Meghan Markle Third Most Powerful Fashion Influencer, Kate Middleton Out Of Top 10

Meghan Markle is among the most powerful fashion influencers this year.

Lyst has released its list of the most powerful fashion influencers of 2018, and the Duchess of Sussex is in the third spot. Kylie Jenner tops the list, with her sister Kim Kardashian in the second spot. Markle followed behind the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" stars.

Kate Middleton dropped out of the top 10 this year. The Duchess of Cambridge is far behind in no. 16, a steep fall from no. 5 last year. Markle surpassed Middleton in 2017 when she landed on the fourth spot.

"Meghan proved her royal style credentials this year, wearing heritage British brands Barbour, Hunter and Burberry," Lyst said about Prince Harry's wife. "She also spiked searches for lesser known labels Misha Nonoo and Finlay and Co."

As for Middleton, Lyst stated in the previous year the Duchess of Cambridge "continues to spark global demand for her looks- this year caused dresses by Erdem, L.K. Bennett, Roland Mouret and Dolce & Gabbana to sell out in seconds."

Lyst has extended its rankings to a top 20 for the first time. Otherwise, Middleton wouldn't have made it to the list at all this year.

Lyst explores the impact of celebrities' outfits using a combination of social, search and sales data points to monitor the spike in fashion demands as sparked by the influencers. Among the most talked about wardrobes this year are Jenner's athleisure wear and Markle's wedding dress.

Markle surpassing Middleton's influence in 2018 is expected. According to David Haigh, CEO of business valuation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance, Markle's royal wedding to Prince Harry is a huge factor.

"Certain members of the Royal Family have a huge impact on the economy, through their unofficial endorsement of clothes or accessories… as a kind of 'brand ambassador'," Haigh explained.

"Diana had it, Kate certainly does, and we're already seeing how Prince George and Princess Charlotte do too. But with the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan this May, I believe her influence will eclipse even Kate's this year."

In related news, Middleton is embracing a new fashion to distinguish herself from her royal sister-in-law, Markle. The Duchess of Cambridge is into wearing headbands to make a difference in her style.