1. Your mum wants to look age appropriate, not dated. Steer her away from the more traditional twin-sets, as they can make women look older and shorter, and skin-baring numbers that fall into the over-sexy, cougar category.

2. For her shoes, the best shades are dark patents for a touch of winter glam, or nudes and pale metallics for summer chic. Avoid ankle straps as they cut off the leg. Go for a comfortable heel height (no sky-high stilettos please) and remember a pedicure makes all the difference for open-toes.

3. Choose accessories in complimentary colours and tones rather than matching – head to toe in one hue can looked dated. For bags, clutches always work well, and this where she can add a bit of fun and personality without killing the overall look. She can also tie it in with your colour scheme and bring in a bit of sparkle.

4. Jewellery needs to be balanced, so if she’s wearing a chunky necklace go for studded earrings. If she prefers larger, more ornate earrings go for a bare neck – this can be the most beautiful part of a woman’s body as she ages – something most women don’t realise.

5. Mothers of the bride often feel under pressure to wear a hat. If she’s reluctant to cover up, a great alternative is to wear a fascinator or a vintage hairpin. Both can add real wow factor to her outfit and can be worn comfortably all day.

Match your mum’s look to yours:

If you're a classic princess bride with a full-skirted ball gown, your mum should... wear an elegant, knee-length cocktail dress, slim heels and a fabulous fascinator.

If you're a city-chic fashionista with a designer gown, killer heels and statement accessories, your mum should... be in a designer frock too. Aim for modern, understated glam adding personality and upmarket designer quirks with the accessories.

If you're a flower child with loose waves and a simple dress, your mum should... have a relaxed look too and avoid all things formal. Choose a dress in a vibrant colour, such as turquoise, and team it with muted metallics or vintage accessories to add the sparkle.

If you're an Old Hollywood-inspired glamour girl with red lips and a Forties-style satin gown, your mum should… go for old school elegance with a slim fitting shift dress in a classic colour, accessorising with diamonds, pearls and delicate beading.

Sophie Hill is a personal stylist and director of threadsstyling.co.uk