Meghan Markle Attends 2025 TIME100 Summit to Speak Onstage, Igniting Buzz Over Her Outfit - Photos

The Duchess of Sussex was spotted in New York City amid her appearance at the TIME100 Summit. While she seemed in good spirits, the internet was abuzz about her outfit—and not for good reason.

Meghan Markle opted for a retro appeal with her chosen outfit for the TIME100 Summit, where she reflected on her career, family, and current life.

The former actress wore a relaxed pantsuit featuring high-waisted pants secured with a brown leather belt and a blazer with rolled-up sleeves.

She paired it with a white button-down dress shirt and heels that coordinated with her belt. Alongside her was her husband, Prince Harry, who wore a navy blue suit with a button-up dress shirt.

While some were happy to see the Sussexes, many zoned in on the Duchess's outfit and were quite critical. "Beige, wrinkled and poorly fitted," one person wrote. "Oh those pants are sweeping the streets. Eek!" exclaimed another.

"Those pants are very unflattering," a commenter observed. The discussion trickled over to Reddit, where one person wrote, "Jacket way too bulky and long and wrinkled, not tailored. Pants look like curtains."

Another said, "They look like she rolled out of bed in her sheets." Some observations zoned in on what apparently worked, as one person wrote, "The nicest part of the outfit was the blouse. I don't know the weather in NYC but the rolled up blazer sleeves tell me it's warm."

Meghan's ensemble is made up almost entirely of Ralph Lauren pieces, save for her MANOLO BLAHNIK pumps. Her blazer, described as the Russell Silk-Linen Twill Jacket, costs $2,490.

Her Greer Silk-Linen Twill Pleated Pants is priced at $2,190, while her Karen Silk Georgette Blouse sits at $1,490. The Duchess has all these items, including the belt and pumps, listed on her website.

Following her interview at the Summit, she shared an appreciation post for TIME100. "Thanks to TIME 100 (@time) for having this alum come back to celebrate, chat, and sprinkle a little joy. I had a great time with you, Jessica Sibley. Thanks to you and your team!" she wrote.

In another post, the royal uploaded a clip depicting all the events of the day. "Feeling grateful for yesterday's conversation at TIME 100," she shared, before directing fans to read more about her experience on her website.

During her chat with host and TIME CEO Jessica Sibley, Meghan said she's "the happiest she's ever been." Continuing with her reflection, she shared, "Of all the things that have happened in my life, I never would have imagined that getting here, at this point, I feel just so happy and grateful. I really do."

Still, despite the obvious successes she's had recently, her career isn't her primary source of happiness—it's her children, her family, and her husband.

The outfit she wore during this event isn't the first of Meghan's to face criticism. On April 10, 2025, the Duchess attended a Broadway performance of the musical "Gypsy."

After the show, she went backstage to greet Audra McDonald, who starred in the production, along with the rest of the cast. She was accompanied by her friends Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent during the outing.

Following her time backstage, Meghan shared a few heartfelt words about the evening on Instagram. "If you get a chance to see @gypsybway, you absolutely must," she wrote. She applauded the cast and crew, calling the show "magic on that stage."

Meeting McDonald for the first time left a strong impression. "Her performance will leave you absolutely speechless. Full body chills," Meghan added.

She also shared how emotional the night was, noting, "I don't think there was a dry eye in the house, and if the theater didn't have to close for the night, the standing ovation would still be happening."

For the occasion, Meghan wore a sleek black button-down blouse paired with a black-and-white houndstooth skirt by Carolina Herrera. The high-waisted piece, priced at $2,610, fell below the knee.

The royal kept her accessories minimal, opting for a slim bracelet and delicate rings. Her long hair was styled down in soft waves, and her makeup was natural.

Photos from the event quickly drew attention online, with many weighing in on Meghan's outfit for the night. Some criticized her look, with one person writing, "What a weird outfit especially for NY [sic]." Another mocked the style, "That's the tablecloth from the restaurant," while a third echoed the sentiment, "Frumpy skirt."

One user remarked, "Something that looks ridiculous as always." Another questioned her styling, "I have seen people wear this kind of skirt before and they look great. I just don't understand why Meghan always looks so messy and mismatched."

However, others praised her appearance. One supporter admired one of the photos and wrote, "Both looking stunning. For years you have had her back," while another gushed, "BEAUTIFUL."

Earlier in the year, one of Meghan's outfits had — yet again — stirred a reaction. In February 2025, she drew criticism after wearing a purple college sweater that bore a striking resemblance to one Princess Diana frequently sported during her gym visits.

What some viewed as a quiet nod to the late royal's off-duty style, others saw as a misstep — prompting another round of heated discussion online. That moment sparked divided reactions online, with some users reacting harshly to Meghan's outfit. A few accused her of seeking attention through her late mother-in-law's legacy.

One wrote, "Harry should divorce her for this," while another criticized her motives, "I think it's offensive she keeps trying to emulate Diana for good press. Diana never would've done the things Ms Markle has done [sic]." However, other people rejected the backlash. One supporter defended the royal, "Meghan attended Northwestern folks, so take your negativity somewhere else."

The conversation didn't end there, as others quickly stepped in to counter the criticism. Supporters pointed to Meghan's time at Northwestern University, urging skeptics to consider her personal ties to the sweatshirt.

Some repeated that it was her alma mater, while others praised her for showing pride in her school. One fan noted that the item wasn't chosen to imitate Diana but rather reflected Meghan's own college days.

Still, doubt lingered among some. One critic brushed off the defense, insisting, "I don't care if she went there — we all know she is only doing it for attention. She wants to be another Diana and she will NEVER be."

Despite the back-and-forth, Meghan's connection to Northwestern is more than symbolic — it's firmly rooted in her past. In 2017, shortly after her engagement to Prince Harry, the university featured her on its website as a distinguished alumna.

She graduated in 2003 with a double major in theater and international studies and was also part of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Interestingly, Princess Diana shares a link to the same institution.

In 1996, she visited the campus and left a lasting impression. That same visit included a charity event at the Field Museum, where she appeared in a striking purple Versace gown — a nod to Northwestern's school color.

That visit left a lasting impression — not just on the university but also on those who saw Diana in person. Among them were sisters Madeleine and Emily McGonigle, who were four and three years old. Madeleine remembered shouting "Princess! Princess!" in hopes of catching Diana's attention.

The royal turned, approached the girls, and greeted them as they presented small nosegays, a traditional gesture when meeting royalty. Emily described it as a perfect moment frozen in time, saying she looked up to Diana from that day forward. Their photo with her held a special place in their childhood home.

In the years since, Diana and Meghan have made memorable impressions through their public presence, educational backgrounds, and style choices. Though their paths differ, the comparisons between them continue to spark debate.

Meghan's fashion often becomes a point of discussion, drawing admiration and criticism. For many, each outfit carries more than fabric — it carries meaning, legacy, and a glimpse into personal identity.