Mother of the groom dresses have a reputation for beige and boredom, and the better options are much more interesting. Sleeves, jackets and embellishment now do the work that a shapeless column used to do. These mother of the groom dresses run from navy gowns to lace jacket sets and beaded columns.
Mother of the Groom Dresses That Look Like Her, Not a Costume
Mother of the Groom Dresses Have Real Options Now
The old etiquette said the groom's mother should wear something quiet, coordinate with the bride's mother and stay out of white and anything that competes with the wedding party. That still holds, but it no longer means a matronly shift in champagne polyester. The better mother of the groom dresses now borrow from evening wear, with long sleeves, defined waists and embellishment placed where it flatters. Adrianna Papell's crepe gown with contrast mesh long sleeves is the classic answer for a formal evening. XSCAPE's navy long-sleeve boat neck gown is the cleanest line in the edit, and navy remains the safest colour for this role.
Lara Cape Sleeve and Alex Evenings Puff Sleeve
Lara's mauve A-line has cape sleeves and pearl and rhinestone detail, a softer kind of drama. The Alex Evenings navy A-line uses embellished puff sleeves and stops just above the floor.
When a Jacket Is the Smart Choice
Ceremonies in churches, cool evenings and long days that run from photos to dancing all argue for coverage you can take off. That is why the dress-and-jacket set has survived every trend cycle in this category. R&M Richards makes a beaded sleeveless V-neck dress with its own jacket, inspired by a starry night, and Alex Evenings pairs a lace-top gown with an open-front lace jacket in one colour. Matching the jacket to the dress keeps the silhouette long rather than cutting it in half. Take the jacket off for the reception and the dress still stands on its own.
Mac Duggal Taupe and Kiyonna Maria Lace
Mac Duggal's taupe jersey gown has beaded embroidery and sheer long sleeves. Kiyonna's Maria is a floral stretch lace A-line with a surplice neckline, and it has pockets.
Coordinate, Do Not Match
The most useful conversation before shopping is a short one with the mother of the bride about colour and length, so the two of you look like part of the same wedding rather than twins. Long gowns suit evening and black-tie-optional weddings, while a tea-length or jacket set is right for a daytime ceremony. Taupe, navy and mauve photograph well against most bridal palettes and rarely clash with the bridesmaids. What I would skip is anything in ivory, cream or very pale champagne, which reads as white in flash photography. Pick the dress that lets her move, hug and sit through a long dinner.
