They’ve held our hands through thick and thin and always been our biggest champions, but they may not always have agreed on our sartorial choices. We asked eight mothers what they’ve always wanted to see their daughters wear and these women agreed to let their mums style them…
Jenny Dyson & Dot Jones
"There’s not a day when Dot isn’t in a tracksuit. Unless she’s going to a party, in which case it’s usually a tiny dress. Literally, a hankie with straps, which she can get away with. She always looks fab, but I’d love to see what happens when I put her in something quite tomboyish. It will be great to see with natural hair and makeup, flat shoes… OR jeans and an oversized white shirt, sleeves rolled up a little… and a patent shoe… something chic! Maybe a heel even…" – Jenny
Ruth & Paisley Gilmour
"I would say that we went through various stages when you were young... from those great big cord trousers constantly dragging on the floor until they frayed, through to the punk stage with tartan trousers, safety pins, leopard print dyed Mohawk hair and piercings. I would love to see you in something a bit more feminine and fitted than your usual style... Forties inspired but with a little twist of quirkiness! Oh and colour... Any colour except black!!" – Ruth
Paula & Theodora Akpan
"I loved and enjoyed those days when you were much younger and all I could think about was your next outfit and the different corn-row hairstyles I would get your auntie to do for you. I loved to see you in those bright colours, hence some of your more interesting outfits when you were a toddler. As you've grown up, I don't see you wear as much colour any more so getting to dress you now has brought back some of those beautiful memories from the past." – Theodora
Charlotte Patmore, her baby and mum Karen Banks
"I’ve always been happy for you to dress in whatever way you wanted. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching your style evolve and have admired your ability to create fabulous looks on a small budget, often using second hand clothes and styling them up yourself. I’d like to see Charlotte in something glamorous, expensive, luxury. She needs to look comfortable in the dress, but she also needs something personality, something modern and edgy. I’d hate to see her in a regular gown, she needs something dramatic!" – Karen
Kay Hall & Emma Low
"My immediate thought was colour as Emma really suits colour but rarely wears it. As a child I dressed Emma very traditionally so probably put her off for life! Then, as soon as she picked her own clothes, there were no dresses in the mix. Firstly there was her Avril Lavigne look - baggy jeans, crop tops & blond poker straight hair. The My Space phase was next, hair dyed dark, way too much eye liner and tops that were several sizes too small. I would love to see her in something colourful and dressy!" – Kay
Everyone's clicking on...
Georgia, Madeleine & Edie Day
"I would love to see George in something tailored more structured and classic. It could be a full-blown suit or something elegant like a suit jacket over something else. It is difficult trying to dress someone who already has her own imitable approach to clothes, from the age of five she always knew what she wanted to wear. These days I am used to seeing you in two styles, either jeans or loose floral dresses, with heavy boots and chunky rings.The truth is that you always look amazing whatever you wear, my poppet!" – Madeleine
Clara & Grace Amfo
"I like my daughter to dress good. I don't want her to dress in short length dresses. I want her to have light makeup, not too much. Good colours, nice shapes and a good length of suit. A full on gown with beautiful bright colours, a good designer dress. The colours of the dress must be wine colour, gold colour, peach colour, and red colour. I want her outfits to be excellent. I want her to be in the best clothes." – Grace
Clare & Amanda Trembath
"I learnt when Clare was 6 that it was best to let her get on with it and I love the way she dresses. However, in the spirit of the challenge I would love to get rid of those Manchester United socks which were leftover stock from a football camp (they do make me laugh though) and smarten her up as she can look completely amazing when she does dress up. I like her androgynous look and wouldn’t change it but with a subtle feminine twist. High waisted but loose wide leg/straight trousers, maybe a fitted simple top in colour. Not sure about shoes, trainers look good she never wears heels but if she did they would need to make a statement. (I told her I would put her in jodhpurs and head scarf à la Princess Anne! )" – Amanda
Photographer: Matthew Eades
Fashion Director: Amy Bannerman
Hair: Sven Bayerbach
Makeup: Rebekah Lidstone
Production: Sophie Leen
Fashion Assistant: Nathalie Owen
Photo Assistant: Josh Bryant
Follow Amy on Instagram.
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