What I Would Wear As Mother of the Bride (Plus 10 Things to Never Wear As A Mother of the Bride) - Nada Manley - Fun with Fashion Over 40 (2024)

I just realized that my mom was 53 when I got married. I just turned 54. So, as much as I hate to admit it, I am technically old enough to be a mother of the bride. Fortunately, my girls, at 16 and 17, are still years away from weddings of their own. Fortunately, when that time comes, I’ll be ready.

It’s not easy to be a mother of the bride, and it’s even harder trying to pick that all-important dress. You want to look beautiful and confident, without being flashy or “trying too hard”, and you also have to take the preferences of your daughter/future daughter-in-law into account.

But choosing a dress for this big day shouldn’t be all that different than choosing any formal or co*cktail dress. The same principles apply. You want to pick a color and a silhouette that flatter you while choosing a dress that suits the formality of the event. But somehow, all of these principles seem to be shoved aside when brands design dresses for mothers of the bride. Their goal seems to be to make women look as dowdy as possible.

That’s why I am so excited to be working with Glamlora, a brand that offers one-stop shopping for all the fun fancy events in life, from your teen’s prom to weddings. But this is what blew my mind:

You can shop everything in this video right here: https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/306H&SZ46H?s=796731

My Glamlora Gowns

I was excited to get to choose these gorgeous gowns from Glamlora, and have them custom-made for me. Every style comes in countless colors so you can choose a shade that works for your event. Each of these pics is linked for easy shopping, and don’t forget to use the code NADAMANLEY.

And now, on to my “don’ts” for choosing a mother of the bride dress.

Do not wear a lace jacket.

I have covered this many times, but most lace jackets with matching dresses are flimsy, unflattering, and just plain bad. Instead, choose a dress with long sleeves.

Don’t Choose a Dress With a Stuffy Jacket

Dresses with jackets are dicey at best, and the jacket needs to be sharp and super-chic to work. Choose a dress with sleeves instead, or a classic shape like a blazer or cropped “lady style” jacket.

Don’t feel like you have to cover your whole arm.

Many women don’t love their arms after a certain age, but you don’t have to cover your whole arm for a flattering look. Instead, consider an off the shoulder style that covers the upper arm but still looks fresh and modern.

Don’t wear a dress with diagonal layers.

Diagonal layers are dated and often matronly looking. Instead, choose a dress with more modern diagonal elements, like wraps or ruffles, for the same flattery with more style.

Don’t choose a dress that is too conservative.

Boring, dowdy, and dated dresses do not deserve a place at a special event like a wedding. Pick a sleek modern style instead.

Don’t choose a dress with awkward ruching.

Ruching should look like part of the dress, not an afterthought. Choose a dress with ruching that is an intentional part of the design (usually all over the dress and not just over the tummy) or choose another type of texture for similar flattery.

Don’t choose a chiffon wrap.

They don’t keep you warm, and are instantly aging. Again, sleeves are a much better option.

Don’t choose a pastel chiffon dress.

Pastel and chiffon should never go together. If you like the flowiness of chiffon, choose a neutral or statement color instead. Save pretty pastels for opaque fabrics.

Don’t filter by mother of the bride.

No matter which site you’re on, if you filter by Mother of the Bride, all of the cute dresses immediately disappear. Instead, filter by formality or event type.

Don’t choose a fussy, dated dress.

Some styles, like many of the ones shown here, have become mother of the bride cliches. Choose a flattering, modern, and unique gown instead.

What did you think of my choices for mother of the bride dresses? And which of these rules was the most helpful to you? Let’s discuss in the comments!