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Meghan Markle has never not looked chic. The Duchess of Sussex maintains a certain air of elegance, even when doing un-thrilling things like running errands and working out thanks in part to her reliance on timeless wardrobe staples. Because if there’s one thing I know Markle is going to wear, it’s an elevated basic. And while speaking at the 2023 Invictus Games this week, she did just that, and it reminded me of a smart fall essential my wardrobe is currently missing — though not for long.
Markle wore a crisp, pleated black shirt dress from Banana Republic. The piece cinched at the waist, which was further accentuated by her sleek black belt, and hit just below her knees. The look was simple but sophisticated and it served as a reminder that you don’t have to do a lot to look put together. And somehow, her exact dress is still available in white and on sale for a whopping 60 percent off — bringing the price down to just $56 — thanks to an extra discount at checkout (though it's bound to sell out soon).
Banana Republic Factory Pleated Midi Shirt Dress
A classic shirt dress is one of those items you’ll never not get use out of — you can make it day-to-night by just dropping a button. So in anticipation of her style selling out, we found nine lookalikes from Gap, Everlane, Reformation, and more.
- Sopliagon Shirt Dress, $36 (Originally $40); amazon.com
- Gap Tiered Mini Shirt Dress, $44 (Originally $90); gap.com
- Sharagano Pleated Shirt Dress, $41 (Originally $45); amazon.com
- Old Navy Waist-Defined Utility Midi Dress, $35 (Originally $50); oldnavy.gap.com
- Nordstrom Long-Sleeve Belted Shirt Dress, $89; nordstrom.com
- Banana Republic Paxton Poplin Mini Dress, $96 (Originally $160); bananarepublic.gap.com
- Everlane the Hammered Satin Shirt Dress, $168; everlane.com
- Reformation Rana Long-Sleeve Mini Shirt Dress, $228; nordstrom and thereformation.com
- Rails Irie Twist-Front Midi Shirt Dress, $258; neimanmarcus.com
Amazon shoppers are obsessed with Sopliagon’s shirt dress, which boasts more than 1,600 five-star ratings. It’s available in 22 colors, including a classic black like Markle’s, and designed out of a lightweight cotton blend meant to give it a linen feel. “[It’s] cute, comfortable, and stylish at the same time,” said one customer. Another person wrote that they were “impressed with the fit and the material” of the dress, and noted that they’ve received “many compliments” on it. And though it might not have that same cinched waist as Markle’s, customers note that they just add their own belt to give it a little more shape.
Sopliagon Shirt Dress
If you love Markle’s style but would prefer it just a touch shorter, I recommend grabbing Gap’s Tiered Mini Shirt Dress while it’s 50 percent off. This style has that same button-front and small, crisp collar, but swaps a mid-length pleated skirt for a mini, tiered one. I love the slightly puffed shoulders and sleeves — which IMO, feels a little less corporate — and that I can wear it with my favorite knee-high boots thanks to the length. And according to shoppers, the “flattering” dress is super versatile, given that it’s a great transitional piece they can wear casually or to work.
Gap Tiered Mini Shirt Dress
I personally like a little more color, which is why I can’t stop thinking about Everlane’s butter-yellow, satin shirt dress, which expertly combines comfort with elegance thanks to its loose, flowy fit and luxe fabric. But if you want something other than black and are looking to save a bit, Old Navy’s midi dress is another great option. The army green style, which shoppers call “beautiful,” features a belted waist that aids in its “flattering fit” and utilitarian chest pockets.
Everlane the Hammered Satin Shirt Dress
Old Navy Waist-Defined Utility Midi Dress
Find more styles inspired by Markle’s timeless shirt dress below.