When should I start shopping for my mother of the groom outfit?

To err 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.

What should I consider when shopping for my mother of the groom outfit?

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 silhouettes and colors that celebrate your body type and spotlight your personal style.

What colors should a mother of the groom avoid wearing?

A good rule of thumb is to avoid wearing white or any hue that might resemble the bride’s wedding outfit or groom’s suit/tuxedo.

Do I have to run my mother of the groom outfit by the couple?

While the couple will surely want you to feel your best in your dress, having a conversation with the couple beforehand can help set expectations and narrow down your options.

17 Best Mother of the Groom Dresses of 2023

Brides / Chloe Jeong

While the most raved about dress at your son's upcoming wedding is bound to be the bride's wedding dress, you still deserve to have your own fashion moment with a mother of the groom dress that makes you feel stylish and confident.

When shopping for the perfect mother of the groom dress, it's important to keep in mind what silhouettes work best for you and what goes well with the wedding aesthetic. From fashion-forward velvet to elegant necklines to body-hugging styles, you'll be dreaming up excuses to wear your ensemble again and again. Whether you're coveting glitz and glam for a black-tie affair or searching for light and effortless styles for a backyard wedding, we've researched and rounded up the best mother of the groom dresses to suit any style, body type, and budget.

If you're looking for something ultra-elegant, opt for the La Femme Off-the-Shoulder Beaded Satin Trumpet Gown or the Tadashi Shoji Odette Sequin Dress. Love a floral frock? Then go for the Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Floral Jacquard Gown or the Tadashi Shoji Floral Cap Sleeve Chiffon Dress.

Read on for the best mother of the groom dresses.

Our Top Picks

Best Form-Fitting:

La Femme MOG Dress at Nordstrom

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Best for a Winter Wedding:

Adrianna Papell MOG Dress at Amazon

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Best Off-the-Shoulder:

Pryce Off-the-Shoulder Column Dress at Bhldn

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Best Metallic:

Tadashi Shoji Sequin Dress at Bhldn

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Best Vintage-Inspired:

Adrianna Papell Blouson Gown at Amazon

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Best Knee-Length:

Adrianna Papell MOG Dress at Bhldn

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Best Pantsuit:

Oleg Cassini Paintsuit at David's Bridal

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Best Sleeves:

Oleg Cassini Crepe Gown at David's Bridal

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Best Halter-Neck:

BHLDN Ruby Dress at Anthropologie

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Most Elegant:

Amsale Satin Gown at Amsale.com

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Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Lordandtaylor.com View On Verishop.com

If you've tried on a few dresses in your lifetime, then we probably don't need to explain what a difference expertly placed ruching makes, but we can assure you that it does! This style from La Femme cinches you at the waist and falls effortlessly into a gorgeous, flowy hemline.

Price at time of publish: $599

Size Range: 0-18 | Material(s): 100% polyester | Fit: Runs large, size down one size | Shade(s): Navy, champagne, silver

Adrianna Papell

View On Amazon View On Adriannapapell.com

In a shimmering and icy blue hue and dripping in crystal embroidery, this Adrianna Papell beaded gown was made for a winter wedding. Pair it with silver strappy sandals and chandelier earrings to complete your formal look.

Price at time of publish: $300

Size Range: 0-20 (regular and plus size available) | Material(s): 100% polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Taupe/pink, blue, black, twilight

Amsale Pryce Off-the-Shoulder Column Dress

Anthropologie

View On Bhldn View On Anthropologie

What could be more sophisticated than an elongating, floor-length dress with an elegant neckline? Wear yours with a sleek updo to really show off those shoulders.

Price at time of publish: $495

Size Range: 0-16 | Material(s): 100% polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Neutral, dark green, navy

BHLDN

View On Bhldn View On Anthropologie

Shimmering metallics are always a good idea, especially for formal occasions like weddings. Whether you're attending a black-tie, winter, or New Year's Eve wedding, this dazzling number is a no-brainer.

Price at time of publish: $430

Size Range: 0-18 | Material(s): Cotton, nylon, sequins; stretch polyester lining | Fit: Fits large, size down one size; if you have broad shoulders, take normal size | Shade(s): Silver and gold

Bloomingdale's

View On Amazon View On Adriannapapell.com View On Bloomingdales

For the mother of the groom who loves a little vintage flair, this Adrianna Papell gown is for you. Designed with a supremely flattering blouson bodice and body-skimming skirt, this gown fits like a dream.

Price at time of publish: $209

Size Range: 0-20 (regular and plus-size available) | Material(s): 100% polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Multiple

BHLDN

View On Bhldn View On Macy's View On Zappos

A semi-formal wedding calls for a sophisticated but less dressy look than a black-tie wedding, and this lace number more than fits the bill. Since gold is practically a neutral color, this knee-length dress can be worn to a New Year's Eve wedding, a summer wedding, and everything in between.

Price at time of publish: $250

Size Range: 0-18 (regular and plus-size available) | Material(s): 100% polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Beige, navy, red

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

We love a good three-piece set as it feels like two outfits in one. This chic and formal set from David's Bridal consists of a sheer jacket with medium coverage that's perfect for cooler weather and a sleeveless sequin top that is more than ready for the dance floor.

