If you first heard the name Meghan Markle when she was the rumoured girlfriend of Prince Harry, you’ll never fully appreciate the powerhouse paralegal that was Rachel Zane.
Played by Meghan before she had given up her lifestyle blog, Instagram account and red carpet appearances, Zane was known for her tireless quest to become a lawyer, impeccable office attire and passionate relationship with Mike Ross.
Zane was by no means the star of Suits, but she was a relatable figure for twenty-something women of colour trying to make their mark in the workplace. From struggling to be taken seriously, to desperately trying to escape the shadow of her father – successful lawyer Robert Zane’s – shadow, she offered an alternative narrative for when the battle of egos between Harvey, Jessica and Louis got too much.
She portrayed female workplace friendship so authentically with Donna Paulsen, and of course was one half of the epic love story of the show with on-screen husband Mike Ross.
My personal favourite Rachel Zane moment? This exchange.
But now it’s time to say goodbye to Rachel Zane and her leather pencil skirts and sensible cardigans, as Suits has officially been cancelled, and Season 9 will be the last from the show.
Rumour has it that since Meghan Markle and Patrick J. Adams left the show ratings have plummeted, dropping by 100,000 viewers in season seven.
‘Suits has played an instrumental role in our network's DNA for nearly a decade,’ Chris McCumber, president of the show’s network said in a statement. ‘I and everyone at USA Network sincerely thank Aaron Korsh, our partners at UCP and the entire Suits family for their tremendous creativity, devotion and support over a truly amazing run.’
As we reminisce, let’s take a look back at Rachel Zane’s best office looks.
Meghan Markle Rachel Zane Suits - Grazia
1 of 10Meghan Markle Rachel Zane Suits
Meghan was wearing blue dresses well before her first date with Prince Harry, you know...
2 of 10Meghan Markle Rachel Zane Suits
Living for these couture ruffles in season 3
3 of 10Meghan Markle Rachel Zane Suits
'Just popping by to say, I've matched my shoes with my handbag and I wanted you to see'
4 of 10Meghan Markle Rachel Zane Suits
We imagine the Duchess has a 'Meghan' version of these pjs too
5 of 10Meghan Markle Rachel Zane Suits
OK, back to office wear and this cardigan, skirt and heels combo is the ultimate workwear formula
6 of 10Meghan Markle Rachel Zane Suits
Basic tops begone, Rachel Zane prefers something with a little more fancy
7 of 10Meghan Markle Rachel Zane Suits
Told ya, Zane probably had a whole drawer of fancy sheer tops to pair with her high-waisted pencil skirts
8 of 10Meghan Markle Rachel Zane Suits
...but she also had her fair share of crisp collared shirts
9 of 10Meghan Markle Rachel Zane Suits
Isn't this the exact outfit Meghan wore IRL in her first public appearance with Prince Harry?
10 of 10Meghan Markle Rachel Zane Suits
Erm, it that a bateau neckline? Who knew she'd be wearing the same cut on her wedding day in 2018