Fashion Experts Weigh In on Best and Worst Dressed Mothers of the Bride

Mothers of the bride and groom are increasingly opting for modern and memorable ensembles, stepping away from traditional attire. Fashion expert Caroline Baxter has analyzed several high-profile examples, offering insights into what works and what misses the mark.

Amanda Cronin, star of "Real Housewives of London," recently attended her daughter Sofia Yeganeh's wedding in a striking pink minidress, showcasing her 37-inch legs. Baxter commented that while the dress was "simple, feminine and understated," a "slightly longer hemline would have elevated the overall look" for a more formal occasion.

Annabel Croft, a former tennis star, chose a full-length copper Zimmermann gown for her daughter's wedding in 2024. Baxter described Croft's bohemian, paisley print dress as "entirely true to her personal style" and a "perfect choice" that struck the "right balance between fashion and formality" for an early autumn wedding.

Carole Middleton's mother-of-the-bride style has been described as "timeless" and "polished." Her choices for daughter Kate's wedding to Prince William in 2011 (an ice-blue coat dress) and Pippa's nuptials (a blush pink ensemble, both by Catherine Walker) featured soft pastels and traditional silhouettes, with hemlines at the knee and nude hosiery, which Baxter lauded as "Polished and timeless."

Kris Jenner, at her daughter Kourtney Kardashian's 2022 wedding, opted for a pale pink, feathered gown with billowing sleeves. Baxter found the look "Flattering and romantic," noting that the blush pink is a "universally flattering shade" and the length struck the "right note of elegance and formality."

Victoria Beckham, for her son Brooklyn's wedding, wore a metallic silver gown of her own design. Baxter, however, felt the "proportions feel slightly off," stating it was "too long and lacks the structure needed to make the look feel truly sharp," deeming it "Unconventional but missing something."

Denise Welch wore a stunning off-the-shoulder satin dusty pink dress with dramatic puff sleeves for her son Matty Healy's wedding. Baxter considered it "On-brand glamour," a "bold, glamorous choice that feels perfectly in keeping with her personality" for a high-profile occasion.

Kate Robbins, mother of the bride Emily Atack, selected a cape dress in berry tones. Baxter praised the choice as "Modern and chic," noting the "length is also spot-on."

Tana Ramsay wore an emerald green strapless gown by Victoria Beckham for her daughter's wedding. Baxter felt the color was "a little dull" and the "overall effect leans towards eveningwear rather than the lighter, more relaxed feel of daytime occasionwear," concluding it was "Too dark for a daytime wedding."

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's dual-toned, off-shoulder Oscar de la Renta gown for her daughter Chelsea's 2010 wedding was deemed "Slightly over-the-top" by Baxter. The expert suggested the "combination of frills, ruffles and curls feels overworked" and a "sleeker, more polished approach would be far more flattering."

Doria Ragland, mother of Meghan Markle, wore a custom mint-green Oscar de la Renta shift dress with a matching coat and hat for the royal wedding. Baxter praised the ensemble as "effortlessly elegant" and a "beautifully judged ensemble," noting the "peppermint shade is fresh and flattering, while the structured coat brings just the right amount of polish."

Princess Anne demonstrated "royal recycling" at her son Peter Phillips' wedding, wearing the same butter yellow hat she had previously worn 45 years prior. Baxter commended the Princess Royal's look, stating, "Princess Anne gets it absolutely right," noting the "bright yellow brings a welcome hit of colour, while the textured fringe of her shawl adds just the right flourish."