One of the craziest things about following tennis is that I hold petty grudges against entire countries when people don’t come out for women’s tennis matches. Certain countries – I won’t name them – host these really big tournaments and then no one will come out for the women’s matches, which are often as exciting if not more exciting than the men’s matches. Wimbledon is thankfully not like that at all. People go to Wimbledon and fill up all of the seats for men’s and women’s matches and it’s really cool to see. It genuinely warms my heart when there are rows and rows of British dudes living and dying on Angie Kerber’s passing shots and Ash Barty’s slices. It’s awesome.
The second Thursday of Wimbledon is called Ladies’ Day, because the women’s semifinals happen on Center Court. Former champions (mostly women) are invited to sit in the Royal Box and tons of VIPs come out and it’s always a full house, as it was this year. Instead of seeing Wimbledon’s royal patroness the Duchess of Cambridge, we got to see other royals in the Royal Box. Which is awesome! Kate rarely came to Ladies’ Day and she’s still in isolation for her Covid-exposure. So here are some photos of the Countess of Wessex plus Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo.
Beatrice is knocked up, as you probably remember. What didn’t even occur to me is that her pregnancy might mean a style backslide, but here we are. Beatrice wore a dress from Self-Portrait which retails for £446. Puffy sleeves and shoulders, an awful silhouette and polka dots? It’s almost like Kate was there. Edoardo looks impeccable, as always. He’s such a dandy, you can tell that he really cares about clothes. We’ve all claimed that Edo’s good style would rub off on Beatrice but it’s not working out that way!
Photos courtesy of Getty.
Cut off the sleeves to wide straps, lose the belt, shorten the dress to where that weird added thing is, wear a solid colored cardigan or shawl and we might have a decent look.
Lol. That’s a lot to do to just remove the ugliness of the dress. She could just burn the one and let her Dandy husband shop for her, he looks like he enjoys those kinds of things. Lol
I don’t think the dress looks that bad but the puffy sleeves need to go.
@ OverIt : the fabric is also too stiff for the design of the dress. I think the bottom of the dress would look better if it draped instead of holding a shape all by itself. And yes the puffy sleeves have to go.
I totally agree with first poster, @Heathet C’s take, on Bea’s styling missteps with this polka dot look, and on how to resolve. Maybe for a different setting or differently styled dress, the puffy sleeves would work, but not in this instance. Overall, Bea doesn’t match her husband with this outfit. She would look great next to him with a sleeker silhouette, even with being pregnant, because her lovely bump would be more highlighted (in a stylish way).
For me, the biggest no-nos are the ruching at her bodice and the flounce with tucks attached to the bottom of the dress. Those features do not go with a polka dot pattern! The polka dots are lost in the ruching on top and tucking on the bottom flounce (which is overkill to be added to the dress anyway). I agree that the belt doesn’t work with this look either. I also agree about the sunglasses being a tad too large, especially with this outfit.
I had high hopes for Bea looking more stylish and fashion forward after seeing her wonderful coat styling at Prince Philip’s funeral. Bea’s hair was pulled back in a long ponytail, and she looked very on point. We probably all thought hubby Edo’s fashion sense was beginning to rub off, but no, she still seems inconsistent. Often, she gets part of the styling right, but misses with certain features such as accessories, or cut, or pattern, or color, or something. I recall a pretty lavender flower print dress she once wore with Edo on her arm. Her light-colored jacket and her hat worked with the cute dress. But the whole effect was skewed by her decision to wear black heels! All she needed was beige, or pastel-colored shoes to seal the deal.
I am no way a fashion expert. I’m sure I get things wrong too when pulling together an outfit. But with Bea’s money and her high profile, why not absorb and learn something? She’s got her fashion-conscious hubby, and especially her designer friends, who surely could give her detailed pointers about what works best for her body! Understanding that she’s not good with the details is the first step for her. She’s got a beautiful complexion, lovely hair, and huge, unique eyes that would be enhanced if she understood the fashion basics, and knew that less is more when making styling choices.
