20 Best Mother of the Bride Dresses of 2021

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mother and bride — Photo by Kaylee Chelsea Photography

As the mother of the bride, your role comes with big responsibilities. You've likely been by the bride's side helping, planning, and lending sage advice along the way. So when it comes to securing the perfect mother of the bride dress, you deserve to find one that celebrates you and your personal style.

While your look should complement the wedding color palette, season, and venue, today's mother of the bride (and mother of the groom) shouldn't feel restricted to traditional mother of the bride dresses. In fact, mother of the bride dress etiquette has changed over the years, offering mothers the opportunity to truly showcase their personal style. Love allover sparkle and intricate beading? Endless options abound! Coveting shorter hemlines? We've got you covered! Searching for off-the-shoulder necklines or long sleeves? We've got those, too!

No matter your style or whether you'll be standing by the bride's side at a black-tie wedding or intimate backyard nuptials, we've curated the best mother of the bride dresses with every season, body type, and budget in mind.

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Best for a Formal Fall Wedding: BHLDN Beaded Maxi Dress

Fall and winter weddings call for chic muted tones like silvery gray. This deco-inspired gown will shimmer in photos and stun on the dance floor.

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Best Allover Beading: Pisarro Nights Beaded Mesh Dress

Gray is an elegant neutral that flatters every skin tone. Beading in tones of blue, gray, and silver add dimension and sophisticated sparkle to this flattering mesh column gown.

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For the Timeless MOB: BHLDN Satin Maxi Dress

If you're looking for an elegant dress that will not only look timeless in photos but can be worn again, consider this impossibly chic gown from BHLDN. Crafted from luxurious satin and featuring a sophisticated V-back, you'll be sure to stun at your daughter's wedding and all future formal events.

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Best Off-the-Shoulder: Lauren Jersey Off-the-Shoulder Gown

Dare to bare and show off those statuesque shoulders! Crafted in forgiving jersey and in a soft pretty pink tone, this gown is perfect for a less formal, springtime wedding.

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Best Allover Sparkle: Tadashi Shoji Off-the-Shoulder Plus-Size Gown

This allover silver sequins gown in classic navy is old-Hollywood glam at its finest. Available from petite to plus—all shapes and sizes will sparkle and shine down the aisle.

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Most Flattering: Rickie Freeman Zigzag Eyelet Belted Shirtdress

Dreamy soft sea-foam green makes for the perfect color to wear to a summer or destination wedding. This shirt-style dress is laidback but still crisp and formal.

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For a Formal Wedding: Pisarro Nights Beaded Sequin Gown

A little sparkle is a must when celebrating such a joyous occasion. This gown in midnight blue is flocked with shimmering sequins and eyecatching beadwork. Wear yours with heels in a neutral tone and delicate shoulder-grazing earrings.

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For a Black-Tie Wedding: Sachin & Babi Draped Satin Bodice Gown

For a black-tie wedding, this Sachin & Babi gown is a no-brainer. A flattering and fun bow bodice meets a body-hugging and smoothing column skirt for one utterly chic ensemble.

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Best for a Holiday Wedding: Alex Evenings Sequin 3/4-Sleeve Wrap Front Dress With Twist

Don't be afraid to make a statement in head-to-toe sparkle. Whether the wedding is around the holidays or calls for a formal dress code, add some serious glitz and glam to your look in this gown adorned with allover sequins.

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Best Two-Piece: Naeem Khan Crochet-Trimmed Embroidered Midi Dress

If your daughter is having a formal wedding and you like the idea of having an extra layer, go for this exquisite crochet trimmed dress with a matching jacket.

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Best Neckline: Tadashi Shoji Portrait Collar Sequin Décolletage Gown

For the mother of the bride looking for a statement-making look, this gown from Tadashi Shoji boasts a truly unique sequin embellished neckline. Soft, off-the-shoulder draping meets waist-cinching pleats for an incredibly flattering fit.

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For the Fashion-Forward: Alexander McQueen Crystal-Neckline Cape-Shoulder Silk-Satin Gown

Only seriously chic MOBs need apply! This stunning gown from Alexander McQueen is for those who don't even think twice about making a bold fashion statement. Adorned with an ornate crystal collar and featuring a dramatic one-shoulder cape, this gown is an absolute must for a black-tie wedding.

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Best Body-Skimming: La Femme Sparkle Lace Trumpet Gown

Show off your décolletage in this off-the-shoulder lace and satin cocktail gown featuring an incredibly flattering wrap skirt with expertly placed ruching. A lace bodice with subtle sparkle details makes this dress feel all the more special.

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Best Budget: Jersey Sheath Plus-Size Gown With Sequin Capelet

This sheath dress and sequin capelet combination boasts a modest neckline and high-slit skirt making it at once sophisticated and sexy.

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For a Destination Wedding: Badgley Mischka Multi-Print Tiered Gown

For MOBs headed to a destination wedding where the dress code calls for casual attire, opt for this bright and cheery Badgley Mischka gown. If this style is not formal enough for the big day, it could easily be worn to the rehearsal dinner.

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Best Splurge: Valentino Delf-Print Guipure-Lace Cotton-Blend Midi Dress

For those walking down the aisle during the summer, this lacey powder-blue dress is a must. A conservative high neckline meets airy and sheer paneling for a look that is classic yet alluring.

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Best Velvet: Aross Girl x Soler

Plush velvet is not only trending in the fashion world, but it's the perfect fabric for a winter wedding. Don't think bulky when you think velvet, this stretch fabric is figure-hugging and the wrap belt will flatter any midsection.

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Best Subtle Sparkle: Halston Metallic Jersey Gown

A surefire way to cinch your waist is to belt it! This shimmering number is incredibly sophisticated and put together, plus its monochromatic belt is just the subtle touch you need to draw the whole look together.

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For a New Year’s Eve Wedding: RM Richards Allover Sequins Dress

A New Year’s Eve wedding calls for sparkle on sparkle. Give them glitz and glam in this allover sequin stunner.

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Best Jumpsuit: Tadashi Shoji Tuxedo Jumpsuit

MOB jumpsuit — Courtesy of Tadashi Shoji

If an impossibly chic and impeccably tailored tuxedo jumpsuit is more your speed, then your search ends with this stunning style from Tadashi Shoji.

Shopping FAQs

Searching for the perfect dress for the big day? We’ve answered four common questions about shopping for mother of the bride dresses.

When should I start shopping for my mother of the bride outfit? To be on the safe side, we suggest that you start shopping for your dress six months before the wedding to allow for any shipping delays or alterations. If you’re in a pinch, many e-commerce sites like Net-a-Porter or Nordstrom offer rush shipping.
What should I consider when shopping for my dress? It’s important to take into consideration the venue, the season, and your personal style. While your outfit should be season-appropriate and complement the wedding’s color palette, it’s also important to pick a silhouette and color that celebrates your body type and personal style.
What colors should I avoid wearing? Unless specifically approved by the bride, a good rule of thumb is to avoid wearing white or any hue that might resemble the bride’s wedding dress.
Do I have to run my dress by the bride? While your daughter will surely want you to feel your best in your dress, having a conversation with the bride before you start shopping can help set expectations and narrow down your options.

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