Mother of the Bride Dresses: Gowns, Tea Length and Jacket Sets

Mother of the Bride Dresses: Gowns, Tea Length and Jacket Sets

Mother of the bride dresses should be elegant without competing with the bride. This edit covers floor-length gowns, tea-length dresses and styles with jackets or wraps. Pick the silhouette that you are comfortable in for a whole day.

Mother of the bride dresses, sorted

Mother of the bride dresses need to balance polish and comfort, since the day is long. This edit sorts them by silhouette, from one-shoulder gowns to dresses with a matching jacket. Start with the length and sleeve you are most comfortable in.

One-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, strapless and halter gowns

One-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, strapless and halter necklines add a little drama and show off the shoulders. If you want coverage, the capes and bolero sets further down solve it.

One-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, strapless and halter gowns

Gowns

Classic gowns are the formal choice and suit a black-tie or evening wedding. Look for clean lines and a fabric that moves well.

Dresses for the mother of the bride

These are the dresses I would reach for when a full gown feels like too much, mostly midi and tea length, a few with sleeves. The Self Portrait spiral lace and the Sea velvet puff sleeve are the dressier ones, and the two SIMKHAI midis, the satin Monica and the long-sleeve Maril, are quieter. They work for most venues and seasons.

Capes, boleros and sleeves

A cape, a bolero or a three-quarter sleeve gives you coverage for the ceremony without giving up the gown. The two Teri Jon bolero sets and the Ungaro cape set come as one look, so there is nothing extra to match.

 

The SIMKHAI Dani gown with its sheer cape, the Zimmermann lace caped maxi and the Sea Shay lace cape midi are lighter options, and the Caroline Constas velvet gown covers the arms in dusty rose. The Dani and the Zimmermann are ivory or cream, so check with the bride before you commit.

Choosing your mother of the bride look

Check the dress code with the couple and match your formality to theirs. Before you commit, ask the bride for her colors and avoid white and champagne. A tailored fit and a comfortable shoe matter more than any trend.

 

Sit down, raise your arms and walk the length of a room in the dress and the shoes together. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Elegant Dresses for Women and Bridesmaid Dresses.