The fact that Beatrice keeps making missteps likely has to do not only with a lack of knowing what works on her body, but also not having the ability to ace dressing for the occasion. In addition, I suspect she is hampered in receiving better sartorial advice due to her ingrained sense of entitlement. She appears to project a certain air of haughtiness, as a member of the British royal family.
jeez, aftershock: shorten the comments. you’re not writing a book…
All this really needed was a great hat (i know u can’t wear them to Wimbledon, but maybe this wasnt a Wimbledon dress, Bea!) and a strong lip color. Styling makes or breaks a dress that’s meant to be unusual.
I’m not even sure this is a maternity dress? it doesnt fit well. That belt is killing me just by looking at it. I would not have worn the belt pregnant. But the dress itself, I like. Just not on a preggie woman.
That’s a really soft look for Sophie, softer than she usually goes for, which I find interesting.
Beatrice reminds me of her mother, sort of fashion-naive.
The expression on Sophie’s face, as if she’s looking at Bea’s outfit and saying WTF?
Sophie’s expression is usually WTF…in her case the W stands for Why: WTF am I not more popular; WTF am I not a senior royal; WTF am I not in line to the throne; WTF are people more interested in Meghan than me…ad infinitum…
OMG, yes! This polka dot disaster is something Fergie would have worn in the 80s-90s. I have mercy for Bea, because in my 36 year marriage my husband is absolutely the stylish one and I am the schmuck. You would think it would rub off, but no.
These 80’s style clothes that Beatrice & Kate keep wearing seem to be popular but I don’t get it. The 80’s were a terrible decade for fashion!
Yep! I hope to never see a lot of things again from that decade.
That was an awful decade, which we don’t need to repeat!
Beatrice seems to always miss it, except for one or two occasions. The dress is awful from top to bottom and what was she thinking to add a belt? Cut off the sleeves, change the skirt to an A line in solid black and you are done!!
Though, I am a little more critical of her due to her unnecessary grudge against Meghan, with regards to Meghan showing up pregnant at Eugenies wedding. Plus her announcement of her pregnancy was deliberately publicized on Harry and Meghans wedding anniversary too. I think Eugenie can take care of her self, Beatrice, so please STFU and sit down.
well said, @BothSidesNow. The whole world wishes Bea would STFD and STFU :))
Agreed. I had a Jessica McClintock dress made out of this same fabric in 1990. I was 11.
It was beyond tragic. It looked so ill fitting; it was a “regular” dress sized up to wear over her bump. The belt…the shirring around the bust… THOSE SLEEVES!!! OMG….just awful.
Heather’s right: get rid of those awful sleeves, chop off the bottom flounce and raise the hem, but mostly, LOSE THAT BELT!! (I also thought those sunglasses were too big for her face).
I think this woman has looked “good” (outfits that just *worked* beautifully) a handful of times in her life. This isn’t one of them.
***and I have to say, her wearing her mask UNDER her nose p*ssed me off to no end. WEAR YOUR MASK PROPERLY!!!!!
Sofiesta looked nice though.
I actually really like it! I think she looks great, haha. I’m OK with not being in the majority though.
Haha, I often read how awful my wardrobe is on here!
I like it, too, but maybe without the flounce at the hem & the belt. I think she looks nice.
It’s a cute dress. That vaguely 80esque prairie look is in right now. In fact, Bea’s dress is just a more exuberant version of Sophie’s. The only problem, really, is that it isn’t a maternity dress so the placement of the belt is awkward and puts the whole thing askew.
I like it too!
I like it too. It looks good on her and I don’t really mind the sleeves on this dress. I think she looks cute!
I like it too. She seems that she’s caring for her weight gain during pregnancy, and looks fgood. I see food and I get fat-ter.
I don’t mind the York sisters that much anymore after I learnt that they were disliked by the DoC even before the marriage, and that they might have been supportive of Harry and his family. She can cup her belly all that she wants, I can criticize the hypocrites who criticize Meghan, tho.
She looks cute here. I wouldn’t choose the dress for myself, but it suits her.
I agree and will die on polka dot hill (it’s right next to stripe mountain). Think she looks cute and summery. Love me some polka dots and stripes.
I love it! Dots and sleeves and all!
