Last Updated on September 17, 2023 by Flavia Calina
Looking effortlessly chic and elegant as you stand beside your daughter on her wedding day is the ultimate style goal for any mother of the bride. The right styling can help you achieve this look with dainty accessories and sophisticated touches like lace.
Light and neutral hues are a great choice for a mother-of-the-bride dress, but avoid colors that compete with the bridal gown.
Short Sheath Dresses
While a formal gown is ideal for some mother-of-the-bride occasions, short dresses also look stunning and sophisticated. These styles come in a variety of colors and lengths. They are typically sleeveless and can feature any neckline from v-neck to halter. Sheath dresses can be embellished with lace, embroidery and beads to add a hint of elegance.
Black sheath dresses are a classic option that can be worn on any occasion. They pair well with a solid white button-down shirt for a polished and professional look. They can even be layered with a blazer for business casual attire or a light coat when the weather turns cold.
A sleeveless sheath dress looks great when paired with a kimono-style jacket that matches the dress’s hemline. You can also wear it with a faux fur coat for a luxurious, fashionable look perfect for winter weddings.
A tea-length sheath dress has a unique style reminiscent of vintage high tea clothing. This dress is a great option for mothers of the bride who want to wear a chic and elegant look for their daughter’s big day. Dress style features a draped off-the-shoulder neckline and palm-inspired beaded lace appliques. This dress is perfect for any destination wedding and will fit right in at an upscale black-tie event.
Long-Sleeve Dresses
It is important to remember that, besides being modest, the bride’s mother should coordinate with the bridal party and not outshine the bride. This means that if the bride is wearing white, the MOTB should also avoid dresses in shades of white. A neutral color like off-white, taupe, grey, or beige is a better choice if you’re searching for mother of the bride attire.
Try a breezy chiffon dress in a pastel pink, peach, or coral for warmer weather weddings. This style of dress is breathable and can easily be dressed up or down with accessories and shoes. For colder weddings, a textured knit dress in ivory or grey can provide a cozy option. This dress typically includes long sleeves and may come with a jacket or bolero that helps you stay warm while still looking elegant.
If you’re shopping for a mother-of-the-groom dress, consider silhouettes featuring waistline draping or strategic detailing emphasizing an hourglass figure. Often draped in stretch fabrications, these dresses are both comfortable and chic.
If you need help deciding which colors to choose, remember that fall is an excellent time for weddings! Burning reds, jewel-tone teal, and moss green can all work well for autumn weddings. Additionally, shades of blue, purple, and green-orange can be appropriate for this season.
Dresses with a Natural Waist
Whether you are looking for a short or long mother-of-the-bride dress, we have you covered. We also have different necklines and sleeve lengths. Some moms prefer to cover up, while others want to show off their arms. We have options, such as a chic tie halter or a sheer sleeve.
A natural waist is the most common type of wedding dress waistline and sits between your rib cage and hip bones, making it very flattering. This waistline appears on classic A-line and ball gown dresses but is also found in many other styles, including a stunning tea-length beaded gown. This elegant mother-of-the-bride dress features a chic illusion neckline and artistic botanical print, making it the perfect choice for a garden or outdoor wedding.
While long dresses are typically the norm for mother-of-the-bride attire, shorter gowns and even pantsuits are becoming more popular. Shorter mother-of-the-bride and groom gowns can be just as elegant as long dresses. They can be worn at cocktail, black-tie or ultra-formal white-tie weddings and are great for spring, summer, fall or winter ceremonies. They are also a fantastic option for outdoor or daytime weddings.
Dresses with an Empire Waist
A dress with an empire waist is perfect for a bride’s mother looking to look elegant and sophisticated. This silhouette accentuates tall frames and can give the illusion of length to petite figures. These dresses pair well with various accessories, from dainty necklaces to trendy clutches.
If you want to avoid the frumpy effect that can sometimes come with empire waist dresses, try adding a bold element like a print or color blocking to your look. This will draw the eye away from any areas you are self-conscious about and make you feel more confident about your appearance.
Consider the cut and sleeve length when choosing the right mother-of-the-bride dress for your body shape. For example, if you want to wear sleeves but need to figure out how they’ll look with an empire waist, you can always have a sewist add sleeves for you.
Another style option is an empire waist dress with a lace or beaded pattern. This can elevate a simple design to a more sophisticated look, making it perfect for any occasion. An evening gown with beaded lace is a timeless option, which features a draped bodice adorned with stunning beaded lace appliques and a tea-length hemline. This elegant mother-of-the-bride dress would be beautiful for a spring or summer wedding and can easily be worn again on future special occasions.
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