As the Duchess of Sussex celebrates her 37th birthday, here are 37 style lessons we can learn from her

Known for her polished look, messy chignon and love of fashion's finest form, couture, in the short time she has been known as the Duchess of Sussex, she has proven herself to be a modern royal style icon from whom we can all take a few sartorial notes.  

From her love of a bateau neckline to her expert mixing of high and low brands, here are 37 style lessons we can adopt from the Duchess in honour of her 37th birthday today... 

Here are 37 style lessons we've learnt from the Duchess... 

1. Try a little red dress

A  classic red dress is always a hit - wear with cream or black heels to make sure the dress is the centre of attention. 

2. A black biker is a staple in your weekend wardrobe

You'll never regret investing in a well-fitting leather jacket. Pair yours with everything from an LBD by night to denim and trainers when you're off-duty.

3. Ensure a mini dress has a high neck and sleeves

If you're going to show some leg, be sure to keep your neckline high and ideally opt for a sleeved number to keep to balance things out. 

4. Metallics are an easy win for evening

Bored of the traditional LBD? A metallic number looks great for evening, just style with simple accessories. 

5. Do think about your hairstyle if you need to wear a hat 

Anyone who has been to Royal Ascot or a black tie wedding this summer will know that not every hairstyle works with a hat. Meghan's off-centre chignon is an ideal option; it's unfussy and she won't have hat hair should she remove it. 

6. Keep accessories simple when wearing prints

Wear a bold print like Meghan’s with dark accessories and loose waves for a look that’s stylish no matter where you’re going.

7. Don’t dismiss a trend-led piece

When the trench is such a flattering shape, why limit it to colder days. A sleeveless trench coat like Meghan’s from House of Nonie is perfect for sunny days where there’s still a breeze.

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8. Although sometimes classic is best

Whether you’re off to Wimbledon like Meghan or going for dinner with your friends, a striped shirt and wide legged pants are guaranteed to make you look like you’ve put in more effort than you probably have.

9. Co-ordinate your accessories

A green pencil skirt like Meghan’s can be elevated with a T-shirt of the same colour, then punctuated with brown pumps and a matching handbag.

10. Don’t underestimate the power of the LBD

All black doesn’t have to be sombré. Wear a black dress with suede heels that have a bow detail on the back for a look that’s fun and party-ready.

11. Do go slinky for evening

When a long night of celebrating is on the cards, change into a stylish yet still sophisticated dress that’s easier to jive in, like Meghan’s Stella McCartney gown.

12. A tuxedo is an elegant alternative to a dress

Tone down a black trouser suit like Meghan’s from Givenchy with sleek black accessories and a plain white top.

13. Do try a block colour look

Know which colours suit you. Meghan attends Prince Louis’ christening in a green Ralph Lauren dress with a bateau neckline, and paired it with same-shade heels, gloves, hat and bag.

14. Plump for brights at the height of summer

Yellow doesn’t have to be hard to wear. Pair a canary yellow dress like the Duchess’ with nude pumps for a heatwave ready look.

15. Shirt dresses are infinitely chic

Shirt dresses are flattering regardless of their colour. If you’re heading out and it’s windy, don’t risk your dress getting caught in the breeze - add weights to the ends of the dress like Meghan.

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16. Find a neckline that suits you and stick with it

Know what suits you, and stick to it. On her wedding day Meghan chose to wear a dress with a flattering bateau neckline and has since opted for the classic style for several occasions.

17. Tailoring + a printed midi skirt = perfect summer workwear

Wear a stylish black blazer over a bold print to ensure you’re appropriate but stylish wherever you’re going.

18. A beret is quirky and chic

Beret hats are quickly becoming a favourite of Meghan’s, like this creme felt version by Stephen Jones, for their easy-to-wear and understated style.

19. A checked coat is a winter staple

Checks are big news each winter. Bring out the subtle colours of your checks with your accessories, like Meghan with this khaki Strathberry bag.

20. Navy and black do work well together

Meghan proves that navy and black can go well together. Wear a navy shirt dress like Meghan’s with suede black strappy heels.

21. Go tonal for a stylish look

Pair light and dark shades of brown together like Meghan’s coat and accessories for a look that’s understated but still stands out.

22. Show off your favourite features

Meghan is a fan of a bardot or bateau neckline so regularly wears this cut. Choose a style that complements your features and you'll feel comfortable and confident. 

23. White shirts aren’t boring

Meghan’s Suits character proves white shirts can look great tucked into a pencil skirt if you fold up the arms for a more fitted silhouette.

24. Sometimes less is more

Sometimes less really is more. Meghan keeps it understated when announcing her engagement to Prince Harry, ensuring attention stayed on her new accessory.

25. Do wear denim in the sun

Meghan’s denim-look wrap dress with a belted waist and deep pockets was perfect for a day at the Polo with Prince Harry.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's life as a married couple, in pictures

26. Ease yourself in with prints

If you usually shy away from leopard print, wear printed heels with a single colour dress for a look that’s on trend but within your comfort zone.

27. Do mix high and low

The pretty dress Meghan wore to the wedding of Celia McCorquodale in Stoke Rochford earlier this year was by Oscar de la Renta, while her white hat was by M&S and cost ￡29.50, striking a great balance of high and low. 

28. A messy bun will add a casual feel to formal looks

Meghan's signature chignon adds an elegant touch to her outfits. When her 'do is loose and tousled, the messy feel has the opposite effect and adds a casual vibe to her most formal looks. 

29. Leather trousers work for day and night

While leather trousers could easily be deemed racy, when paired with a chiffon blouse and simple courts, they make for an edgy evening look. By day, pair with a T-shirt ( or chunky knit come autumn) and white trainers. 

30. Stick to the classics for a timeless look

Meghan proves there’s nothing chicer than a shirt and jeans with a classic tan tote and ballet pumps. 

31. Do try a round handbag

Interestingly shaped bags are big news for next season. Meghan's sweet little tan bag is by Chloé, but we'd recommend COS and Zara on the high street for similar, more affordable options. 

Profile | The Duchess of Sussex

32. Don't rule out sparkle for day

 The dress Meghan wore for her and Prince Harry's engagement photos are proof that you can wear sparkle by day. Just keep hair and makeup minimal. 

33. Pastels are very flattering

Whether you have brown, blonde or red hair, and whether you have dark, medium or light skin, you're sure to find a pastel hue for you. 

34. A short suit might be just what your work wardrobe needs

Far less restrictive than a skirt suit, and infinitely cooler: the short suit might just be your summer workwear solution.

35. Clashing patterns can look chic

Wearing clashing patterns is not for the faint hearted. Make like Meghan and stick to a tonal colour palette so that your look is still cohesive. 

36. Stripes offset swooshy skirts 

Maximise swooshy evening skirts by pairing them with striped T-shirts in summer and lightweight knits come autumn.

37.  Shoulder robing is still a thing

Thought you'd seen the back of shoulder robing? Think again. For inbetweeny weather days it can be quite handy.