitation, fueling the ongoing discussion.
Media Coverage and Broader Context
Media outlets have also weighed in on the issue. Publications like Vogue have noted the shared style trends between the two women, such as their affinity for beige tones, suggesting that these similarities could be part of broader fashion movements rather than outright imitation. In fact, some have argued that Markle’s style may be part of a growing trend within celebrity culture, where shared aesthetics are common.
Interestingly, some articles have suggested the reverse: that Angelina Jolie has occasionally channeled Meghan’s style. Marie Claire even reported instances where Jolie wore outfits resembling Markle’s, indicating that style influence may flow both ways. This mutual inspiration complicates the narrative of Markle as a mere imitator.
Analysis of Credibility
The criticism of Markle’s alleged imitation is largely based on observations from a fan account, rather than professional analysis or statements from fashion experts. This raises questions about the credibility of the claim. Fashion critics have not widely endorsed the notion of Markle copying Jolie’s style, and the similarities may simply be the result of both women gravitating toward similar trends that are popular in high fashion.
Moreover, Meghan Markle has openly discussed her fashion philosophy, which blends high-end and accessible brands. Through her platform, With Love, Meghan and her ShopMy site, she emphasizes a versatile and approachable style that resonates with many women. These similarities in fashion may reflect larger trends rather than conscious imitation, as both women are known to embrace sophisticated, understated elegance that aligns with their public personas.
Conclusion
While the claim that Meghan Markle has imitated Angelina Jolie’s style over 20 times has sparked significant discussion, it seems the comparison may be driven more by fans’ observations than any deliberate fashion choice by Markle herself. Both women share a similar aesthetic, which could simply be a reflection of broader fashion trends rather than intentional copying. Ultimately, the debate highlights the complexities of celebrity style and the fine line between inspiration and imitation. Whether it is admiration or coincidence, the shared fashion choices of Meghan Markle and Angelina Jolie suggest that their style influence is both powerful and enduring.