Meghan Markle made a solo appearance at Variety's 2023 Power of Women gala Thursday in Los Angeles, California, marking her return to the red carpet after spending some time away from the spotlight.

Known for her sophisticated and understated fashion choices, the Duchess of Sussex exuded grace in an elegant beige off-the-shoulder gown crafted by esteemed New York Fashion Week designer Proenza Schouler.

The floor-length dress featured subtle slits up the front and both sides. 

(Photo : Getty Images/Lisa O'Connor/AFP )
Meghan Markle arrives for Variety's Power of Women event at Mother Wolf in Los Angeles, California, on November 16, 2023. The 2023 honorees include US singer Fantasia Barrino, US singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, English actress Carey Mulligan, US actress Lily Gladstone, British actress Emily Blunt, and Margot Robbie's LuckyChap.

The former "Suits" actress, who was named one of Variety's Power of Women honorees in 2022, styled her hair in a sleek middle-part bun, perfectly harmonizing with her choice of classic gold hoop earrings from Mejuri and a single Cartier love bangle adorning her wrist.

Holding a black clutch bag, she confidently stepped on the red carpet wearing her signature black Aquazzura pumps.

Markle completed her look with subtle makeup: a soft pink lip, a hint of blush at the high points of her cheeks, and understated brown eyeshadow.

The appearance came after Sussex biographer Omid Scobie recently told People that the Duchess of Sussex has "moved on" from the royal family. 

(Photo : Getty Images/Lisa O'Connor/AFP)
Meghan Markle arrives for Variety's Power of Women event at Mother Wolf in Los Angeles, California, on November 16, 2023. The 2023 honorees include US singer Fantasia Barrino, US singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, English actress Carey Mulligan, US actress Lily Gladstone, British actress Emily Blunt, and Margot Robbie's LuckyChap.

Asked by Variety entertainment reporter Angelique Jackson about the significance of her support for women in the entertainment industry, Markle answered that support amplifies the work.

"Oh gosh, I mean, this industry is just so special, and you see how many women use the platform that they have and just channel it for good. I think the more we support each other, [the more it] just amplifies the work, [it] amplifies our community," the duchess told the reporter. "I'm just thrilled to be back in it and to be able to sit in this room, be in such good company tonight, and also to focus so much on how it's the crossroads of entertainment meeting philanthropy, so [it's] really close to my heart."

After acknowledging the current Netflix success of her legal drama "Suits," which aired from 2011 to 2019, Markle teased several upcoming projects from her and her husband, Prince Harry.

"We have so many exciting things on the slate. I can't wait until we can announce them," she said. "I'm just really proud of what we're creating. My husband is loving it, too. It's really fun."

Variety's Power of Women gala is a celebration dedicated to honoring the publication's distinguished honorees, with each individual gracing their own cover of the magazine.

This year's honorees included Carey Mulligan, Fantasia Barrino, Lily Gladstone and Billie Eilish.

Markle's last red carpet appearance was in May, when she attended Ms. Foundation's 2023 Women of Vision Awards at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City with Prince Harry.