15 Best Katie Couric-Inspired Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

When it comes to style inspiration for mothers of the bride, Katie Couric has been an icon for decades. From the marigold Vera Wang dress she sported at the 2012 Glamour Women of the Year Awards to the embellished Carmen Marc Valvo gown she wore at the 2014 Time 100 Gala, Couric clearly isn’t afraid to take a few fashion risks.

While she does mix in some classic sheath silhouettes and dark hues, the celebrated journalist often gravitates towards bolder colors and patterns, wearing ensembles that are both feminine and eye-catching. Her ability to seamlessly pair sleek silhouettes with trendy and unique details is the key to creating a chic and timeless ensemble, which is why many moms gravitate to her for their own wedding day looks.

So for mothers of the bride or groom who are currently searching for their day-of attire, we’ve got you covered with the best Katie Couric red carpet moments. Scroll ahead for five of her most fashionable pieces, plus a few recommendations on how to recreate her looks yourself.

Couric embraced the ‘Barbiecore’ trend at the 45th Kennedy Honors ceremony on December 2022, opting for a strapless column dress by Markarian. She let the hot pink number speak for itself, styling the vibrant ensemble with a Markarian round crystal clutch and diamond jewelry by Stephen Russell.

Courtesy of Sachin & Babi

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Size: 0-14 | Materials: Poly faille | Length: Floor

Channel Couric’s ‘Barbiecore’ moment with this trendy strapless gown from Sachin & Babi. The oversized bow sash and pleated skirt make this hot pink number perfect for a formal spring wedding. Fully commit to a monochrome look with pink pumps, or take a style cue from Couric and pair the dress with various metallic accessories.

Price at time of publish: $850

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

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Size: 2-18 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

While this off-the-shoulder dress has a sleeker silhouette than Couric’s Markarian gown, the hot pink hue and open neckline are a perfect match. Ideal for a black-tie wedding, the draped bodice details and back cut-out give this classic silhouette a modern touch. Pair it with drop earrings à la Couric, or a tennis necklace to further emphasize your décolletage.

Price at time of publish: $495

Courtesy of MyTheresa

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Size: 2-12 | Materials: Silk and wool | Length: Midi

For an elegant and edgy look, try this midi dress from Roland Mouret. It incorporates the pink shade and strapless silhouette from Couric’s Markarian ensemble but also features an asymmetrical neckline and rounded pleats. Style your look with a sheer pink shawl, clear pumps, and a silver clutch.

Price at time of publish: $915

Couric stunned in another monochromatic piece at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscars party. The one-shoulder black gown flowed elegantly over her figure for a classic red carpet look that still felt modern. She added a playful touch to this simple ensemble by accessorizing it with a clutch shaped like a fanned-out deck of cards, black platform heels, and diamond jewelry.

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

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Size: 0-14 | Materials: Satin | Length: Maxi

For a more glamorous take on Couric’s all-black look, we love this satin maxi dress from Alice + Olivia which features a crystal-embellished strap. The side slit and asymmetric hem, paired with the loose silhouette, make for a statement-making look that is chic and comfortable.

Price at time of publish: $695

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

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Size: XS-L | Materials: Satin | Length: Ankle

This L’AGENCE number is a perfect dupe for the black dress Couric wore on the red carpet, and showcases a single dolman sleeve and an asymmetrical cut. Follow Couric’s lead and style this relaxed frock with platform heels and a fun clutch to add a pop of color.

Price at time of publish: $375

Courtesy of Anthropologie

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Size: XXS-3X | Materials: Cotton | Length: Ankle

This one-shoulder dress keeps the same style as Couric’s look but features a puff sleeve and a more structured skirt. You can easily dress this look up with a pair of platform heels and statement jewelry, or keep it casual with ankle-strap sandals and stud earrings.

Price at time of publish: $248

For the Time 100 Gala in 2014, Couric made a bold fashion choice with this embellished Carmen Marc Valvo gown, the same designer she wore to her wedding that same year. She kept the accessories simple, styling the patterned dress with an assortment of beaded jewelry and a gold clutch.

