Mother of the Groom Wearing Shift Dress Outdoor Wedding

Be the best-dressed mom of the ball.

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As the mother of the groom, you have an important role on the wedding day. Not only will you mingle with loved ones, but you'll also be by your son's side as he begins married life. You'll have plenty of eyes on you throughout the day, and the right mother-of-the-groom dress will help you look and feel your best all the while.

Mother-of-the-groom dress etiquette has changed over the years—now, instead of an outfit that feels conservative or matronly, moms are encouraged to wear a look that shows off their personal style. As you start shopping for an elegant mother-of-the-groom dress, it's important to talk to the couple and the mother of your son's fiancé to determine what kind of outfit is best. Keeping an open line of communication will prevent any style mishaps, and it'll help you find an outfit you absolutely love.

We know you're busy fulfilling your mother-of-the-groom duties. So, to make things easy, we've outlined everything you need to know about shopping for a mother-of-the-groom wedding dress below. Learn exactly what kind of outfit to look for, as well as the best retailers with mom-worthy wedding outfits on offer. And, for even more inspiration, we've rounded up 25 of the best mother-of-the-groom dresses you can buy right on the spot.

In this article:

What Makes a Good Dress for the Mother of the Groom?
Where to Buy a Dress for the Mother of the Groom
The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for 2022

What Makes a Good Dress for the Mother of the Groom?

Mother-of-the-bride outfits and mother-of-the-groom outfits for the wedding day are similar. While it's encouraged to stay away from anything that looks white (unless approved by the bride), almost anything that aligns with the dress code and the rest of the wedding party's attire is appropriate. The best mother-of-the-groom dresses are those that make you feel confident and reasonably comfy. It probably won't compare to your favorite loungewear, but you want to avoid anything that's noticeably uncomfortable—overly restrictive waistlines and itchy fabrics are a hard no.

Now that you know what not to look for, here's what you should expect to find in the perfect mother-of-the-groom pantsuit, dress or jumpsuit. Ultimately, your look should fit the season and style of the wedding, as well as your own personal taste. Whether you're a trendsetting mom or you prefer to stick to traditional styles, your mother-of-the-groom outfit should embody your fashion sense.

Where to Buy a Dress for the Mother of the Groom

There are plenty of retailers that specialize in mother-of-the-groom attire—in fact, some of your favorite stores might have curated wedding collections just for moms. Here, we share the top places to buy a mother-of-the-groom dress online.

David's Bridal

There are plenty of great mother-of-the-groom dresses to be found at David's Bridal, especially if you want a more traditional look. The renowned wedding brand has a special collection of dresses and pantsuits just for moms. Whether you're looking for bold sparkles or minimal designs, you'll appreciate the brand's extensive collection.

Nordstrom

Nordy fans, you'll be thrilled to know the beloved store has wedding outfits for moms. Browse Nordstrom's collection of mother-of-the-groom dresses online or in-store to find a wedding-worthy look from some of your favorite brands. We're talking Alfred Sung, Mac Duggal, Kay Unger, Dress the Population and more.

Rent the Runway

Your wedding outfit will be a special purchase. Perhaps you want a runway-worthy look, but you don't want to go over budget (or you don't want it to sit untouched in your closet after the big day). If that's the case, rent your outfit from a service like Rent the Runway. Browse classic and trendy mother-of-the-groom dresses from top designers that you can wear just as long as you need to. Not only will you have an of-the-moment look—you'll save money too.

11 Honoré

Glam moms, this store is for you. If you're always one step ahead of the trends, you'll love the mother-of-the-groom dresses at 11 Honoré. With a repertoire of luxury designers like Carolina Herrera, Veronica Beard, Roland Mouret and Badgley Mischka, there are lots of showstopping plus-size options for moms who want to make a serious statement.

Macy's

Can you tell we love a department store? Macy's boasts fashionable MOG dresses from a handful of popular designers and brands like Adrianna Papell, Alex Evenings and Dessy. It's a great place to find a traditional and elegant mother-of-the-groom dress for a formal or semi-formal wedding. The best part? You can pick up the rest of your ensemble here too, from shoes to jewelry.

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for 2022

Now that you know what to look for and where to shop, it's time to find the perfect outfit—and we've got all the inspiration you need right here. Browse the best mother-of-the-groom dress ideas for black tie weddings, casual celebrations and everything in between.

1. Embroidered Mother-of-the-Groom Dress

Short mother-of-the-groom dress for wedding day black with white floral embroidery

There's no reason you can't wear an LBD (read: little black dress) to the wedding as MOG. This dainty pick is a cute mother-of-the-groom dress for an outdoor wedding with nature-inspired elements. That said, thanks to the classic black and white color palette, it's an elegant look for a wide range of wedding styles and themes.

2. Classic Mother-of-the-Groom Three-Piece

Mother-of-the-groom mauve three-piece jacket, blouse and pants wedding outfit

As the mother of the groom, you're not obliged to wear a dress if you don't want to. If your style leans more toward pantsuits or you prefer a little extra coverage, choose an outfit that checks those boxes. This pretty pink three-piece set is made of flowy chiffon, which brings an effortlessly romantic vibe to the look. It consists of straight-leg pants, a sequin floral top and a longline jacket. The set is also available in plus sizes.

3. Bold Mother-of-the-Groom Midi Dress

Red color block mother-of-the-groom tea-length dress

Attending a summer celebration? Deep, romantic shades of red make this color-block beauty an eye-catching dress for the groom's mom. The tea-length skirt is appropriate for a cocktail dress code (and provides the perfect opportunity to show off a nice pair of heeled sandals). And since it's a rental, you don't need an extravagant budget.

4. Modern Mother-of-the-Groom Jumpsuit

Unique mother-of-the-groom formalwear with long dress at back and jumpsuit at front in deep green

Give the other guests green eyes when they see how amazing you look in this unique dress-meets-jumpsuit ensemble. From the back, it gives the appearance of a floor-sweeping formal gown, but at the front, the skirt separates to reveal trendy tapered pants. The deep forest hue will stun at a fall or winter wedding.

5. Traditional Mother-of-the-Groom Jacket Dress

Classic mother-of-the-groom jacket dress in navy

Navy mother-of-the-groom dresses are really popular. The reason? This timeless colorway never goes out of style. If you're on the hunt for a classic semi-formal look, consider this plus-size knee-length dress with a pretty embroidered jacket overlay. Choose minimalist accessories to subtly accentuate the outfit. (Psst, silver and white gold look great with blue tones).

6. Sleek Mother-of-the-Groom Outfit

Black silk mother-of-the-groom pants and blouse coord

Move over mom-of-the-groom dresses, we've found an equally stunning pant and blouse combination. This gorgeous set will immediately let guests know that you're far from being a regular mom—you're a cool mom. The lightweight silk material is a great choice for warm-weather celebrations in the spring or summer.

7. Elegant Mother-of-the-Groom Dress

Formal black tie gold mother-of-the-groom dress

Gold is a great color for mothers of the groom. And it's seasonless, so you can wear it to a wedding at any time of the year. Black tie celebrations call for your very best dress, and this long mother-of-the-groom dress certainly fits the bill. An asymmetrical neckline adds an intriguing detail to this otherwise streamlined floor-length gown.

8. Sparkly Mother-of-the-Groom Dress

Sparkly black mother-of-the-groom dress short

Short mother-of-the-groom dresses can be just as fabulous as floor-length gowns, especially when they're covered in sequins and appliqués like this glitzy number. Choose from five gorgeous colorways, including classic black, navy and champagne.

9. Classy Mother-of-the-Groom Midi Dress

Simple modern mother-of-the-groom midi in baby blue

Adrianna Papell is another great place to shop for a wedding guest dress online, including outfits for the mom of the groom. For a spring celebration, choose pale colors like pastel blue or blush pink. This boat-neck midi is available in both of those shades and features a cool statement self-tie bow at the waist. If your son is tying the knot during the summer, feel free to go for the bright rose or canary yellow shades instead.

10. Lace Mother-of-the-Groom Dress

Burgundy lace mother-of-the-groom cocktail dress

Burgundy is a favorite for fall and winter weddings. Wear this gorgeous lace midi for a semi-formal dress code. If the couple is requesting cocktail attire, jazz up your look with a sparkly pair of heels and some statement costume jewelry. Not sold on wearing red? The dress comes in other striking jewel tones that'll look equally amazing in the later months of the year.

11. Tea-Length Mother-of-the-Groom Dress

Ethereal floral tiered midi dress for mother-of-the-groom with tie neck

A formal dress code doesn't mean you have to throw your personal style out the window. If you have a more whimsical fashion sense (or the wedding will have an ethereal aesthetic), this formal mother-of-the-groom dress is a gorgeous option. Tiers of floral printed chiffon cascade from the waist to the hem, creating a fun, feminine look. This unique style beautifully balances playfulness and modesty thanks to the high neck, mid-length sleeves and sheer material.

12. Unique Mother-of-the-Groom Dress

Ornate black lace midi mother-of-the-groom dress

Looking forward to a Gatsby-themed wedding? Try this ornate midi on for size. The gorgeous lace detailing and scalloped hem provide exactly the kind of vintage-inspired glam we love. Add a little sparkle with your accessories and you'll be the trendiest mom around. The dress is available in plus sizes.

13. Smart Mother-of-the-Groom Cocktail Dress

Casual mother-of-the-groom knee-length dress that gives illusion of top and skirt

This traditional look could pass as a semi-formal or casual mother-of-the-groom dress. Ultimately, how you choose to accessorize it will determine the level of formality. For a casual event, swap out strappy stilettos for flats, kitten heels or wedges and tone down the jewelry. The blue and lavender hues will look great at a daytime wedding. For an evening affair, choose navy or plum.

