Fashion Expert Weighs in on Best and Worst Dressed Mothers of the Bride, Including Hillary Clinton
From elegant ensembles to fashion missteps, a style commentator analyzes notable mother-of-the-bride outfits, with a particular focus on political figures.
Annabel Croft recently demonstrated that a skirt-suit is not the only option for a mother of the bride in 2026, opting for a radiant ensemble at her daughter Lily Coleman's wedding in London this past weekend. The former tennis star, who previously expressed a dislike for traditional mother-of-the-bride attire, chose a brown Zimmermann dress for the occasion.
Fashion expert Caroline Baxter noted that Croft's "bohemian" gown was successful because it remained true to her personal style without overshadowing the bride. Baxter contrasted this with Hillary Clinton's outfit for her daughter Chelsea's 2010 wedding, describing the then-politician's $15,000 Oscar de la Renta gown as excessive.
Clinton, the former U.S. Secretary of State, wore a dual-toned, off-shoulder Oscar de la Renta gown for her daughter Chelsea's wedding to investment banker Marc Mezvinsky in 2010. The ensemble featured floral appliqué details and beadwork. "The combination of frills, ruffles and curls feels overworked, when a sleeker, more polished approach would be far more flattering and in keeping with her style," Baxter commented.
Baxter also offered insights into other notable mothers of the bride and groom. Carole Middleton's style was described as "timeless" and "polished," highlighting her choice of an ice-blue coat dress for her daughter Kate's wedding in 2011 and a blush pink ensemble for Pippa's nuptials. Victoria Beckham's choice for her son Brooklyn's wedding, a liquid silver metallic gown from her own label, was deemed a departure from convention, though Baxter found its proportions "slightly off" and too long.
Kate Robbins was praised for a "spot-on" cape dress in berry tones for her daughter Emily Atack's wedding, while Tana Ramsay's emerald green strapless gown from Victoria Beckham's label was seen as a potential eveningwear choice that felt a "little dull" against her complexion. Princess Anne was commended for her repeat wear of a butter yellow hat, first seen 45 years ago at her daughter's christening and again at her son Peter Phillips' wedding.
Doria Ragland's custom Oscar de la Renta mint-green shift dress with floral embroidery and matching coat for her daughter Meghan Markle's wedding to Prince Harry was described as "effortlessly elegant," with the peppermint shade and structured coat praised for their fresh and polished appearance. The designer's former co-creative directors shared that Meghan Markle was adamant about having an American fashion house represented at her wedding and specifically requested this for her mother.