Best and worst dressed mothers of the bride! As Annabel Croft picks the ‘perfect’ gown for her daughter’s wedding, fashion expert reveals which famous mums almost stole the show

Annabel Croft simply showed that frumpy skirt-suits are no longer the clothing du jour for the critical mom of the bride-to-be in 2026.

The previous tennis star, 60 – who formerly stated she would not be captured dead using a ‘gown in a stiff material with a coat on the top’ – was glowing as she went to child Lily Coleman’s London wedding event to Felix McCorquodale this weekend.

She signs up with a choose group of star moms who have actually improved the art of dressing for their kids’s wedding events – with style specialist Caroline Baxter stating Annabel’s brown Zimmermann gown fit the quick to a tee.

In addition to the cut, colour, and building and construction, the factor that Annabel’s ‘bohemian’ dress was such a success was that it remained real to her design without eclipsing the bride-to-be, Caroline stated.

On the other hand, she states United States political leader Hillary Clinton’s $15,000 (₤ 11,000) Oscar de la Renta dress for her child Chelsea’s 2010 wedding event felt extreme.

Who got it ideal – and who got it really incorrect? Caroline offers her decision on a few of the most well-known gowns used by moms of the couples in current times – from Doria Ragland and Carole Middleton to Victoria Beckham.

Annabel Croft

The hero of Annabel’s maximalist mother-of-the-bride try to find Lily’s wedding event to Felix was a full-length copper gown from Australian occasionwear label Zimmermann.

The previous Strictly star, who likewise used Zimmermann for her senior child Amber’s wedding event in 2024, formerly exposed she ‘likes floaty materials’ and a ‘romantic’ appearance.

She formerly informed The Times: “I have a romantic, womanly appearance, so that’s what I wished to opt for. I enjoy floaty materials. Undoubtedly whatever the celebration, you desire something that matches your character?”

And Annabel’s bohemian, paisley print gown ‘felt totally real to her individual design,’ stated Caroline.

Together with brown heels and a complementary pillbox hat, Annabel’s ensemble struck the ‘best balance in between style and rule’ for an early fall wedding event’, the specialist included. Decision: The best option

Carole Middleton

Carole Middleton’s design is ‘classic’ and ‘polished’, Caroline stated.

Whether it was the ice-blue coat gown she wore for her oldest child Kate’s wedding event to Prince William in 2011 or the blush pink ensemble (both by Catherine Walker) she selected for Pippa’s weddings, Carole was the picture-perfect mom of the bride-to-be.

Evaluating her design, Caroline stated she appears to favour soft pastels and a conventional shape, including: ‘The hemline sits nicely at the knee, matched by naked hosiery.’

Decision: Refined and ageless

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham was ‘never ever going to be a standard’ mother-of-the-groom, Caroline talked about the singer-turned-designer’s uncommon gown for now-estranged boy Brooklyn’s special day.

For Brooklyn’s wedding event to Nicola Peltz, Posh Spice used among her own styles; a liquid silver metal number influenced by the Studio 54 period and by the ‘reflection of the moonlight on the ocean during the night,’ stated Victoria.

Flaunting the dress on her Instagram page some months after the weddings, David Beckham’s better half described that it was ‘established utilizing the finest metal yarn from my preferred mill in Como, Italy’.

Regardless of the glamorous material, the ‘percentages feel a little off’, Caroline stated. ‘It’s too long and does not have the structure required to make the appearance feel genuinely sharp.’

Decision: Non-traditional however missing something

Kate Robbins

Kate Robbins was a vision at her child Emily Atack’s wedding event to Alistair Garner in Spain last month.

The 68-year-old mom of the bride-to-be chose a cape gown for Emily’s wedding day that was ‘spot-on’, as the EastEnders star ended up the appearance with silver jewellery and devices.

‘Kate looks wonderful in berry tones, which bring heat to her skin and enhance her hair wonderfully,’ she described. ‘The length is likewise spot-on.’

Decision: Modern and stylish

Tana Ramsay

It was among 2025’s most talked-about wedding events, as Gordon and Tana Ramsay’s child stated ‘I do’ to Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty at Bath Abbey last December.

Tana turned to buddy Victoria Beckham for her gown, with the 52-year-old selecting an emerald green strapless dress from Posh Spice’s label.

It included a cowl neck information, fitted waist and uneven hem that worked well, however the colour felt a ‘little dull’ versus Tana’s skin, stated Caroline.

‘The general impact leans towards eveningwear instead of the lighter, more unwinded feel of daytime occasionwear,’ she included.

Decision: Too dark for a daytime wedding event

Hillary Clinton

American political leader Hillary Clinton took out all the stops for her child Chelsea’s 2010 wedding event to financial investment lender Marc Mezvinsky.

The previous United States secretary of state chose a dual-toned, off-shoulder Oscar de la Renta dress with flower appliqué information and beadwork for the event in New York.

Completely the impact was somewhat frustrating, as Caroline stated: Hillary has possibly got a little brought away.

‘The mix of frills, ruffles and curls feels overworked, when a sleeker, more sleek technique would be even more lovely and in keeping with her design.’

Decision: Somewhat excessive

Doria Ragland

Doria Ragland likewise used Oscar de la Renta for her child Meghan Markle’s royal wedding event to Prince Harry at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle 8 years earlier.

Strolling down the stairs along with the now-King and Queen, Doria’s customized appearance consisted of a mint-green shift gown with white flower embroidery, matching coat and a hat as Meghan desired a United States designer ‘represented at her wedding event’.

Talking to Tatler, the label’s previous co-creative directors stated: ‘Meghan was determined about having an American style home represented at the wedding event because she’s American.

‘She called me straight. I had no concept she had the ability to do that or had my number – and offered me a 15-minute speech about why it was very important to her.

I presumed it was her own bridal gown however at the end she stated: “And would you be interested in making this dream come true for my mother?”

Caroline stated Meghan’s vision for her mom’s gown was understood as she applauded the ‘easily classy’ ensemble.

She included: ‘The peppermint shade is fresh and lovely, while the structured coat brings simply the correct amount of polish.

Decision: A perfectly evaluated ensemble.

Princess Anne

Princess Anne has actually shown herself the Queen of Royal recycling as she wore the exact same butter yellow hat for her boy Peter Phillips’s wedding event to Harriet Sperling this summer season as she provided for her child’s christening 45 years back.

The Princess Royal, 76, looked glowing as ever in the tonal ensemble, consisting of a button-up coat and shawl that paired completely with the yellow accents in her flower gown.

Commenting on her appearance, Caroline stated: ‘Princess Anne gets it definitely. Her deep understanding of style, combined with her enduring dedication to re-wearing clothing she has actually owned for years, indicates she understands precisely what works for her.

‘The intense yellow brings a welcome hit of colour, while the textured fringe of her shawl includes simply the best thrive.’

Decision: A royal success