In the sun-drenched hills of Montecito, California, Meghan Markle is making a statement louder than any royal proclamation. As the second season of her Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, premieres today, August 26, 2025, the Duchess of Sussex has traded her once-iconic royal duchess wardrobe for a sleek, modern American style. It’s a visual declaration of independence, screaming, “Fine, I’m not royal anymore!” Gone are the structured coats, muted neutrals, and palace-approved pearls. In their place? Breezy dresses, cozy knits, and effortless ensembles that scream West Coast cool. This isn’t just a wardrobe refresh—it’s a full-blown identity rebirth, and viewers can’t get enough.

Picture this: Meghan, radiant under the golden California sun, stirring a cocktail in a flowing marigold maxi dress, her hair tousled just so, laughing with friends like she’s hosting the ultimate backyard bash. That’s the vibe of With Love, Meghan Season 2, where the former royal invites us into her world of cooking, gardening, crafting, and heartfelt conversations. But it’s her fashion choices that steal the show, transforming what could have been a simple lifestyle series into a masterclass in personal reinvention. As one fashion insider puts it, “Meghan’s style evolution is like watching a butterfly emerge from a very stuffy cocoon. She’s finally flying free.”

To understand the magnitude of this shift, we have to rewind a bit. Meghan’s royal era was defined by elegance under scrutiny—think tailored sheath dresses in soft beiges, wide-brimmed hats, and gloves that whispered tradition. As the Duchess of Sussex, her outfits were meticulously chosen to align with centuries-old protocols, blending British restraint with a touch of Hollywood glamour. But after stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry relocated to California, seeking a life away from the palace’s gilded cage. Their Netflix deal, inked that same year, gave them a platform to tell their story on their terms. The first season of With Love, Meghan, which dropped earlier this year, hinted at this transition with polished looks that still echoed her “Duchess-lite” phase: structured blouses, high-waisted trousers, and subtle accessories. It was safe, sophisticated, but not fully her.

Enter Season 2, and everything changes. From the very first trailer, released just two weeks ago, it’s clear Meghan has hit the reset button. The poster alone sets the tone: Meghan lounges casually in a plum-hued Khaite Nera cashmere sweater, its soft crewneck hugging her frame like a warm embrace. Paired with light lavender Anine Bing Carrie pants, the look is a masterstroke of color coordination—unexpected yet harmonious, blending burgundy depth with lilac whimsy. It’s cozy, approachable, and utterly un-royal. No stiff collars or formal hems here; this is sweater weather for the soul, signaling a woman who’s comfortable in her own skin.

As the trailer unfolds to the upbeat tune of “Rockin’ Robin,” we see Meghan in action, her outfits mirroring the show’s playful ethos. One standout moment has her slicing artisanal bread in that same maroon sweater and lavender pants combo, accessorized with delicate Natalie Marie stud earrings and her signature Cartier Love bracelet. The ensemble screams modern mom-on-the-go: practical for kitchen duties yet polished enough for camera. It’s a far cry from the formal gowns of Buckingham Palace banquets. Instead, it evokes the effortless style of California’s elite—think Gwyneth Paltrow meets Martha Stewart, with a dash of Meghan’s unique flair.

Then there’s the Gabriela Hearst Fiori wool maxi dress in vibrant marigold, worn while mixing cocktails with pilates instructor Heather Dorak. The dress flows like a summer breeze, its bold color popping against the lush greenery of her estate. Accessorized with a Cartier Juste Un Clou necklace and gold tank watch, it’s luxurious without being ostentatious. This look embodies what stylists call “quiet luxury”—high-end pieces that whisper wealth rather than shout it. But more importantly, it reflects Meghan’s embrace of her American roots. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she’s channeling that sunny, optimistic vibe: free-spirited, colorful, and unapologetically bold.

Not all her outfits are about bold hues, though. Meghan leans heavily into stripes and neutrals, a nod to timeless American casualwear. In a scene bantering with chef José Andrés, she sports the Veronica Beard Bligé striped A-line midi dress—a navy number with a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps. The dress, now sold out thanks to the “Meghan effect,” is paired with a Jessica McCormack diamond pendant and Lorraine Schwartz pinky ring. It’s flirty yet functional, perfect for a day of cooking bold flavors or arranging flowers. The striped pattern appears again in a Carolina Herrera dropped-shoulder shirtdress, belted for a relaxed silhouette, worn while crafting floral arrangements. These pieces highlight her evolution: from rigid royal lines to fluid, forgiving shapes that prioritize comfort over conformity.

Even her more casual moments ooze style. Baking in a burgundy Sézane Sami ribbed jumper over a Solino Home linen apron, Meghan looks like the ultimate home entertainer—practical, warm, and inviting. The jumper’s merino wool blend adds a touch of luxury, while the apron keeps things real. In another clip, she’s in a simple CO striped cotton poplin shirt tucked into AYR slim straight-leg jeans, a dark wash that elongates her figure. Accessories like a Logan Hollowell diamond tennis necklace elevate the everyday look, proving that jeans can be glamorous. And let’s not forget the Heidi Merrick Finny cardigan in ivory, with its deep V-neck and statement buttons, layered over basics for that perfect transitional vibe.

These choices aren’t random; they’re intentional. Fashion experts agree that Meghan’s wardrobe in Season 2 is a calculated move to distance herself from royal expectations. “She’s shedding the ‘palace rules’ layer by layer,” says stylist Cynthia Kennedy. “The softer silhouettes, the casual knits—these are signals of authenticity. She’s saying, ‘I’m a modern woman, a wife, a mother, living my truth in California.'” Indeed, the show itself amplifies this narrative. Filmed at a stunning California estate (not her own home, to maintain privacy), episodes feature Meghan experimenting with DIY projects, hosting star-studded gatherings, and sharing personal tips. Guests like Chrissy Teigen, Tan France, and chefs David Chang and Samin Nosrat join her, creating an atmosphere of joy and collaboration. It’s not about perfection; it’s about playfulness, as Meghan emphasizes in the trailer: “Love is in the details.”

Fans are eating it up—literally and figuratively. Social media is abuzz with recreations of her looks, from the sold-out Carolina Herrera floral midi dress (a subtle tribute to daughter Lilibet with its lily-of-the-valley print) to the practical Saint Laurent Tribute mules peeking out in garden scenes. Viewers praise the relatability: “Finally, a royal who’s real!” one commenter gushes. “Her style makes me want to host my own dinner party.” Critics, too, note the show’s mediocre ratings from Season 1—around 5.3 million views—might get a boost from this fresh energy. With a holiday special slated for December, Meghan’s empire is expanding, tying into her lifestyle brand, As Ever.

But beyond the fashion and festivities, With Love, Meghan Season 2 is a testament to resilience. Meghan’s journey hasn’t been easy—tabloid scrutiny, family rifts, and the weight of public expectation. Yet here she is, thriving in Montecito with Harry and their kids, Archie and Lilibet. Her style shift mirrors this inner strength: from constrained elegance to liberated ease. It’s empowering to watch a woman redefine herself on her own terms, proving that sometimes, the best revenge is living well—and dressing the part.

As the credits roll on each episode, one thing is clear: Meghan Markle isn’t just done with royal rules; she’s rewriting the rulebook entirely. In her sleek American style, she’s not a duchess anymore—she’s simply Meghan, and that’s more than enough. Whether you’re tuning in for the recipes, the laughs, or the wardrobe inspo, Season 2 promises to inspire. After all, in Meghan’s world, love—and style—is all about embracing who you truly are.