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.
Best Form-Fitting
La Femme Off-the-Shoulder Beaded Satin Trumpet Gown
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Nordstrom
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
Best for a Winter Wedding
Adrianna Papell Hand Beaded Floral Godet Gown
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Adrianna Papell
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
Best Off-the-Shoulder
Pryce Off-the-Shoulder Column Dress
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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
Best Metallic
Tadashi Shoji Odette Sequin Dress
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BHLDN
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
Best Vintage-Inspired
Adrianna Papell Beaded Blouson Gown
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Bloomingdale's
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
Best Knee-Length
Adrianna Papell Petaluma Sequin Dress
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BHLDN
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
Best Pantsuit
Oleg Cassini Sequin Lace and Jersey Three-Piece Pantsuit
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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
Best Sleeves
Oleg Cassini Off-the-Shoulder Crepe Gown with Illusion Sleeves
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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
Best Halter-Neck
BHLDN Ruby Satin Charmeuse Dress
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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
Most Elegant
Amsale Flutter Sleeve Satin Gown
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Amsale
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
Best Splurge
Marchesa Strapless Silk Faille Gown
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Moda Operandi
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
Best Mid-Length
Khaite The Cerna Dress
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Khaite
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
Best Velvet
Jenny Yoo Jenny Yoo Issa Velvet Dress
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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
Most Modest
Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Floral Jacquard Gown
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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
Best with Cape-Effect
Marchesa Notte Cape-Effect Embellished Stretch-Crepe and Tulle Gown
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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
Best Plus-Size
Kiyonna Paris Pleated Sequin Gown
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Courtesy of Kiyonna
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
Best with Jacket
Alex Evenings Scalloped Sequin Lace and Satin Jacket Dress
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Courtesy of Alex Evenings
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.
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.