Meghan Markle takes some style cues (but not all) from Kate Middleton

As the new Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle has inspired many with her fashion choices, while also drawing style inspo herself from Kate Middleton.

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is rocking her newly royal style. Fashion observers are watching Prince Harry’s new wife to see if Markle will follow in her sister-in-law Kate Middleton’s style footsteps or create her own fashion brand. Kate is known for choosing conservative fashions, while as an actress, Meghan sizzled in styles such as ripped jeans and a messy bun.

How has she changed now that she’s royalty, and is she taking her royal fashion cues from Kate? We’ve unveiled some clues as to the answers, including the inside scoop on Meghan’s surprising secret style weapon.

Sleek styles for the new Duchess of Sussex

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 22: (L-R) Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend The Prince of Wales’ 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration held at Buckingham Palace on May 22, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Goodbye bare legs, hello, proper pantyhose. On several royal occasions, Meghan has been observed sporting pantyhose rather than baring her skin. As for her famous messy bun? The Duchess of Sussex’s hair is now straight, cascading neatly down to her shoulders.

Wearing skirts and dresses rather than ripped jeans on her royal outings, Markle also has learned to sit like a true member of the royal family. That stance (known as the duchess slant) means sitting so that the legs tilt to the side, with ankles and knees placed together.

Comparisons to Kate Middleton

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 09: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch the flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour on June 9, 2018 in London, England. The annual ceremony involving over 1400 guardsmen and cavalry, is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. The parade marks the official birthday of the Sovereign, even though the Queen’s actual birthday is on April 21st. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Meghan and Kate Middleton have so much in common, with both women entering the royal family after tying the knot with Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ sons. That duchess slant, for example, actually earned its name from the Duchess Of Cambridge, and she’s often seen assuming the pose.

However, while Markle can’t escape being compared to Middleton, she’s becoming known for her own style. Kate tends to choose conservative clothes, going for simple yet chic styles. Middleton rarely is seen in pants, for example, while Meghan has continued to be seen in trousers after her wedding to Prince Harry.

Elegant in Givenchy, and oh that cape!

Meghan’s recent royal excursion with the Queen gave her the opportunity to show off her fashion flair. Markle and the Queen headed off on their first journey together without Prince Harry. Meghan made the perfect choice for the royal excursion by stunning in her Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy dress.

The soft ivory hue complemented Meghan’s dark hair. The demure length (below the knees) and cape showed that Markle is aware of the royal rules. While she covered her knees and shoulders per royal etiquette, Meghan also impressed with her choice of dress. Markle has developed a reputation since marrying Prince Harry of choosing female designers.

Markle also wore a Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy for her wedding ceremony, changing into a Stella McCartney frock for the after-party. To celebrate the Prince of Wales’ 70th birthday, Meghan opted for a white ensemble from Goat, known for having a fashion team headed by women.

Meghan Markle’s style guru: Prince Harry!

WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM – MAY 19: Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex wave as they leave Windsor Castle after their wedding to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House, hosted by the Prince of Wales on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Steve Parsons – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

But it isn’t Kate Middleton who reportedly is Markle’s ultimately royal style guru. The Daily Mail reported that Prince Harry has become his wife’s secret fashion weapon. When designers visit the couple at Kensington Palace, Harry advises Meghan on the best options for a Duchess.

Ultimately, when it comes to the question of whether Meghan is succeeding in creating her own Duchess Of Sussex style, we’re answering with a very royal “yes!”

Who is your royal fashion twin? Kate Middleton or Meghan Markle? Find out here: