The Prettiest Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses That Are Anything but Frumpy (2024)

Have you already rejected what feels like dozens of other options? This might just be your unicorn. One mom said she tried on two dozen dresses before she settled on this elegant champagne-colored one-shoulder dress. “I’m in love with this dress,” she raves. “It is perfect for a spring or summer wedding.”

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If you’re not afraid of a deep V-neck, check out this sleek fit-and-flare dress. It’s full of subtle but head-turning details: a thigh-high side slit (great for dancing!), cap sleeves, and floral beading on the shoulders.

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There’s no shortage of rave reviews for this Jenny Yoo dress. That’s because the velvet dress, which one reviewer says made her feel “like a queen,” is comfortable, fits like a glove, and sparkles in the sunlight. And if you’re considering it for a summer wedding? Don’t be put off by the velvet—wearers say it’s not nearly as heavy as it looks.

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Sequined dresses can skew frumpy, but not this one. The mesh column gown, available in two colors and sizes up to 18, has an artful pattern that looks as though it could have been plucked from some sort of fashion museum. To seal the deal, real moms who’ve worn the dress to their own children’s weddings say it photographs like a dream.

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On the hunt for a mother-of-the-bride dress with a jacket? May we persuade you to try a caped option instead? Trust us on this one: It’s a more modern and flattering way to get the coverage you desire. Just look at the structure of this sophisticated co*cktail-length Ralph Lauren dress, available in black or bright blue.

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Does it get any more elegant than a black column dress with a show-stopping statement back bow complete with faux pearl trim? You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better for a ballroom-style black-tie event.

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This ethereal beaded dress is just one of many plus-size options offered by designer Adrianna Papell. The faux wrap bodice offers plenty of coverage for larger breasts, but the modesty is contrasted by semisheer flutter sleeves that help keep things elegant and feminine.

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Like something you might see in a vintage film, this beautiful tea-length gown truly shines. It’s thanks to the gilded color, of course, but also flattering design details like cap sleeves, a pleated skirt, and aswirling jacquard pattern that lends a little visual interest.

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Moms who have worn this dress to their own daughters’ weddings say you can’t go wrong with this gown. Whether your body shape is curvy or straight, it’s said to fit like a glove. And the textured detail on the sleeves is nothing short of exquisite. Cue the compliments.

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Modest but not at all matronly, this three-quarter-sleeve navy lace number is ideal for a fall or winter wedding. We love the sweetheart neckline, but just in case you can’t see it in the picture, don’t miss the real draw: Teeny, tiny rhinestones sprinkled throughout that catch the light in all the right ways.

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