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

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Size: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi

Taking inspiration from the beaded details on Couric’s gown, this Mac Duggal dress easily falls within a formal dress code. What's more, the midi length and gorgeous light green color would suit a spring or summer wedding. Keep it sophisticated by styling this beaded look with ankle-strap heels and drop earrings.

Price at time of publish: $498

Courtesy of Theia

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Size: 0-16 | Materials: Silk | Length: Floor

With this Theia gown, you get the best of both worlds—shimmer and an abstract pattern. While this one-shoulder dress differs from Couric’s embellished gown in many ways, its A-line silhouette and green wildflower print stay true to her style. Add even more shine to this bold look with gold heels and a matching clutch.

Price at time of publish: $716

FLORAL-PRINT METALLIC CRINKLED MESH FAUX WRAP LONG GOWN IN NAVY MULTI

Courtesy of Adrianna Papell

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Size: 0-20 | Materials: Metallic mesh | Length: Maxi

Following the abstract pattern theme, this Adrianna Papell gown is chic and romantic. While it does fall on the more casual side, it would be a great option for a pre-wedding brunch or a backyard wedding. Plus, you can repurpose it afterward for an elegant summertime look.

Price at time of publish: $229

As the host of the 2012 Glamour Women of the Year Awards, Couric made it a point to bring her fashion A-game to the red carpet. She stood out in a marigold midi dress, by Vera Wang, that featured an intricate pattern. Her gold pumps and matching jewelry completed this colorful ensemble for a chic result.

View On Reformation

Size: 0-12 | Materials: Silk | Length: Midi

Marigold can be a hard color to pull off, but not when it comes to this gorgeous midi from Reformation. The high neckline, small back slit, and sleek silhouette would suit every kind of wedding from cocktail attire to black tie. Complement the rich hue of the dress with a few gold accessories, such as hoop earrings and ankle-strap heels.

Price at time of publish: $328

marigold asymmetric satin-jacquard dress

Courtesy of The Outnet

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Size: XS-XL | Materials: Satin | Length: Knee

To capture Couric’s bold yet feminine aesthetic, shop this Ronny Kobo leopard print dress. While the hemline falls asymmetrically at the knee, the dark yellow hue and unique pattern make this look akin to Couric’s original Vera Wang piece.

Price at time of publish: $269

charmeuse draped one-shoulder bridesmaid dress in yellow

Courtesy of David's Bridal

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Size: 0-30 | Materials: Charmeuse | Length: Floor

Taking a more formal approach to Couric’s look, we love this one-shoulder gown from David’s Bridal for a black-tie wedding. The fitted bodice mimics the celeb's style, but the satin-like charmeuse fabric and envelope skirt bring a sultrier vibe to this chic ensemble.

Price at time of publish: $180

You can never go wrong with a black dress, and Couric put her own twist on the classic look for a Stand Up to Cancer event in 2016. The halter dress featured a snakeskin panel, a beaded belt, and an ombré skirt, which gave the ensemble some dimension. She then finished off the eye-catching frock with black open-toe heels and diamond jewelry.

Courtesy of Mac Duggal

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Size: 0-14 | Materials: Metallic jersey | Length: Floor

For those attending a black-tie wedding or formal rehearsal dinner, consider this boat neck gown with a cowl back from Mac Duggal. Style your look with drop earrings, a silver clutch, and black pumps to complement the metallic fabric.

Price at time of publish: $338

ankle-length gown with a pleated shimmer skirt

Courtesy of Bloomingdales

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Size: 0-18 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

This pleated gown from Aqua is sure to be a head-turner at any semi-formal wedding. The ombré skirt resembles the one on Couric’s gown, but the pop of color and shimmering fabric gives this dress an extra luxe feel.

Price at time of publish: $268

Courtesy of Matches Fashion

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Size: 0-10 | Materials: Velvet | Length: Maxi

If you’re looking to keep things simple with your ensemble, consider this halter dress by Raquel Diniz. While the maxi has a more traditional appearance at first glance, it features velvet fabric and an open back, which adds a fun and flirty twist to the polished look.

Price at time of publish: $509

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