I'm on the fence about this outfit at the moment, but your comment made me smile! I like the hairdo -- I think it's very soft and very girly -- but I don't find it particularly appropriate for the occasion. If you just saw a picture of Mette-Marit from the neck up, you'd think she was going to a school function for Marius or out shopping with her mom or friends, hardly an evening gown function for the King of Sweden's 60th birthday.
As for the dress, I can't decide if it's a good different or a bad different. In justaposition to the other very elegant gowns worn by say Maxima, Mette-Marit looks a bit frumpy and matronly. On the other hand, it could be worst ... right?