Meghan Markle Sparks Talks in a Brown Ensemble as She Supports Friend Courtney Adamo at Bookstore Event

All eyes were on the Duchess of Sussex this weekend — and not just because of who she was with.

Meghan Markle made a rare public appearance on Wednesday, October 23, stepping out to support her longtime friend Courtney Adamo at a cozy book launch in Montecito. But it wasn't just the reunion that had people talking — it was Meghan's ultra-minimalist look that set the internet ablaze with a mix of admiration and scathing criticism.

Chic or Shabby? Duchess' Look Sparks Fierce Debate

The private event was held at Godmothers Bookstore, a quaint local gem close to Markle's Montecito home. Meghan attended in head-to-toe understated elegance: a dark chocolate-brown tank top paired with dark, high-waisted wide-leg trousers, black strappy heels, and barely-there jewelry.

Her sleek, slicked-back bun and glowing natural makeup completed the minimalist vision — but not everyone was sold on the vibe. Photos from the event quickly went viral, igniting an online firestorm of opinion.

"Lately she is looking frumpy and old? Hair hairline is like all the way back," one critic sniped. "Why does she look so old?" another chimed in, echoing the sentiment.

But others rushed to her defense — and showered her with love. "Gorgeous gorgeous girl! Everything she wears flatters her. She is so fashionable 😍🔥🙌," one fan gushed. "I was like oh that girl looks like Megan...omg it's Megan!" raved another.

Markle's head-turning ensemble wasn't just effortlessly chic — it came with a designer price tag. Her sleek silk tank hails from the women's luxury label Cuyana, retailing for $148, while her sharply tailored wool trousers clock in at $368. A minimalist look, yes — but far from modest in cost.

Inside the Duchess's Entertaining Secrets: Barefoot, Aprons, and a Boiling Pot of Cider

The book launch was a milestone moment for Adamo, who later shared her joy in an Instagram post bursting with gratitude and excitement.

"This was such an exciting career highlight for me to sit up on stage in the beautiful Godmothers Bookstore, in front of the most engaged and smiling audience, to share about our new book and to answer questions about how we can create a home for our family that is filled with joy and intention," she wrote.

"Thank you to @godmothersbooks for hosting and to my longtime friend @meghan for joining and supporting me. I hardly slept last night from all the excitement!" the lifestyle creator added.

The Duchess wasn't just there to smile and pose — she took the stage alongside Adamo during a Facebook Live session, where she offered a rare and intimate glimpse into her Montecito home life with Prince Harry.

Her surprising tip for making guests feel at ease? A barefoot greeting and a humble apron. "It demystifies," Markle explained. "People walk in and go, 'Oh, she's in this with me.'"

And once they're through the door? Straight to the heart of the home. "What are they drawn to? Your kitchen. They come right in, and suddenly everyone's a little bit softened," she continued.

Markle revealed that she always has cider or a hot toddy simmering on the stove, encouraging guests to serve themselves — a gesture meant to foster warmth and connection. "I love people being able to serve themselves, and having things on the stove that everyone can help themselves to," she said. "I always have music on in the background."

And while her appearance at the Montecito book launch oozed low-key luxury and wholesome charm, her previous public outing told a different story — and sparked an entirely different kind of buzz.

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, the Duchess of Sussex was spotted stepping out in style in New York City, where she dined with a friend. According to People magazine, Meghan Markle exuded a radiant glow as she made her exit from a venue.

However, many online viewers believe the luminescence has less to do with her natural beauty and is more a result of cosmetic procedures. Meanwhile, others couldn't look past what the businesswoman did with one of her hands.

'You Glow, Girl!': Meghan Markle Turns Heads with Her Radiant Appearance

The duchess's look for the evening was nothing short of effortless elegance. Meghan stepped out in a sleek black jumpsuit, layered beneath a tailored beige blazer — a minimalist ensemble that exuded quiet confidence. Her long brunette hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, keeping the focus on her glowing complexion and delicate gold accessories.

Completing the look, Meghan, who donned a soft smile and tucked one hand in her pocket, carried a black leather clutch with a chain strap. "You glow, girl! ✨ Meghan Markle showed off her signature glow," reads People's caption in part. The outlet shared these words alongside a photo of the duchess.

The Internet Reacts: 'What's with the Hand in the Pocket Now!' & 'Cosplaying Victoria Again'

Despite the glowing praise from mainstream media, the response across social platforms was far more divided. Several netizens fixated on one particular detail: Meghan's choice to walk with one hand tucked into her pocket. "What's with the one hand in the pocket now!" asserted one person.

"Who walks through a door with a hand in their pocket? Weird," wrote another. "The hand in her pocket is really weird!" echoed a third, while a fellow observer noted, "Interesting too, one of Victoria Beckham's signature brand moves is striking a pose with one hand in her pocket.🤔."

Some went even further, continuing to draw parallels between Meghan and the former Spice Girl. "Cosplaying Victoria again, even down to the hand in the pocket! 🙄😂," opined someone else, suggesting the duchess was deliberately channeling the designer's fashion persona.

'It's Called Botox and Fillers': Critics Slam Meghan Markle's Glow as 'Plastic'

Meanwhile, others focused less on Meghan's posture and more on her appearance, casting doubt on the so-called natural glow.

"Kinda looks plastic, not glow [sic]," one person claimed. "It's called Botox and fillers," alleged another. "Looks like a facelift?" added someone else, joining the chorus of speculation surrounding the duchess's looks.

Her widely-discussed appearance in New York City comes over a month after she opened up about a personal chapter — one marked by grief, reflection, and quiet resilience.

During an August episode of her show, "With Love, Meghan," Meghan Markle spoke candidly about the emotional toll she endured in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II's passing, offering a rare glimpse into the private pain behind her composed public image.

A Cozy Scene Turns Emotional

The intimate moment unfolded in Episode 3 of Season 2, released on August 26, 2025. While chatting, Meghan and her guest, British fashion designer Tan France, appeared to enjoy a lighthearted activity — hand-painting aprons for their families and reminiscing about childhood. But beneath the playful surface, a raw and vulnerable moment emerged.

"You know what's funny? When parents are like, 'Oh, I just can't wait for them to go to college and be out,' I'm like, I never want my children to leave," Tan admitted, partially joking. "They're not allowed to get married. Not allowed to leave my house."

Meghan chimed in with warm agreement, expressing a mother's yearning to hold onto every moment, even while supporting her children's independence.

Suffering in Royal Shadows

As their conversation deepened, Tan shared that he would "die" without his kids, and not seeing them even for a couple of days can be difficult.

Then came Meghan's quiet bombshell. "Oh, I know," she said, nodding solemnly. "The longest I went without being around our kids was almost three weeks. I was...not well."

Though she never specified the reason for her absence, the timeline seemingly points to the days surrounding the queen's funeral. The monarch died on September 8, 2022, and the state funeral at Westminster Abbey was held on September 19.

During those somber days away from her kids, Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, were seen attending multiple memorial events, often alongside Prince William and Princess Catherine.