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.
Best Bow: Sachin & Babi Ainsley Gown
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.
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.
Best Off-the-Shoulder: Vera Wang Andree Off-the-Shoulder Gown
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.
Most Modern: Roland Mouret Silk and Wool Midi Dress
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.
Best Strap Detail: Alice + Olivia Tae Crystal-Strap Asymmetric Maxi Dress
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.
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.
Most Comfortable: L'AGENCE Selena Asymmetric Satin Dress
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.
Best Beaded: Mac Duggal Cocktail Beaded Faux Wrap Midi-Dress
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.
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.
Best Maxi: Adrianna Papell Floral-Print Metallic Crinkled Mesh Faux Wrap Long Gown
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.
Best High Neckline: Reformation Zya Silk Dress
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.
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.
For a Formal Wedding: Galina Signature Charmeuse Draped One-Shoulder Bridesmaid Dress
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.
Best Metallic: Mac Duggal Metallic Cowl Back Column Gown
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.
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.
Best Slit: Ronny Kobo Mary Asymmetric Satin-Jacquard Dress
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.