I love this look too. Love Polka dots. It’s obvious she dresses for herself rather then the camera most times, compared to her more eccentric choices she stometimes comes up with she looks great I loved how the couple looked at eachother at times
I love it too! I have a soft spot for Beatrice, and to a bit lesser extent Eugenie (she reins herself in more often), because they really give zero effs. Beatrice will always pick the interesting choices, never the safe ones. I will never get tired of gazing at their Will and Kate wedding attire, ever.
Maybe it’s just me – I think this is cute on her! It’s breezy and summery.
I think it’s cute, too! Bea often seems to go for looks that I feel like don’t always photograph well but probably look really nice in person. Edo looks sharp, as always.
I don’t mind it? It’s not a wow perfect hit but it’s not super offensive. So feel neutral on it without hating but also without loving. Gah sorry this reads as a very wishy washy critique. I think Sophie looks pretty good from what I can see. The soft curls are new but look good with the smaller polka dots.
Notice the total absence of surprise that Catherine the Unindustrious doesn’t show up for the ladies. If the spotlight isn’t on her, then she wants it turned off.
Isn’t Kate still “ quarantining from COVID exposure”?
The article states that she rarely went in the before times. Leopards don’t change their spots. She reads like one of those women who don’t stand up for other women.
That dress is an absolute mess. The silhouette kind of reminds me of a dress that Meghan wore wild pregnant with Archie, just without the sleeves, the belt orge polka dots.
Remember when Sofiesta copied Dianna’s hair cut? Is she now copying the sausage curls? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her hair styled like that. It’s soft and pretty, but it is very Kate-esq.
Sophie seems to be going thru a definite crisis of some sort. The desperation is coming off of her in waves lately.
I think she’s trying to appeal to the younger demographic by dressing younger/softer. That outfit she had on in the story about Louise the other day struck me as a little try-hard to attract the youth market the royal family needs (but doesn’t have). And I say this as someone who is her age.
It must be galling to have actually done some good work while a member of the firm to have to pander at this stage in her life.
I think someone must have told her that she looks hard/harsh.
I think the dress, in theory, is good.
But it doesn’t fit her … it looks like it was fitted and tailored a month ago but when she put it on yesterday … well, baby’s grown since then and so has her belly bump.
So, the dress doesn’t hang right and isn’t comfortable which is why she’s fiddling with the belt/torso in one of the pics. If my late grandmother was there with her, she would have leaned over and hissed “stop fiddling with it dear! No one looks lovely when they are tugging at their clothes” right before she poked her hand sharply into the middle of B’s back to get her to stand up straight and throw her shoulders back (and there may have even been a tug on the back of her hair to get her to raise her head back up LOL)
Wow, your granny was a tough cookie!
Yes she was! She’s been gone for years and there are still times I think about her hand poking my back and stand up straighter LOL
Sophie looks like she got a make-over, not Lady Louise. Her styling looks like she could be from a Housewives franchise.
I saw pics of Bea ‘cradling her bump lovingly’ . Remember when someone else couldn’t stop ‘touching her bump’ yeah, racism.
Noooooo.. Meghan was “CLUTCHING” her bump!!
KKKhate “lovingly cradled” her bump, and now Bea is “touching” hers. Hmmm… one of things has been made to not be like the others,,, which one? which one??? Hmmm…. a conundrum to be sure! 🤔
Y’all the bump touchy debate was in full force in the comments at dm. Did anyone else know they have Megan birthers over there? Like many think that Megan was holding a friggin pillow to her belly and desperately trying to keep it from sliding out her dress? So that’s their excuse for condemning her for dump touching and not Beatrice.
Yes, Lori…don’t forget a few of them wanted to get to Meg when she was in NY for her shower and “grab the pillow” out of her clothes! Truly deranged people out there!
There are crazier than that. Some people have edited video and pictures to make it appear that her “pillow” is sliding out. As if that could happen and not be all over the media. But there are still idiots who fall for it.
Yes and she was using a lot of the Daily Fail’s listed “techniques”. “Love handle”, “left hand”. Bear in mind that there is absolute no objection about Beatrice being pregnant. She’s a first time mum and she and every other woman can enjoy their pregnancy however they want. What I find absolutely ridiculous and will always make fun of is the way when Meghan was pregnant with Archie, how they have a “name” for every movement. Why does it matter to you? It was her baby, just like this is beatrice’s baby. They can handle it however the f they want.
