Meghan Markle superfan copies all her clothes

A Meghan Markle superfan spends up to $400 per outfit copying the Duchess’ look and says it has boosted her confidence at work post maternity leave.

Helen Terrero-Black, who works in New York City, had never been a royal watcher until Meghan Markle and Prince Harry started dating in 2016.

Having always been a fan of British fashion, the 39-year-old started to follow the Duke and Duchess of Sussex more closely as well as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

“I became interested in the royal family and Meghan because, honestly, I thought it was awesome that someone of mixed race, like I am, was finally joining the royal family,” Helen said.

“Plus, Harry and Meghan were also an interracial couple as my husband and I are. So, I loved being able to see our family unit, at the time without a baby, in something as traditional and classy as the royal family.

“However, when I started mirroring Meghan or ‘repli-meghaning’ I had just recently had my first baby and was just returning to work. Meghan herself was expecting and I just loved her fashion generally.”

When Meghan stepped out in the fabulous colour-clashing red Sentaler coat and purple dress from Babaton by Aritizia on a trip to Birkenhead in January 2019, Helen was in awe at how elegant the then-pregnant Duchess looked in colours she would never think to put together herself.

Both professional working mums, Helen says that following the Duchess’ style for the office helps her feel empowered and she shares her ingenious Meghan-inspired looks on Instagram and has since connected with a large community of likeminded fashion fans who have become her friends.

“It was also inspiring to see her working while also looking fabulous and classy especially because although she looked great, I’m sure she didn’t always feel great,” she said.

“This is something that a lot of us working professional mums have to do particularly when you’re in an environment where first impressions can be lasting impressions and where aesthetics plays a major part of how we’re perceived—as is the case in law for women.”

Since then, Helen’s been hooked on copying Meghan’s fashion choices and has replicated 20 outfits, spending between up to $400 per look depending on what she already has in her wardrobe.

Helen always shops in the sales and rarely pays full price unless the item is very special. The internet is Helen’s go-to when it comes to sourcing her Meghan inspired outfits and she loves to shop at J. Crew, Club Monaco, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Net-a-Porter, Century21 and TJMaxx.

Her favourite semi-casual Meghan Markle look is her Wimbledon 2018 outfit and for formal attire, her 2018 Trooping the Colour look.

The most difficult outfit for Helen to get her hands on is the Banana Republic trench dress Meghan wore on a visit to the University of Johannesburg in October 2019 as it was in high demand.

“I love that Meghan has really made an effort and her focus to engage in projects that empower women. I also appreciate her ability to advocate for her wellbeing whether it be her mental health or that of her family’s despite the negative media surrounding her in the UK.

“Although, down deep inside I’m hoping one day they could return to royal life but on better terms and better relations with the media. Maybe in twelve months they will, we’ll see. In the meantime, I’m just happy to see them [Harry, Meghan and Archie] happy.

“Do what makes you happy and feel confident to both tackle the struggles and/or celebrate the joys of everyday life.”

Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.