Inspiring ideas to ensure you feel fantastic and look fabulous on their big day
For every mother-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-groom, the task of finding the outfit is arguably harder than wedding-dress shopping. You need to find a fabulous look that’s also comfortable enough to take you from daytime photo posing to late-night dancing. The choice can feel overwhelming as your outfit can be any colour, pattern or style – although this does depend on the dress code and the almost-weds’ plans for the wedding party.
To narrow your search down, it can be helpful to start by thinking about what you don’t want. Of course, bridal colours are out of the question, but you’ll also want to be mindful of the wedding’s overall palette. Plus, it pays to check in with other family members, especially the other party’s mother or step-mother, to prevent a colour clash or (worse still) turning up in the same outfit.
Read on to discover chic mother-of-the-bride outfit ideas to suit every style and body shape – you’ll want to wear them again and again.
Sharp tailoring
The most stressful mother-of-the-bride shopping experiences usually stem from leaving it to the last minute. Begin the search for your outfit early and, remember, it doesn’t have to be a dress. Consider a tailored jacket or blazer with a matching skirt (tradition dictates knee-length styles) or, for a masterclass in modern chic, trousers; post-wedding these pieces are easy to style up or down, guaranteeing you’ll wear them for years to come.
Weekend MaxMara
Nervoso Pure Wool Blazer
Weekend MaxMara
Visivo Pure Wool Trousers
Phase Eight
Bowen Jacket, Eau De Nil
Phase Eight
Bowen Trousers, Eau De Nil
Dress to impress
Of course, for a mother-of-the-bride-or-groom outfit, a dress is the classic choice. But which dress to go for? Make a statement with punchy colour in this dress from Hobbs – also a winner if you want to cover your upper arms – or opt for a more subtle hue. Remember, while flattering is important, comfort is crucial; you want to look your best, most-relaxed self in the photos of the day.
Hobbs
Eliana Princess Seam Dress
Phase Eight
Petite Sienna Tuxedo Dress
Phase Eight
Annika Tapework Lace Dress
Alie Street
Lila Lace Dress
The timeless cover-up
British weather being what it is, the mingling after the daytime nuptials can often be on the chilly side. Many beautiful outfits have been ruined by an extra layer that’s not been properly considered. Instead of throwing on any old coat, plan ahead with a cover-up that works with the rest of your look – whether that’s a fitted cardigan or more fashion-forward boxy cropped jacket. For a faff-free style solution, opt for a dress and jacket set.
Phase Eight
Daisy Fitted Peplum Jacket
Hobbs
Eliana Collarless Jacket
Yumi
Knitted Open Neck Bolero Cardigan
Phase Eight
Daisy Peplum Jacket
Hats off to you
Traditionally, the mother of the bride wore a hat or fascinator to signify her important role in the wedding (note: etiquette also states that she should be the first to take hers off). Of course, millinery isn’t mandatory, but how often do you get an excuse to wear a fabulous hat or fascinator? For true stand-out style, go all-out with fabulous headgear.
John Lewis
Davina Bow Woven Occasion Hat
John Lewis
Margot Down Brim Occasion Hat
John Lewis
Hattie Large Disc Occasion Hat
Whiteley
Rhiannon Organza Bow Occasion Hat
Bags of style
Have fun with accessories, especially if you’ve played it fairly safe with your outfit’s colour and silhouette. Your bag is a great opportunity to add some personality, whether that’s a dash of sparkle, striking colour or a smattering of glittery lemons – whatever takes your fancy. Just make sure it has room for the essentials: phone, make-up and Kleenex…
John Lewis ANYDAY
Faux Leather Drawstring Grab Bag
Weekend MaxMara
Flou Sequin Fringe Clutch Bag
John Lewis
Stella Grossgrain Weave Clutch Bag
Pre-loved LOEWE
Medium Puzzle Leather Cross Body Bag
Rent for the event
Short on time? Don’t want to splurge mega-money on something you may only wear once? Try John Lewis Rental. There are so many styles to choose from; simply browse through, find your perfect match, rent, wear and return.
Elliatt
Deanna Midi Dress in Pink
LK Bennett
Jem Desert Rose & Rio Red Wildflower Tea Dress
LK Bennett
Pearl Desert Rose Viscose Puff Sleeve Dress
Shrimps
Nell Earrings - Silver
