Outfit Ideas and Dresses for the Mother of the Bride

Choose a special outfit for your daughter’s big day that perfectly complements the wedding colour scheme, from an elegant mother of the bride dress to chic separates

Content editor

Dulcie Emerson

Woman wearing a blue lace and chiffon jumpsuit from Phase Eight at M&S

What should you wear as mother of the bride?

It’s your daughter’s big day, so let her be your sartorial guide. It’s traditional for the mother of the bride to dress in a similar palette to the bridesmaids, but don’t match them too closely — simply accessorise within the palette instead.

As a courtesy, it’s also good idea to co-ordinate with the mother of the groom, so that you don’t clash, or worse, turn up wearing the same wedding outfit.

Whatever the season, delicate fabrics such as chiffon, lace and silk are always a safe bet for the mother of the bride. For summer weddings, you can’t go wrong with a floral dress. The length should also reflect the event's timing; tea or floor-length for evening ceremonies, knee-length for daytime celebrations.

When it comes to occasionwear, brands such as Ghost, Phase Eight and Monsoon have you covered. And if dresses aren’t your thing, a lace and chiffon jumpsuit, is just perfect. Add a fascinator and heels and you’re good to go.

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Woman wearing a pale green dress, short sleeve tailored jacket and fascinator at M&S

Petite mother-of-the-bride outfit ideas

The ideal petite mother of the bride outfit is all about long, elegant lines. Streamlined shapes like column or fit and flare dresses that fall just below the knee are your best friends, and don’t forget many dresses are also available in petite sizes. Clever details like pleating or ruching add a touch of elegance, while V-necks, as seen on this Hobbs dress, create a vertical line that attracts the eye.

Don't be afraid of rich colours like navy or plum – a monochromatic look elongates beautifully – but stay away from too many embellishments. A bit of lace or subtle beading is lovely but avoid anything too bulky. Keep accessories in proportion: a medium clutch and two-to-three-inch heels in a similar shade to your dress are ideal. Consider wedge sandals for lawn receptions.

And the most important tip for petite mother of the bride outfits? Tailoring. A figure-flattering dress or suit is worth its weight in gold, while a fitted jacket is the ideal finishing touch to any mother-of-the-bride look. Don’t be afraid to have your outfit professionally altered so it fits you perfectly.

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Woman wearing a beige blazer by Jaeger at M&S

Mother-of-the-bride suits and separates

For mother-of-the-brides seeking a chic and comfortable alternative to a traditional dress, trouser suits or tailored separates offer a contemporary yet elegant look perfect for this special occasion.

Trouser suits for the mother of the bride come in a variety of styles: consider one in a luxurious fabric like silk or crepe. An neutral shade – such as this pure-wool camel blazer by Jaeger – will earn its keep long after their big day. Finish it off with flowing trousers, comfortable heels (for all that dancing) and a large bow fascinator.

The beauty of choosing a two-piece mother-of-the-bride outfit is its practicality; the pieces can be styled separately, making it a versatile investment that extends beyond the wedding day.

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Stylish mother-of-the-bride accessories