While the bridal gown is the pièce de résistance of every wedding day, the mother of the bride dress holds VIP status as well. Over the years, MOB dress options have gotten a bit of a bad rap as overly conservative or dated; but we can make the case for easily undoing that reputation, one gorgeous gown at a time.
Vogue’s Favorite Mother of the Bride Dresses
It starts with taking the overall theme and color scheme of the wedding into account—but while those are good guidelines to follow, it’s just as important to consider your own dress style. If you always feel your best in a simple sheath, by all means, find the most beautiful version you can. Do you gravitate more to dramatic silhouettes and ball gown-type numbers? As long as you pick one that stays true to the vibe of the day, there’s no reason you can’t go all out. A mother of the bride gown is also a lovely opportunity to play with lace, pattern, and interesting fabrics. (Unlike traditional bridesmaids dresses, it’ll be one of one on the big day; there’s room to stand out.)
In the end, the mother of the bride just wants to feel beautiful celebrating her daughter—and, of course, look fabulous in photos. Shop 26 dresses that are ideal for all sorts of climates and seasons, from more casual beachside affairs to full on holiday season black tie.
Erdem
asymmetric cutout floral gown
Erdem is well-known for its on-point florals. This moody, painterly print lends a lovely sensibility to any affair, and a cowl neckline is universally flattering.
Taller Marmo
Carrington cape-effect gown
Bring a flare for the dramatic with something red and caped. The flowing fabric makes it easy to maneuver in on the dance floor.
Staud
File this Staud gown under “dresses that look far more expensive than they are.” In an airy organza and vintage-inspired muted floral, it’s perfectly understated.
Dima Ayad
sequin-embellished polka-dot gown
Start the party early in a gown with real personality. Featuring polka dots and a nice dose of paillettes at the shoulder line, this cotton poplin dress offers a mix of volume and lightness all at once.
Simkhai
Elaria jacquard bustier gown
Bring old world glamour to the big day in a stunning strapless jacquard gown. The nature-inspired tones will complement outdoor affairs beautifully, and look just as great in a ballroom.
Oscar de la Renta
wrap-effect floral midi shirt dress
This is the English garden of mother-of-the-bride dresses. The wrap effect is flattering on many body types and the cotton fabrication is made for summer days.
Emilia Wickstead
If you’re searching for something elegant and timeless for the colder months, look no further than this deep burgundy velvet gown. The simple shape and fit-and-flare design make it appropriate for any venue.
Bernadette
Beatrice maxi shirt dress
Who doesn’t love the idea of classic navy? Done up in taffeta and belted at the waist, this glamorous shirt dress calls for a stunning necklace or pair of earrings.
Rebecca Vallance
Bring all the Bridgerton vibes in classic brocade re-thought in a completely modern way. The off-the-shoulder shape is classic, and the light gray tones work with many palettes.
Tove
Ribbed chenille fabric drapes beautifully, but it’s the neckline—which twists at the neckline—that provides the visual interest.
Ralph Lauren Collection
Sometimes, classic black is the only answer—especially when it comes in the form of a slim-fitting jersey gown with silk chiffon sleeves for a beautiful drape.
LaPointe
satin asymmetric draped gown
This one-shoulder dark rose draped dress is deceivingly simple and exceedingly elegant.
Lela Rose
Hand-embroidered florals set on a navy crepe column gown are just the thing for a garden or backyard wedding.
Safiyaa
Made from the label’s signature heavy crepe, this off-the-shoulder gown’s main feature is a draped skirt with a flattering slit up the leg.
Carolina Herrera
Be the lady in red in an off-the-shoulder midi dress. (Just make sure your matching shoes are on point, as the tea length will show them off.)
Stella McCartney
A caped bodice with ruched draping adds up to quite a statuesque silhouette.
Lanvin
This crepe de chine dress was inspired by the 1920s, complete with a cascading train. The vibrant red makes a stunning statement.
Vince
For the ease of a slip dress with the impact of a black tie gown, go simple with this Vince piece. It lets your accessories really shine.
Emilia Wickstead
Formal weddings call for formal dresses; this gitzy gold a-line short sleeve is definitely up for the occasion.
St. John
This Cubist-inspired black and white evening gown done in shimmering paillettes is quite literally made for the dance floor.
Victoria Beckham
Butter yellows reign continues—and looks quite sophisticated in satin crepe with a simple crew neck and fluttering cap sleeves.
Rotate
A black halter style is ideal for easy elegance; the high neck feels particularly polished.
McQueen
This silk chiffon strapless gown in an eye-catching seafoam green calls for beachside nuptials under a vibrant sunset.
Atelier Prabal Gurung
The rich emerald hue on this spaghetti strap gown makes it even more eye-catching; we like the square neckline for a modern touch.
Ralph Lauren
Billowing georgette sleeves and a sheer neckline give this floor-length gown extra drama.
TWP
New brand-to-watch TWP is known for streamlined silhouettes and gorgeous fabric; its open-back green gown in a lovely satin is no different.