Price at time of publish: $130

Size Range: 4-16 (regular and plus-size available) | Material(s): Nylon, polyester, spandex | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Navy, juniper, taupe

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Equal parts sophisticated and romantic, this formal dress features exquisite details like sheer sleeves adorned with 3D floral appliqués, a décolletage-baring neckline, and a flattering fit.

Price at time of publish: $190

Size Range: 2-16 | Material(s): Polyester and spandex | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Navy

View On Anthropologie

Show off your shoulders with a gown featuring a halter-neck silhouette. This luxurious satin style from BHLDN exudes Old Hollywood glamour and is available in six colors to complement any wedding palette.

Price at time of publish: $248

Size Range: 0-16 (regular and plus-size available) | Material(s): 100% polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Multiple

Amsale

View On Amsale.com

If you combine flutter sleeves with expertly placed draping, you have yourself a very stylish and flattering dress. This stunning fluid gown also features a beautifully beaded neckline and an elongating front slit.

Price at time of publish: $1,295

Size Range: 00-28 | Material(s): N/A | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Black, petrol, navy

Moda Operandi

View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Modaoperandi.com

Typically, a bride's wedding dress is designed to only be worn once but that shouldn't be the case when it comes to your mother of the groom dress. This is a big day for you too, so why not invest in a piece that you really love and see yourself wearing again? This beautiful Marchesa dress is definitely worth splurging on, and it's sure to make you stand out on the wedding day.

Price at time of publish: $3,995

Size Range: 4-12 | Material(s): Cotton and silk | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Pink

Khaite

View On Nordstrom View On Net-a-Porter View On Farfetch.com

This utterly sophisticated off-the-shoulder number was designed with only the chicest mother of the groom in mind. Wear yours with pin-thin strappy sandals for an effortlessly elegant look.

Price at time of publish: $1,680

Size Range: XS-L | Material(s): 83% viscose, 11% polyamide, 6% elastane | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Pink and black

BHLDN

View On Amazon View On Bhldn

Warm and comfortable, a velvet dress is perfect for a winter or holiday wedding. Accentuate this glamorous look with shoulder-grazing statement earrings and metallic accessories.

Price at time of publish: $295

Size Range: 0-19 (regular and plus-size available) | Material(s): Velvet polyester, spandex; polyester lining | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Sage, red, dark green, blue, pink

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Saks Fifth Avenue

About as chic and refined as they come, this Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman gown is crafted from shimmering brocade and would be right at home at an elegant black-tie wedding.

Price at time of publish: $860

Size Range: 4-12 | Material(s): 73% polyester, 27% metallic; 100% polyester lining | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Floral

Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Glide down the aisle in this truly regal gown from Marchesa Notte. Crafted in a beautiful lilac hue. Boasting a cape-like effect, this statement-making gown is ideal for a spring or summer black-tie wedding.

Price at time of publish: $995

Size Range: 0-16 | Material(s): 87% polyester, 13% spandex | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Lilac

Courtesy of Kiyonna

View On Kiyonna.com

This polished number from Kiyonna (which is solely a plus-size brand) is one for the books, and will certainly turn heads at an evening and/or winter wedding. Pair with sequin heels to match the sparkly bodice and simple silver jewelry to complete the piece.

Price at time of publish: $338

Size Range: 0X(10-12)-5X(30-32) | Material(s): Spandex, polyester, nylon | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Navy and onyx

Alex Evenings Scalloped Sequin Lace and Satin Jacket Dress

Courtesy of Alex Evenings

View On David's Bridal

If you're look for a conservative fit that still gives you the option to flaunt your arms, opt for a dress with a jacket. You can even use the jacket if the wedding is set on a chilly night, or for an overall elegant look.

Price at time of publish: $229

Size Range: 6-18 | Material(s): Polyester, nylon, spandex | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Eggplant and midnight

What to Look For in a Mother of the Groom Outfit

When it comes to shopping for mother of the groom dresses, identifying the best silhouette for your body type is always a good place to start. This will help narrow down your options and make the shopping process a whole lot easier. Beyond choosing a flattering silhouette, it’s also important to pick an outfit that not only showcases your personal style but follows the wedding’s dress code and color palette. If the wedding calls for black-tie attire, make sure you opt for a formal outfit like a floor-length gown or pantsuit. If the wedding is more casual, go for a short frock or sundress. Keep in mind that many sites offer the ability to filter dresses by occasion, color, and silhouette.

Although online shopping comes with its many perks, it can be tricky to tell exactly what a certain dress will look like in person. The solution? Thoroughly read product descriptions–right down to the fabric type–and any customer reviews. And since so many retailers offer fast shipping and free returns, you can easily send back any dresses you don’t love–just make sure to always review a retailer's shipping and return policy.

FAQ

When should I start shopping for my mother of the groom outfit?

To err 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.
What should I consider when shopping for my mother of the groom outfit?

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 silhouettes and colors that celebrate your body type and spotlight your personal style.
What colors should a mother of the groom avoid wearing?

A good rule of thumb is to avoid wearing white or any hue that might resemble the bride’s wedding outfit or groom’s suit/tuxedo.
Do I have to run my mother of the groom outfit by the couple?

While the couple will surely want you to feel your best in your dress, having a conversation with the couple beforehand can help set expectations and narrow down your options.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties, and more.