The 30 best mother of the bride dresses that are elegant, not frumpy
If your daughter is getting married, chances are you've spent the last however-many-months (since the announcement of her engagement?) looking for the best mother of the bride dresses. You want to look perfect on her big day, it's no secret, but there are a few things to consider when shopping.
Firstly, find out what the bridesmaids are wearing, so you can go tonal if you want (or avoid the exact shade of shade of sage green they might be wearing…). Secondly, consider comfort as well as style. This is a dress you're likely to wear from breakfast 'til midnight. You'll need to be able to sit, eat and dance easily, all while feeling confident and glamorous.
If you have a designer budget and want to spend on something high end for the wedding, there will be tonnes of choice at Net-A-Porter but you'll also find a wide variety of brands at John Lewis, too. Wherever you're browsing, we have some tricks to make sure your search doesn’t become overwhelming. Our top tip? Use all the filters. Choose the length (knee-length, midi or maxi are most wedding appropriate, but you do you) and the sleeve-type you’d like. Whether you fancy something sleeveless, short sleeve or want full coverage on your arms, this is the best way of finding exactly the right style.
Toggle the categories to look at the colours you know suit you best – or that suit the theme – and cap your price search (keeping to budget will leave more opportunities for great accessories like fascinators/wedding hats). We’ve picked out our favourite styles which tick so many different requirements, now you just have to have a try-on session…
The best places to buy mother of the bride dresses, at a glance…
- Best for designer: Net-A-Porter
- Best for choice: John Lewis
- Best for affordability: Coast
- Best for influence-adored: Karen Millen
- Best for traditional: LK Bennett
Ahead, the best mother of the bride dresses to order online in 2023 (including mother of the groom dresses).
1. Net-A-Porter
Everyone will find a dream dress at Net-A-Porter, if your budget stretches. Search by occasion and filter the colour, length and sleeve details to make your search a little smoother. There are super-classic styles as well as brilliant ideas if you’re heading off to a destination wedding or tropical beach ceremony.
Save when you shop for the best mother-of-the-bride dresses with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
2. Phase Eight
Don’t forget to check out Phase Eight… as well as classic styles and smart dress and jacket co-ords, they also have brilliant options for evening weddings and one of the most inclusive size ranges we’ve seen on the high street (ranging from 6-26.)
Save when you shop for the best mother-of-the-bride dresses with these Phase Eight discount codes.
3. Karen Millen
Sleek and chic, Karen Millen is a forever favourite of ours for smart dresses (and some of the best leather pieces on the high street.) Their mother of the bride edit manages to look classic yet contemporary - you’ll find nothing frumpy here - and we also love their selection of statement hats and fascinators to finish off your look.
Save when you shop for the best mother-of-the-bride dresses with these Karen Millen discount codes.
4. Reiss
A longtime favourite for tailoring and smart city suiting, Reiss gets dressing for formal events absolutely spot-on. Ideal if you’re heading to a wedding in town, rather than a rustic country church, the cape-style midi dress has all the drama of a far more expensive style.
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5. John Lewis
Shopping at a department store definitely gives you the widest choice - but it can be a little overwhelming. We found two brands that were definitely outside our usual must shop labels - but which we absolutely love for elegant mother of the bride dresses. This year John Lewis have introduced rental, which is a great way to find a special occasion outfit that you're likely to only wear once.
6. Coast
Out of all the brands in our edit, Coast is probably the label most associated with occasion wear. It is fancy, however you interpret the dress code. Whether you want beading and embellishment, graphic details, suits or jumpsuits, as well as dresses, hats and shoes, you’ll be sorted in very chic style.
7. Ralph Lauren
Almost like a multi-brand, Ralph Lauren has a brilliant selection of lines on their site. The Polo Ralph Lauren collection is pretty and classically chic while the Lauren label rings in at a lower price point (but is still a designer label - here for it.) There is also Ralph Lauren collection, which is what you’ll see on the catwalk, if you have a chunkier budget.
Save when you shop for the best mother-of-the-bride dresses with these Ralph Lauren discount codes.
8. RIXO
Home to some of the dreamiest dresses we’ve ever seen, RIXO is a go to for bridesmaid dresses and wedding guest dresses but it’s also great if you’re looking for a beautiful mother of the bride dress. We love their extended size ranges and you can find frocks with longer lengths, sleeves and more modest coverage too.
9. Marks & Spencer
The titan of the high street is our go to for picnic picky bits, classics with a twist from the Autograph range and brilliant weekend-y boho styles from Per Una - but did you know they also stock a huge array of other brands, from Finery London, Jaeger and Hobbs to Gina Bacconi (which is ideal for classically elegant mother of the bride dresses). You’ll also find groom outfits at Marks and Spencer, as well as everything you need to accessorise your get-up. Blazers, clutch bags, boleros, court shoes and the like.
Save when you shop for the best mother-of-the-bride dresses with these Marks and Spencer discount codes.
10. Monsoon
For the more bohemian minded mother of the bride, or mother of the groom, Monsoon is an affordable stop for all things beaded, embroidered and downright beautiful. These are special pieces you’ll treasure for years to come - and the brand is also making strides towards more sustainable materials, including using recycled polyester in some styles.
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11. Hobbs
A British-born brand that does formal occasion wear to a tee, Hobbs should definitely be on your must-visit list for mother of the bride dresses (and mother of the groom dresses.) The fabrics all feel luxurious, which is ideal for dressing for such a special day, and they carry everything from flutter sleeve designs to show off on the dance floor to V-neck pastel wrap dresses.
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12. LK Bennett
An absolute go to for more formal events and occasions, LK Bennett manages to hit the sweet spot of smart without ever looking stuffy. The silk or recycled polyester dresses are ideal for summer weddings but there are tonnes of ideas of you’re looking for an autumn or winter wedding look too. You can also browse the LKBorrowed selection of dresses to rent for everything from ruched lace dresses to one shoulder black-tie silhouettes.
13. MATCHES
MATCHES is a gem if you’re a fashion loving mother of bride, who doesn’t want to give up her own personal style because of traditional expectations. From tea length frocks with ruffle cap sleeves, to floor length long sleeve silhouettes, MATCHES is one retailer every member of the bridal party should browse before the wedding day. As well as the most desirable dress edit, look through their jewellery for a fantastic array of finishing touches too and don't forget that accessories are always a great way to bring personality to more simple dresses.
14. Ghost
From silk bridesmaids dresses to summer wedding guest dresses, autumn wedding guest dresses and pretty much every other glam occasionwear/mother of the bride wear you can think of, Ghost is guaranteed to have it. If you're looking for something figure-skimming, flattering and floaty, we've found two options that hit the nail on the head below.
15. Ted Baker
Ted Baker is definitely having a style resurgence. They do have a higher price point than some other high street brands but the quality is considered and the silhouettes directional. There are what feels like hundreds of floral dresses online, with a variety of necklines and overlays.
Save when you shop for the best mother-of-the-bride dresses with these Ted Baker discount codes.
After more occasionwear and mother of the bride outfit options? We have wedding guest jumpsuits, if dresses aren't your thing, plus size wedding guest dresses, spring wedding guest dresses and maternity wedding guest dresses.
