For every mother of the bride, looking the part is vital – our brilliant outfit ideas will ensure a triumph in the style stakes
Mother of the bride style is all about feeling comfortable. While you also want to look chic, this is a long day (and evening), so choosing a style that works with the formality of the occasion without making you feel overdressed or restricted is the way to go. Our nine style ideas (which are also perfect for wedding guests), include everything from elegant tailored coats to timeless and floaty summer party dresses.
1. Green dream – Jane Taylor
Green is one of this season’s go-to colours, with jewel tones in the mix that have a crisp and regal quality. One of our favourite milliners Jane Taylor has risen to the challenge with this stunning Felt Halo Band. It has the kind of timeless style that puts us in mind of early seasons of The Crown. If green isn’t for you, it’s also available in wine, navy, alabaster and black. £830; janetaylorlondon.com
2. Neat pleat – Sassi Holford
This Luxor skirt from Sassi Holford is a high-glamour option that can be worn again and again for red-carpet events. Made of a luxe foil crepe and shown here in gold (also available in silver), it is paired with the Brooklyn foil cami but would also work brilliantly with everything from a silk top to a luxury knit. Skirt £775; cami £450; sassiholford.com
3. Tropical trail – Hobbs
With more destination weddings, there are often multiple parties, so it’s always good to have additional outfit ideas in the mix. We’re big fans of the new Hobbs collection, which has formal pieces, but also relaxed party dresses like this Miriam Bardot design in this season’s must-have oversized floral print. £199; hobbs.com
4. Fifties finery – Joyce Young
Longer lengths offer elegance – and welcome coverage to keep out the chill at an autumn or winter wedding. This tea length jacquard dress with feature belt and lovely draped neckline is a style to take you effortlessly from ceremony to midnight and with a rich texture that is smart for after dark. joyceyoungcollections.co.uk
5. Summer breeze – Lalage Beaumont
Nothing is quite as easy to slip on for a smart party as a fine silk dress and this Letty frock from Lalage Beaumont is made of a decadent Italian cloqué silk that falls beautifully. It has a semi-circular skirt and neat bodice and is the perfect cut to keep you cool on a warm afternoon. Pair with a white jacket for the wedding – or a wrap or simple cardigan for more dress-down affairs. £999; lalagebeaumont.com
6. Floral haze – Vera Mont
For high-summer and destination weddings you want a style that is cool and also easy to dress up and this Sun Kissed dress from Vera Mont features a retro blowsy floral print with mid-length skirt. Just accessorise with strappy sandals and a wrap and you’re ready to party. Stockists include House of Fraser. From £210; houseoffraser.co.uk
7. Hot metal – Sassi Holford
Sassi Holford’s mother of the bride and occasion collections are all about updating the classics and Lyon is a chic take on the column dress in a 3D-effect damask with subtle metallic weave. With square neckline and cap sleeves, this is a timeless occasion piece that can be accessorised with nude or metallic accessories. It’s also available in grey and green-blue. £1,295; sassiholford.com
8. Neutral chic – Joyce Young
Perfect for a spring or summer wedding, this elegant dress from Joyce Young Collections has a pared-back silhouette, with flattering v-front draped shirt-effect bodice and high-waisted slimline guipure lace skirt. A neutral colourway is always event appropriate, but designs can be made to order in other choices. joyceyoungcollections.co.uk
9. Spot on – Lalage Beaumont
Spots are always in style, but especially so this season, and this Angie faille shift dress with embroidered circles is perfect for a mother of the bride or wedding guest. Designed by Lalage Beaumont, it’s paired here with her chic Hermione box jacket, also in faille, and one of her covetable Fonteyn croc leather bags. Dress £779; jacket £599; bag £550; lalagebeaumont.com
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