We’re here to help you find your perfect outfit with style, fit and colour inspiration. But what does the mother of the bride wear? As the VIP guest, there’s a bit of pressure to get things just right.
You’ll want something eye-catching enough that doesn’t distract from the bride, making a statement in your own way. Whether it’s at the morning ceremony or on the evening dance floor, being comfortable and confident in your look is key. From the dress to the jacket and the hat, this is the only guide you’ll need.
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What to wear as the mother
of the bride
Traditionally, the mother of the bride will wear a knee-length to floor-length dress or skirt that complements the wedding party's colours. But before choosing your outfit, there are some important things to tick off first. Speaking to the bride will help you to understand if she has any expectations or personal preferences. If there’s a theme, it’ll be a good idea to stick to certain colours and aesthetics. Whilst it’s not expected for the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom to match, it’s a good idea to choose outfits that don’t clash with one another.
Although you’re in the bridal party, you don’t want to look like one of the bridesmaids, but rather complement them. So it’s best to avoid matching their colour scheme and dress styles exactly. We’d advise steering clear of whites, creams and ivories to let the bride truly shine. Pastel blues, pinks and greens are a good choice for all seasons, as well as rich brown hues you can dress up. Whilst it’s traditionally been taboo to wear black to a wedding, the mother of the bride can wear black if this matches the theme of the day.
Where will the wedding take place? If it’s an outdoor affair, lightweight and breathable fabrics are a great choice for summer ceremonies. For winter weddings, be sure to take an extra layer and think about longer sleeves and hemlines. The inevitability of a long day means a lot of time on your feet, keeping the energy high and the good times going.
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ideas
Stylish midi dresses
Midi dresses strike the right balance for a mother of the bride outfit – it’s a modern and fresh approach whilst staying elegant. From more structured shift dresses to flattering A-line shapes, there are plenty of styles to choose from. Wrap dresses are timeless and easy to wear, with the skirt falling naturally for an effortless feel.
To make a statement, play with prints and patterns to find a style that speaks to you. Whether it’s romantic florals to match the bouquet, classic stripes or chic polka dots, make it a day to remember with the right dress.
When it comes to the silhouette, there are many ways to make your mother of the bride dress stand out. We’ve added volume to sleeves, crafted necklines with a difference, and brought asymmetrical hemlines to life. Tie belts at the waist give a full skirt, making every movement a graceful one.
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Sophisticated maxi dresses
A staple at any formal occasion, maxi dresses will always be in style. Greet the guests and do the rounds in a sweeping skirt you feel comfortable in. It’s a sophisticated way to show you’ve made an effort in an easy and natural manner. You can choose from sleeveless and short sleeve options for the warmer months, and long sleeve styles when the cold’s setting in.
Delicate ruffles are a great choice when it comes to maxi dresses, giving an almost ethereal feeling that cascades down the skirt. Accompany these with dainty floral prints or metallic accents to add extra dimension to your look. Embellished waistlines and sequined bodices will catch the light in a magical way, whether in the sun or at the reception.
And if you’re 5'4" and under, we’ve got petite dress styles to choose from, too. Tailored to fit you perfectly, you won’t need to worry about alterations on longer skirts.
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Formal jackets
It’s always a good idea to take an extra layer to a wedding, even in the summer months. Not only is a formal jacket practical, it provides another styling opportunity for the mother of the bride. They’re a smart choice to wear over your dress, especially when the photos are happening.
When choosing your jacket, think about what you’ll be wearing underneath. How long are the sleeves of your dress? You don’t want them peeking out from your jacket cuffs as this will look untidy. Instead, opt for a jacket with sleeves longer than those of the dress for a more comfortable wear. In terms of colour, settle on complementary or matching tones to avoid clashing. We’ve got plenty of matching jackets to explore, so have a browse and find ‘the one’ for your mother of the bride dress with ease.
Structured jackets give a smart aesthetic, using tailoring techniques to fit the body just right. You’ll also find cover-ups and jackets that tie at the neck, ensuring your dress isn’t hidden away.
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Fashionable jumpsuits
What does the mother of the bride wear if she wants something a little different? A jumpsuit is a lovely alternative to a dress. Our mother of the bride jumpsuits are elegant, beautiful and just the right level of formal. Whether you want to feel more comfortable or just try something new, these styles are always a good choice. If you’re asking if you can wear a jumpsuit to a wedding, the answer is yes. It’s the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone in an outfit you’ll always remember.
Wrap-style jumpsuits are a classic choice, often with a waist belt to tie as you like. Along with fluttery short sleeves and wide legs, it’s the details that count in an outfit like this. Experiment with features like cowl necks, lace tops and tasteful cutout panels to bring personality to your jumpsuit, too.
Not sure which colour to choose? Some of our occasion jumpsuits have the best of both worlds by bringing two shades together, making it even easier to find accessories and jackets to match.
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Chic accessories
That’s right, it’s not all about the clothes. But what accessories should the mother of the bride wear? Choosing the right details is just as important, so here’s what to look out for.
Think wedding, think fascinators and hats. Lace, bows and floral details will bring your look to life in an elegant way, sitting beautifully atop your head. Explore pillbox, boater and disc styles, matching the colour to your dress or other accessories.
And speaking of other accessories, your bag choice is also important. Ensure it’s big enough to hold your essentials like makeup touch-ups, your phone, and of course tissues. We’ve got drawstring styles, box designs and more structured occasion clutches with beaded decorations.
When choosing your jewellery, look for details in your outfit to match to. Think metallic flecks, hardware on your bag and features on your shoes. Pearl jewellery is timeless at a wedding, as are colourful stones to reflect the light. Layer necklaces and bracelets for full effect and a complete mother of the bride outfit.
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Stylish shoes
Last but certainly not least, it’s time to choose your footwear. As the mother of the bride, it’s likely you’ll be on your feet for most of the day, so it’s best to select your pair wisely. Comfortable occasion shoes will take you through the day with ease, and they’ll be a style you’ll wear on repeat for events to come.
A heel that holds your foot in place will be an ideal choice, whether it’s a slingback style or has a buckle on the ankle. Settle for shoes you know you can walk in – if you’re used to lower heels then go with what you know. A block heel or kitten heel can be dressed up with bows and embellishments to make each detail an important one.
For colour, try different shades to see what works best with the colours in your outfit. Pick out hues in the print or go for neutral shoes to make things simple but effective.
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