I don’t know why she added the belt and the sleeves are too big. But the bigger story is she wasn’t attacked by the press for touching her bump. Not that I think she should be attacked but it’s very telling that she wasn’t.
This is so bad. I’m 9 months pregnant and early on I tried new styles that seemed flattering in my head… this feels like what Eugene did. The sleeves are supposed to be FASHION and maybe distracting but it would have been fine with normal regular sleeves.
Congrats! You are so close to meeting your baby! I hope your delivery is without incident, and your new little love is one of those babies who is super chill.
I agree with your points about the dress, and I am thinking she wanted to be as noticeable as possible. Like others have pointed out, it may have been a paid-for dress appearance.
Also, I keep thinking to her mother Sarah’s treatment (always in contrast to then-perfect Diana) by the tabloids for how she was dressed ‘unflatteringly’ (read: fat-looking) when she was pregnant. It was gross, and had to have been hard to take. I get snarky about people who dress like they didn’t put any real thought into it, because how we present ourselves is so important, but I always give pregnant people a pass – making new humans is hard enough😆.
ETA: And now I have just discovered that when commenting on my phone vs my computer, I am signed in under different alias. One my legal name, the other my internet name. So now I look like a bot. Awesome. I better fix that.🤦🏼♀️
Mazel tov Mindy!! All good wishes your way for a safe delivery, and a happy, healthy baby! 🙏🏻🍼👶
Is this a polka dot club? Bea doesn’t look comfortable, maybe it’s too fitted. Glad Ladies day gets a full house. Did anyone bring some glamour?
Sophie and Bea 100% planned on matching polka dot outfits. 100%.
It’s like designer had a good starting point then threw up all over it.
Not a great look. Her hair looks good though.
I agree the bodice doesn’t fit, but as a former pregnant person, I have sympathy. Pregnant bodies are changing constantly. This dress may have fit yesterday. Also, somewhat hilariously, I recently sewed a looser, sheer version of this dress (from entirely different inspirations -it’s on my IG where I am pippiannshirley, so feel free to roast me) and now I feel I have to defend her.
I shall be her paladin for this ONE thing! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
It’s kind of cute and I bet it was no-cost in exchange for wearing it to Wimbledon and advertisement. Can’t blame her for working those connections. If it’s okay for Peter, why not Bea? She seems to have touched her bump and got a pass for it. There was one silly headline about how Meghan paved the way for royal women to touch their bump.
Eh, she is growing a human, I’m not going to fault her for anything she wears. I can’t imagine the pressure of getting ready to become a new mom, having a body much different than what you are used to, and knowing that my picture will be taken whenever I go out. Also, a cousin that has turned pouty brooding rage in to an Olympic sport and will probably find an actual bus to throw me under if I put a foot wrong. I think she looks nice.
I agree!!
Clearly their fashion sense was inherited from their mother,even by 80s and early 90s standard Fergies wardrobe was terrible.
I’m giving her a pass in that pregnant glow kind of way. She looks cute w her mom to be vibe and could wear a brown sack and I’d give her a pass for 9 months.
The dress is similar in style to a mauve one worn by M when she was pregnant with A. I think the style works for a pregnant woman but I’d definitely ditch the belt. Also the shade of white doesn’t compliment her skin tone and gives her a washed out look. I think what’s required is a darker background colour that contrasts with her skin tone.
Oh, @Sure, you are so right. The white background color washes Bea out (along with the other styling missteps and wrong silhouette issues). As I mentioned earlier, a sleeker profile with the right color and styling would make the polka dot pattern look better, even with her bump being more highlighted.
I like the casual cut and styling of Bea’s hair. It was so much longer in April at her grandpa’s funeral. She must have cut her hair for ease of maintenance over the summer. While I don’t think Bea’s look here is ‘completely tragic,’ it doesn’t work well for all the reasons pointed out in this thread. She could look so good all the time if she would receive or seek better advice, which is more than available for her with her status, connections, and social position.
