April 1, 2023

Being a fashion editor comes in handy more than you’d think. I’ve helped friends and family assemble outfits for job interviews, only to be offered the job afterwards. Coincidence? I think not. I’ve sourced sold-out items on resale sites for those desperately seeking them, and I’m always happy to debate more significant investments. Above all else, however, my decade-long experience working in fashion is most valued by brides-to-be and their mothers when it comes to finding not the wedding dress, but the mother-of-the-bride dress.




I’ve been a bridesmaid a handful of times and a guest more often than I can count, and I’m almost always drafted in to help with the search for the perfect mother-of-the-bride outfit. After all, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to finding the perfect wedding ensemble, and most are worried about looking like a cookie-butter MOTB. More often than not, they want to look cool and sophisticated, but not unlike themselves. This means that alongside hunting down the bride’s dress, finding a beautiful mother-of-the-bride dress or outfit for the big day also takes time. It’s a big day for them, too, and all the mothers of the bride I’ve spoken with just want that little reassurance that they’re making the right outfit choice.

So, as well as selecting what I consider to be some very chic MOTB dresses and outfits below, I’ve also listed the style tips I share with any mother-of-the-bride who asks. Spoiler: If it makes you feel fabulous, wear it! 

1. Don’t Feel Bound By Tradition

Mother of the Bride Dresses and Outfits: @greceghanem

Although dresses are always appealing—they’re what I like to call a one-and-go outfit that requires minimal effort—they’re not the only MOTB outfit option at your disposal. If you prefer trousers, why not consider a chic suit or jumpsuit instead of a dress? If you live in jeans and what to embrace the opportunity to wear a fancy dress for a day, then relish in it! But know there’s more to mother-of-the-bride outfits than dresses. And that’s before we even consider accessories…

Now you should have a better idea of what your dream mother-of-the-bride dress or outfit looks like, scroll on to see my edit of the most stylish pieces for mothers of the brides below. 


Shop Truly Beautiful Dresses

Self-Portrait Pleated Chiffon Midi Dress
Self-Portrait
Pleated Chiffon Midi Dress
£370

This reminds me of the sort of thing Kate Middleton would wear to attend Ascot, which is precisely the look I’d be going for as mother of the bride. 

Talbot Runhof Cape-Effect Draped Sequined Tulle Gown
Talbot Runhof
Cape-Effect Draped Sequined Tulle Gown
£1000

With a built-in cape detail and glittering finish, this is a stunning option for black-tie nuptials. 

Hobbs Spot Fit-and-Flare Dress
Hobbs
Spot Fit-and-Flare Dress
£179

If you’re not sold on florals, polka dots serve as another chic mother-of-the-bride print option. Look for spots with space between them, however, so as not to blur in the photographs. 

Zimmermann Asymmetric Ruffled Silk-Satin Wrap Dress
Zimmermann
Asymmetric Ruffled Silk-Satin Wrap Dress
£550

Satin is always a good idea, and works year-round depending on the colour you choose. 

Reiss Livvy Open Back Midi Dress
Reiss
Livvy Open Back Midi Dress
£228

This pretty open-back dress is so chic, and it also comes in classic navy and white. 

Norma Kamali Diana One-Shoulder Ruched Stretch-Jersey Dress
Norma Kamali
Diana One-Shoulder Ruched Stretch-Jersey Dress
£200

If this Norma Kamali dress is good enough for Carrie Bradshaw…

Needle & Thread Waltzing Floral-Print Tulle Gown
Needle & Thread
Waltzing Floral-Print Tulle Gown
£475

Needle & Thread dresses have the ability to make you feel so special. 

Chic Jackets

Karen Millen Plus Size Boucle Db Trophy Jacket
Karen Millen
Plus Size Boucle Db Trophy Jacket
£156

Bouclé jackets are the epitome of chic. 

Ted Baker Caterin Jacket
Ted Baker
Caterin Jacket
£250

Excellent on its own or as part of the trouser suit. 

Fendi Belted Metallic Silk-Blend Cady Blazer
Fendi
Belted Metallic Silk-Blend Cady Blazer
£3500

A breathtaking accompaniment to a simple block-colour dress. 

Self-Portrait Round-Neck Checked-Twill Cropped Jacket
Self-Portrait
Round-Neck Checked-Twill Cropped Jacket
£340

I’d wear this jacket with jeans post-wedding. 

Alberta Ferretti Double-Breasted Duchess Satin Coat
Alberta Ferretti
Double-Breasted Duchess Satin Coat
£1235

Longline coats look elegant worn with dresses or skirts of the same length underneath. 

Shoes to Spend All Day In

Loeffler Randall Camellia Bow-Embellished Plissé-Organza Sandals
Loeffler Randall
Camellia Bow-Embellished Plissé-Organza Sandals
£345

Block heels and ankle straps? I can tell you from experience that Loeffler Randall shoes are comfortable. 

Aeyde Olga Sandals
Aeyde
Olga Sandals
£245

Thank goodness kitten heels are back, just in time for wedding season. 

