Meghan Markle Used Fashion to Speak When She Couldn't

Meghan Markle just made her first-ever podcast guest appearance—yes, ever—on Jamie Kern Lima’s self-titled show. Among other things, she was asked about her so-called “Meghan Effect,” aka the phenomenon where anything she wears sells out almost instantly.

But what really caught our attention? Her quiet, deliberate use of fashion to communicate when she couldn’t speak. That’s the conversation we’re here for.

Below the surface of royal appearances, charity events, and paparazzi flashes, Meghan has been building a wardrobe that doesn’t just look good—it does good. And the numbers don’t lie.

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Jeans That Save, Bracelets That Sell Out

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On the podcast, Meghan shared how during her 2018 royal tour of Australia, she wore a pair of Outland Denim jeans—not for the fit, but for the mission behind them.

The brand employs women who have survived trafficking, giving them stable jobs and a path forward. Meghan knew that by wearing the jeans during a highly publicized event, she’d draw global attention to the brand—and that’s exactly what happened.

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Fast-forward to this year’s Invictus Games, where she wore a bracelet from Valencia Key. After Meghan was seen with it, the brand’s sales spiked by an unbelievable 11,000%.

According to Forbes, that single accessory helped the small business reach a level of success that could’ve otherwise taken years. No press release needed—just a well-placed accessory.

How Meghan Shops (and Why It Matters)

Turns out, Meghan doesn’t just stumble across these pieces. She told The New York Times that she spends time researching small, ethical brands—often with female founders or underrepresented voices—and deliberately incorporates them into her wardrobe.

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From the moment she realized the world was zooming in on what she wore (think: her 2017 Strathberry handbag that sold out in 11 minutes), she started dressing with purpose.

Every earring, every clutch, even something as subtle as jeans becomes a way to lift someone else’s voice. It’s not just about fashion—it’s strategy, intention, and a little bit of quiet power.

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And while Meghan may not have been “out talking” during some chapters of her public life, her clothes definitely were.

And we only know all this because we watched the podcast. You’re welcome.

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