ITA with everyone’s take re Bea’s bump-touching and non-reaction by U.K. media. The bump cradling sticks out like a sore thumb now for royal women, simply because the rota carnival crew saw fit to cruelly bash only Meghan for doing it. Bump cradling is something that’s always been done by pregnant women. Meghan just did it so lovingly and protectively. She exuded joy, pride, and comfort with her body and her growing baby bump. Because a harsh smear-campaign spotlight was on Meghan, the jealous haters and rota clowns continually blew her every move out of proportion (as they continue to do, sadly and saltily).
Maybe if she’d worn a brighter lip color the dress would not have washed her out? Personally, I would’ve loved to see a bold red lip color but that’s just me.
Beatrice’s dress reminds me of a similar dress Meghan wore when she was pregnant. Didn’t like that one and I don’t really like this one. And almost didn’t recognise Sophie. It’s a different styling than usual that’s for sure. Wonder if this is a makeover to try and excite her to the press? Edo is dapper as always.
I don’t think it’s that bad except she doesn’t need the belt ( which is clearly bothering her) and pull the hair back. As for Sophie, I feel like part of her recent rush to the spotlight has to do with the fact that someone told her if she wants to be a star she has to look like one and looking like one cost a lot money in the royal family!
I think if it lost one element, it would be a lot better – like either the sleeves or the belt.
But she looks happy and I have to admit that I have a soft spot for Bea (and Eugenie) and I’m glad she was able to marry with her grandfather there and now is expecting her first baby.
+1
I give her a pregnancy pass.
Pregnancy style is difficult. I like this dress. Full stop. Are there things you could change? Sure. But she looks fine.
Not everyone can pull off Meghan’s maternity style because some of us puff up a lot more. Would a sleeker look and modern print be better? But this is far from a disaster.
I think she looks really good in it, too. I’m not a fan of the sleeves but it looks like she tried something new and pulled it off.
I’m sorry but the dress is horrible on her. It does nothing for her. Does she have a stylist? Can someone please get her a GOOD stylist? Please?…..Pretty please?
I live for polka dots and love that dress. Scratching my head though at the mysterious reference to counties where masculinity is so toxic they don’t support women’s sports.
I must be so traumatised by Bea’s normal wackadoo style, that I actually don’t have an issue with this dress. It’s a bit stiff and the sleeves aren’t the greatest, but poofy sleeves are happening on dresses right now for some reason (I even saw Kate Beckinsale wearing them), so 🤷♀️
It’s Beatrice…it could be WAY worse!
I could care less for her fashion sense. She’s in a trying time with her body. And before that it was hit or miss.
I just don’t have much use for her generally. She’s giving off a Ferguson mini-me vibe and has been for years. I guess that’s how much I have turned against the monarchy. I would be happy if she became a complete private citizen along with the rest of them and we never had to hear about her money grubbing, vacation taking ways.
Wow, way to praise a pregnant woman.
She looks cute af!
I think she looks cute but I’m a sucker for polka dots. But I would never trash a pregnant persons style anyway. I’m petite with very big boobs so getting a dress to fit is challenging enough, I can’t imagine what’s it’s like for a pregnant person. But she looks great.
I’m a straight dude who’s so simple I buy my clothes at Target and even I know that dress doesn’t work.
LOL @HeyJude! Thanks for the laugh!
For those who are hesitant to criticize a pregnant woman, kudos. I feel you. But I also think the majority of criticisms here are fair, and are given for the most part in a positive, constructive way. Bea has some lovely features. She just lacks a full understanding of her body and what works for different occasions. And that’s too bad when she has such great resources at her fingertips and such a yummy-looking, fashion-forward hubby who appears and professes to adore her.
I think Bea is fine (aside from her air of over-entitlement, which comes with the territory). The Brit media is not currently raining criticisms down upon her. Keeping it all in perspective, she’s a lucky young woman. It would be good for her if she sought out and took to her advantage, good fashion advice. But if she doesn’t, and if she continues with fashion faux pas, it won’t matter. She seems happy and content, so good for her in that respect.
I’m going to say cute. She’s pregnant and I’ve seen her wear far worse. I was pregnant during the years when everything looked like a big tent. Now you have to make sure your bump looks good. Forget that, especially in the summer. I say give the girl a break.
