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Photo by Benjamin Wheeler
ICYMI: Princess Beatrice wed Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi during a secret, intimate wedding in Windsor on July 17, 2020. But instead of commissioning a renowned designer to create her wedding gown, the royal bride turned to her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth's closet instead, wearing a vintage wedding dress from the 1960s.
Designed by Norman Hartnell (the same designer who created Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown!), the dress was originally worn by the Queen during the 1962 premiere of Lawrence of Arabia. Yet, Princess Beatrice made a few changes to the vintage look when it came time to wear it down the aisle, adding puffed organza sleeves and altering the hem.
But even though Bea's wedding dress is one-of-a-kind, brides can still recreate the regal look on their own wedding day by focusing on elements like the unique fabric and traditional silhouette. "It's a very classic design, a classic shape," explains Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride. "If you start there, then consider what embellishments you would put on top of it. You can look for an embellished bodice and a silk skirt [when] recreating the look."
Meet the Expert
Julie Sabatino is the founder of The Stylish Bride, a personal styling and wedding day service for brides.
And while we love a sleek, simple and minimal gown, we appreciate that the princess went with the opposite of recent royal brides and opted for an old-school regal look.
Ready to wear an ultra-royal wedding gown of your own? Ahead, 11 wedding dresses inspired by Princess Beatrice's vintage look—with options for the glamorous bride, the casual bride, and every bride in between!
For Similar Beadwork: Amsale Maya Gown
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If the princess's gown was originally designed in 2021 (and not the 1960s!), we imagine it would probably look something like Amsale's Maya gown. In both white and ivory, the square sweetheart neckline and hand-embroidered crystal detailing are fit for a queen. We recommend wearing an overskirt down the aisle for some drama then removing it for dancing!
SHOP NOW: Amsale
Most Unexpected: LoveShackFancy Norma Dress
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Courtesy of LoveShackFancy
Like Bea's vintage gown, this pink dress from LoveShackFancy is completely unexpected. The floral details are also reminiscent of the royal wedding's garden party theme.
SHOP NOW: LoveShackFancy
Best Allover Beading: Needle & Thread Ruffled Embellished Tulle Gown
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Courtesy of Needle & Thread
One of our favorite elements of Princess Bea's gown is the bold diamantes. This ruffled tulle gown by Needle & Thread creates a more romantic version of her look. Plus, the floral details remind us of her dreamy wedding day flowers!
SHOP NOW: Net-a-Porter
Most Romantic Sleeves: Violette Tannenbaum Eula Dress
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Courtesy of Violette Tannenbaum
Here, the princess's voluminous sleeves are exchanged for fluttering tulle and the beaded bodice is replaced by embroidery.
SHOP NOW: Violette Tannenbaum
Most Princess-Inspired: Wtoo by Watters Hinson Dress
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Courtesy of Watters
Although this Wtoo by Watters gown has the same A-line silhouette as Princess Beatrice's, we love how this dress has a softer skirt. Regal and romantic mixed in one!
SHOP NOW: Watters
For the Fashion-Forward Bride: Rodarte Tulle Sleeve Crop Top
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Courtesy of Matchesfashion
For a modern take on the royal bride's vintage gown, wear this Rodarte crop top down the aisle—or at the after-party. Pair with a beaded belt to mimic Beatrice's bling and a full floor-length skirt.
SHOP NOW: Matches Fashion
Best Embellishments: Markarian Persephone Embellished Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Moda Operandi
This midi dress is proof that embellishments can be casual! Here, gold details replace Bea's silver jewels—great for the bride who loves gold accessories!
SHOP NOW: Moda Operandi
Most Romantic: LoveShackFancy Viviana Dress
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Courtesy of LoveShackFancy
Exchanging embellishments for lace and a ball gown for a flowing skirt, this is a romantic interpretation of Princess Beatrice's look. But just because it lacks bling doesn't mean it lacks detail! Intricate embroidery makes this airy gown just as eye-catching as Bea's!
SHOP NOW: LoveShackFancy
Most Sculptural: Viktor & Rolf Iced Flower Slip Dress
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Courtesy of Viktor & Rolf
A delicate interpretation of the royal gown, this slip dress features iced flowers—"a modern take on classic lace made out of plexiglass and crystals"—on the bodice.
SHOP NOW: Viktor & Rolf
Most Dramatic: Sottero and Midgley Phoenix Ball Gown
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Courtesy of Sottero & Midgely
The strapless neckline and crystal beaded bodice of this ball gown creates a more glamourous version of the princess's wedding dress. Paired with a full satin skirt, the gown is a great balance between simple and bold.
SHOP NOW: Maggie Sottero
For the Minimalist Bride: Anna October Asymmetric Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of Moda Operandi
A casual take on the royal bride's vintage silhouette, Anna October's asymmetric maxi gives all the bounce of a ball gown in a no-fuss way. Perfect for summertime nuptials!
SHOP NOW: Moda Operandi