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Embellished Satin Point-Toe Flats
Manolo Blahnik
Hangisi Embellished Satin Point-Toe Flats
£765

The ultimate party flats. 

Russell & Bromley Topform Platform Shoes
Russell & Bromley
Topform Platform Shoes
£225

Platforms are more comfortable than you think, especially for dancing in. Don’t disregard them. 

Next Forever Comfort Motion Flex Leather Courts
Next
Forever Comfort Motion Flex Leather Courts
£49

My rule? Keep heel heights 10 CM or under (unless a platform is involved like the above). 

Haute Headpieces 

Merve Bayindir Azaela Bow-Detailed Satin and Tulle-Trimmed Wool-Blend Hat
Merve Bayindir
Azaela Bow-Detailed Satin and Tulle-Trimmed Wool-Blend Hat
£910

This feels so Jackie O—how chic! 

Anthropologie Set of 8 Crystal Bobby Pins
Anthropologie
Set of 8 Crystal Bobby Pins
£30

Imagine these woven into an ethereal updo. 

Etsy Dusky Blue Large Bow Fascinator
Etsy
Dusky Blue Large Bow Fascinator
£55

If mesh and netting feels too extra for you. 

John Lewis & Partners Julia Disc Ruffle Hat
John Lewis & Partners
Julia Disc Ruffle Hat
£130

Bring on the drama! 

Jennifer Behr Tori Satin Headband
Jennifer Behr
Tori Satin Headband
£135

A simple padded headband is proving a popular alternative to fascinators. 

Stylish Separates

LK Bennett Rosalind Blue Satin Floral Jacquard Blazer
LK Bennett
Rosalind Blue Satin Floral Jacquard Blazer
£299

How elegant. 

LK Bennett Rosalind Blue Satin Floral Jacquard Trousers
LK Bennett
Rosalind Blue Satin Floral Jacquard Trousers
£199

I like how clean the cut of these trousers are. 

Taller Marmo Huston Backless Balloon-Sleeve Crepe Jumpsuit
Taller Marmo
Huston Backless Balloon-Sleeve Crepe Jumpsuit
£860

A jumpsuit makes for easy styling. 

Vince Cowl-Neck Silk-Satin Top
Vince
Cowl-Neck Silk-Satin Top
£295

Opt for a plain blouse up top. 

Emilia Wickstead Lorelei Floral-Print Satin-Faille Midi Skirt
Emilia Wickstead
Lorelei Floral-Print Satin-Faille Midi Skirt
£645

And a bold print on the bottom. 

Jigsaw Portofino Linen Blazer in Pink
Jigsaw
Portofino Linen Blazer in Pink
£200

A colour-block suit will act as a canvas to more statement accessories. 

Jigsaw Portofino Linen Trouser in Pink
Jigsaw
Portofino Linen Trouser in Pink
£125

Again, I like the fuss-free silhouette of these trousers. 

Jewellery to Dazzle

Thomas Sabo Stars Silver Earrings
Thomas Sabo
Stars Silver Earrings
£139

Drop earrings and hair-up are the perfect pairing. 

Shyla Gold-Plated Lenny Glass Stone Cocktail Ring
Shyla
Gold-Plated Lenny Glass Stone Cocktail Ring
£60

Complement your manicured hand with a statement cocktail ring. 

Monica Vinader Keshi Pearl Necklace
Monica Vinader
Keshi Pearl Necklace
£275

Pearls are forever—not just for wedding days. 

Magda Butrym Silver-Tone, Crystal and Pearl Earrings
Magda Butrym
Silver-Tone, Crystal and Pearl Earrings
£290

A fun way to incorporate a different hue into your mother-of-the-bride look.

Daphine Chris Tennis Bracelet
Daphine
Chris Tennis Bracelet
£145

Love this? Just wait until you see the necklace version. 

Elegant Arm-Candy

Lulu Guinness Blue Satin Hayworth Clutch Bag
Lulu Guinness
Blue Satin Hayworth Clutch Bag
£225

Such a gorgeous colour. 

Rosantica Holli Mini Crystal-Embellished Gold-Tone and MacRam Tote
Rosantica
Holli Mini Crystal-Embellished Gold-Tone and MacRam Tote
£965

This is your chance to go all-out. Don’t waste it!

Zara Mini Bucket Bag With Floral Fringing
Zara
Mini Bucket Bag With Floral Fringing
£26

Zara always creates pretty occasion bags on frugal budgets. 

Charles & Keith Green Beaded Handle Ruched Shoulder Bag
Charles & Keith
Green Beaded Handle Ruched Shoulder Bag
£79

This would look fabulous with a plain dress and gold jewellery. 

Mango Textured Shoulder Bag
Mango
Textured Shoulder Bag
£20

A bag that’ll go with every mother-of-the-bride dress and outfit in my edit. 

Next Up, What to Wear to a Wedding: 9 Outfit Ideas That Never Fail to Look Good