I give no passes to the same British royals that participated in or quietly benefitted from attacking Meghan while she was pregnant.
That dress looks blah, but it’s really Bea’s hypocritical face that is the problem.
It’s not my favorite but it’s not the worst either. The girl does love some puffy sleeves. Remember she had puffy sleeves added to the vintage gown she wore for her wedding.
Plus that extra fabric at the bottom of her wedding dress to add length. The flounce at the bottom of this dress hearkens back to that, at least that’s what I thought of. She does love a bottom flounce on her frocks!
She’s a princess. Princesses wear flounces and puffy sleeves. Disney told us so. Or she may have imprinted on Anne of Green Gables at a formative stage what with the whole red hair thing.
That’s exactly what I was thinking. She obviously gravitates to sweetheart style necklines with a puffed sleeve-it’s her style. I don’t completely hate this. It’s summery and appropriate for the occasion and she looks good next to her man. Some of it’s shapelessness could be explained by not being a maternity dress- the cut is different. I think it’s meant to have the full sleeve, and the rest is supposed to skim the body and give a sleeker look.
Those sleeves are gross
I heard Dara Huang, architect and Edo’s former fiancée, mother of his child – is designing stuff for Edo and Beatrice. I wonder if he’s just a dumb pretty boy who got pressure from the windsors because of his birth association with whatever fancy family he’s from. I want to know more about Dara lol, damn impressive to leverage a breakup into a business opportunity.
I read about it in Tatler but I can’t find the article 🙁
@Theothermia, do you mean Dara is designing things for their home that Edo is planning? To be quite honest, I’m impressed by everything I’ve read and heard about Edo’s company, his design aesthetic, construction knowledge and business sense. There’s an Architectural Digest related podcast on Spotify, and Edo was a guest awhile back. He speaks expressively, informatively and very knowledgably about his field of endeavor, and that’s cool.
Dara Huang is also very impressive and well regarded for her design aesthetic and her forward thinking savvy in the architecture/ design industry. You should check out videos of her on YouTube giving interviews and presentations regarding her involvement in current happenings in architecture and design. Dara and Edo must have hit it off initially due to their similar passion for the work they do in this field.
Wow. You can see a little of Queen Victoria in her. How unfortunate.
I love Self-Portrait. I wore one of their dresses on my birthday last month. This is not one of their better designs. Actually I take that back – I don’t mind the dress. I just don’t like it on her.
It did not fit right, she seemed to have to pull and tug at it.
When pregnant, clothes that fit fine in the morning were snug by afternoon. Water weight, bloat, growing babe whatever. I was always uncomfortable. I give her a pass.
I like the dress and think she looks cute.
The sleeves are particularly egregious. Looks like she’s wearing water wings.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71EQ4N2ZMhL._SS400_.jpg
Wow, just the contrast between the couple. She looks utterly awful and he looks like James Bond, Bond’s arch enemy or an international jewel thief. Yes, I’m being superficial, but that is the glossiest guy I’ve ever seen. Too suave by half.
Fwiw I don’t feel great for criticizing a pregnant woman. But I have to say this. With all the money and connections to the best care in the world, why do some of the royals remain content to have really terrible teeth? Beatrice could have had someone fix her crowded jaw situation. Same goes for TOBB (in this case first B is bucktoothed). When us mere mortals can …
Edo is so oily. Kaiser is spot on. He is much more attractive than B on her best day. It’s like a Victorian novel about the handsome cad marrying the horsey heiress.
Thank god for you!! I thought no one was going to talk about the horse faced girl landing such a good looking dude. I totally don’t get it, aside from the aristocratic connection. In the real world she would have never landed a dude like that. I hope he doesn’t think she has any actual money…because she doesn’t have anything once the QE dies. Charles will make sure of that!
Are they a maternity line or have maternity dresses? The dress looks tight and then loose in all the wrong places. There’s nothing wrong with wearing a larger size to make room for her bump but this dress ain’t it.
It’s neither tragic or good.. it’s kind of meh.
I feel like I like the dress but definitely not on her. It really doesn’t work. Even the arms look too narrow and too tight.
Side note – I can’t with her. Her eyes always look murderous and she’s just PA with long hair.