13 Elegant Mother of the Bride Dresses That Are Never Frumpy

This Pisarro Nights beaded beauty is a show-stopping match to any formal dress code. It’s elegant for any occasion, but especially as a mother of the bride dress. It comes in five colors, including a radiant blush, a Gatsby-esque champagne tone and dramatic grays, too. Add a pair of strappy metallic sandals, a glamorous pair of earrings and voila!

Looking to cut wedding costs? This dress from Lulus not only features intricate floral lace and a flattering illusion neckline, but an affordable price tag, too. The fitted mermaid silhouette hugs all your curves and flares out at the knee for a dramatic look. Keep in mind that it works best for smaller bust sizes, and if you want a roomier fit, shop one size up.

Everyone expects the mother of the bride to exude elegance at her child’s wedding, and that’s easily achieved with this one-shoulder evening gown. The chiffon dress flatters all body types and the over-the-shoulder detailing will help you glide across the aisle. There are plenty of colors and sizes to choose from, making it a pick for any aesthetic. Just add some gold jewelry or silver gems to accessorize.

From the luxurious satin material to the modern off-the-shoulder neckline to its subtle sheen, this Amsale Pryce dress couldn’t get any more glamorous. The variety of hues and inclusive sizes will ensure a perfect fit for both your body and the wedding’s color scheme. To feel your most confident, pair this gorgeous gown with smoothing dress shapewear.

Don’t see your size? This dress is also available at Saks and Bloomingdales.

For a more traditional wedding look, consider this two-piece Alex Evenings set. A sleeveless gown pairs with an embroidered lace bodice and smooth A-line skirt, while a matching open-front jacket with three-quarter length sleeves finishes the look. It’s one of those mature and timeless mother of the bride dresses that gives you flexibility, comfort and coverage.

If you’re looking for something less sequined and more earthy, this floral maxi gown is an understated option. The flower motifs adorn the dress from top to bottom, while the A-line silhouette hugs curves for a flattering fit. It’s also perfect for a winter wedding—just add a winter scarf as a shawl for extra warmth.

If a floor-length gown is too fussy for you or the wedding is a casual backyard affair, consider this Kay Unger midi dress. It features a flattering fitted bodice, flared skirt and a textured petal-patterned overlay. It’s sophisticated but not too stuffy, so you can comfortably mingle with guests and still dance the night away.

Looking for a last-minute engagement gift? The white version of this dress would make for a beautiful rehearsal dinner dress for your daughter, too.

Does an off-the-shoulder gown feel too risque as a mother of the bride dress? Maybe a long time ago, but not anymore. (Here are other outdated wedding rules no one follows either.) This elegant La Femme dress is made of smooth satin fabric that gorgeously gathers across a fitted waist. It’s pure sophistication for any mother of the bride.

Easygoing, yet exquisite—that’s how you’ll feel celebrating your daughter in this beaded gown. This art deco Adrianna Papell dress is available in multiple colors, as well as plus sizes. If it’s not quite your style, pass it along to the bridal party since it’d make for a beautiful bridesmaid dress too.

More brides are opting for fall weddings this year. If that’s the case for your daughter, you may want a long sleeve dress like this sparkly gown. It’s made specifically for plus-size women and features a sequined bodice and long skirt. Pair it with a winter coat, snug shapewear and, of course, lots of body confidence!

If you prefer not to wear dresses, there are still plenty of options. Feel like yourself on such a special day by shopping for a sleek and comfortable Vince Camuto jumpsuit instead. When worn solo, it shows off your shoulders, but you could always add another layer with a shawl or formal jacket if you prefer.

This long floral Eliza J dress is a match made in wedding heaven, whether you’re the mother of the bride at a garden affair or simply a guest trying to decode what the different types of wedding attire mean. Its subtle fit-and-flare silhouette and long blouson sleeves are ultra-flattering, no matter your size or shape.

There’s nothing shy about this sequined mother of the bride dress, and that’s what we love about it. From the moment you walk down the aisle, you’ll be turning heads in this fun and feminine stretchy Aqua gown. The sequins and shine make it an undeniable choice for a black tie wedding or New Year’s Eve fête. Pair it with bold trendy jewelry for a glam look.