14. Stylish Mother-of-the-Groom Halter Dress

Emerald green long mother-of-the-groom halter swing dress

There are so many different types of fashionable dresses for the groom's mother to wear at the wedding (and there's a lot to love about all of them). This particular dress has a simple silhouette that lets the incredible color do all the talking. We'd wear this vibrant green dress to an early fall wedding. The lightweight satin material and breezy silhouette will help you keep cool even on the balmiest September evening.

15. Versatile Mother-of-the-Groom Jumpsuit

Formal mother-of-the-groom black lace cutout jumpsuit

Jumpsuits have come a long way in recent years. They're no longer considered a strictly casual outfit choice. Nowadays, you'll find plenty of elevated jumpsuit styles worthy of a formal wedding. Exhibit A: This stylish wide-leg option with a striking cutout lace bodice, high neckline and semi-sheer long sleeves. The best part? It has pockets!

16. Textured Mother-of-the-Groom Midi Dress

Textured knitted midi mother-of-the-groom semi-formal dress

While lightweight forms of silk and satin reign supreme in the warmer months, winter weather calls for seasonally appropriate fabrics like velvet, brocade and textured knits. Pair this unusual-yet-trendy midi with a cropped blazer and coordinating black or nude shoes for a dressy-casual MOG look.

17. Formal Mother-of-the-Groom Dress

Elegant mother-of-the-groom maxi dress in black

This black tie-ready gown comes in a wide variety of colors, from pale pastels to rich jewel tones. Cowl drape sleeves add a sophisticated edge to the formfitting dress, which falls elegantly to the floor. Azazie offers custom sizing in addition to pre-measured sizes 0 to 30, so finding the right fit has never been easier.

18. Stunning Mother-of-the-Groom Gown

Contemporary mother-of-the-groom black tie gown in shades of blue

Traditional evening gowns will always be beautiful, but there's something about this contemporary twist on the classic ball gown that really draws us in. From the vivid periwinkle skirt to the simple satin bodice and chunky belt, it makes a statement without the need for over-the-top design elements or accessories. You'll be black tie wedding-ready in no time.

19. Stylish Mother-of-the-Groom Dress

Ornate beaded long mother-of-the-groom-dress in purple

Purple is having a major moment, especially pale shades of lavender. Prepare to seriously impress the other wedding guests when you arrive wearing this full-length maxi dress. Beaded floral details and loose flutter sleeves give the gown a feminine vibe.

20. Statement Sleeve Mother-of-the-Groom Dress

Black sheath dress for mother-of-the-groom with bell sleeves

Semi-formal weddings call for an outfit that harmoniously balances dressy and casual elements. Wearing something with a shorter hemline, like this knee-length sheath dress, will prevent you from looking overly formal. And by sticking with a dark shade like black or navy, you won't look too casual either. This dress takes it one step further with striking illusion bell sleeves complete with sparkly beading at the cuff. Choose black or silver accessories to accent the look.

21. Romantic Mother-of-the-Groom Dress

Long mother-of-the-groom dress in slate blue

Cool tones are trending right now and this steel blue gown is a fabulous example. The plus-size dress has intricate lace embroidery on the bodice and a cascading chiffon skirt that falls from the empire waist (which, à la Bridgerton, is another popular design element in 2022).

22. Streamlined Mother-of-the-Groom Maxi Dress

Peach mother-of-the-groom formal maxi dress

Searching for a long mother-of-the-groom dress? Wear this beautiful satin maxi in the warm sunset hue to a daytime black tie or formal wedding. For an evening soiree, opt for darker hues like midnight blue, dark emerald or eggplant to suit the dress code. The gown comes in standard and plus sizes. All you need to complete the look is a cute shawl and some dainty fine jewelry.

23. Floral Mother-of-the-Groom Dress

Black floral embroidered mother-of-the-groom maxi dress

Talk about a beautiful dress for the mother of the groom! This eye-catching maxi will be right at home at a garden wedding thanks to the pretty floral embroidery. The illusion mesh sleeves and hemline add an extra layer of detail. One piece of advice: If it's for an outdoor wedding, choose your shoes wisely. Thin heels like stilettos could leave you sinking into the grass.

24. Simple Mother-of-the-Groom Cocktail Dress

Traditional champagne mother-of-the-groom midi dress

As a more muted extension of gold, champagne hues are another popular choice for mothers of the groom and bride. Just make sure that the couple has given you the go-ahead to don this flattering hue since it's sometimes considered a bridal color. This lovely lace cocktail dress is a great choice for traditional moms. Bonus: It comes with a matching jacket you can add to your outfit if it starts to get chilly.

25. Semi-formal Mother-of-the-Groom Shirt Dress

Silver and navy shirt cocktail dress for mother-of-the-groom

Here's another cool dress for the MOG who's looking for something a little different. The shirt-style top half feels dressy yet modest, while the A-line midi skirt lets you show off some shiny new heels. Cool silver and blue tones are perfectly in line with current trends. Basically, you're bound to be complimented on your fashion-forward style in this ensemble.

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Source: https://www.theknot.com/content/mother-of-the-groom-dresses