Duchess Meghan surprises with a public appearance – and this minimalist midi dress

Meghan Markle wore a simple navy midi dress to a benefit concert.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a surprise appearance on stage at a One805LIVE! benefit concert last Saturday. They also supported the event, which raises money for critical equipment and mental health programs for first responders in Santa Barbara.

For the occasion, the Duchess of Sussex opted for a minimalist look from one of her favorite brands. Markle wore a sleeveless navy Carolina Herrera midi dress with a shirt collar and a belt around the waist. She accessorized with a boxy raffia bag from Hunting Season and caramel brown pumps.

Since her post-Kensington Palace life, the Duchess's style has changed significantly. Instead of twin sets, a relaxed, East Coast-inspired casual look now dominates. Airy linen shirts and straight-cut jeans are now staples of her everyday wardrobe.

However, she frequently returns to Carolina Herrera pieces—whether for casual daytime events, the red carpet, or even for filming her Netflix series "With Love, Meghan." One of her favorites is a low-cut red evening gown, which she wore to a gala in 2021 and had altered for another appearance in 2024. She first wore another yellow silk gown for her first public appearance after announcing her second pregnancy and later again for Archie's birthday.