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 Saturday, October 25, 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 tongues wagging — it was Meghan's ultra-minimalist look that set the internet ablaze with a mix of admiration and scathing criticism.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attends the wedding of Charlie van Straubenzee and Daisy Jenks at the church of St. Mary the Virgin on August 4, 2018, in Frensham, England. | Source: Getty Images

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.

The launch was a special one for Adamo, who shared her excitement on Instagram. "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! 🥰" she wrote.