Best Dressed in the West: 7 Top Mother of the Bride Dresses

Here comes the mother of the bride… and she looks amazing!

Brides have been putting their own spin on wedding styles for ages. From tropical destinations to cuisines fit for royalty, weddings are a place to make a statement for the bride, groom, and their families. It all boils down to the dress for the bride. And her style isn’t always traditional, as evidenced by the growing trend of bridal gowns in a variety of cuts and colors.

But brides aren’t the only ones getting in on the fun. Mothers of the brides are finding subtle ways to show off their own styles. Finding the right dress can feel like a daunting task, especially if you aren’t sure where to start.

Below are the 7 best western mother of the bride dresses:

• Scarisee Long Sleeve Beaded Dress
• R&M Richard’s Ruffle Jacket Dress (Plus Size)
• Veilace Crystal A-Line Dress
• VaniaDress V Neck Ruffles Dress
• Fashionbride Tea Length Dress
• Simlu Long Sleeve Sheath Dress
• Miusol Flare Lace Dress

Modest Yet Modern

This dress may look like a fancy and formal fun piece, and it is. However, it’s the perfect dress for an outdoor wedding where the bride has opted for a more traditional aesthetic.

Mothers wearing this will be sure to turn heads with the lacy details.

The skirt is short in front while sweeping down in the back, making it dramatically fashionable and flattering to every body type.

Add some great boots or heels to top it all off.

Why we love it:

• Formal, functional, and fun
• Lace details add to the drama
• Multiple colors are available
• Plus sizes are available

Match Made in Heaven: Lane Boots Jeni Lace in Brown

See customer reviews on Amazon

Fashionable and Forgiving (Plus Size)

The hard part about weddings (especially outdoor ones) is that the weather is always questionable.

This dress includes a jacket, and it offers a comfortable stretchable feel as well.

The waist has a feel similar to a fit and flare dress. With or without the jacket, you can wear this to any wedding – whether you’re the mother of the bride or not!

Why we love it:

• Jacket available
• Cocktail or formal dress capabilities
• Flirty waistline in a plus size
• Scoop neck details draw attention to a beautiful face

Match Made in Heaven: Jessica Simpson’s Women’s Lasnia2

See customer reviews on Amazon

Crystal Sleeves

What’s more western than bejeweled style? Look no further than this gem of a dress.

With classic details, this floor-length gown is perfect for any mother looking for comfort, as well as style.

Why we love it:

• Elegant and comfy
• Available in multiple colors and sizes (or you may send custom measurements)
• Can be shortened to tea length to accommodate boots (or for shorter women)
• Dress it up or dress it down

Match Made in Heaven: CORRAL Overlay Crystal and Embroidery Boot

See customer reviews on Amazon

Still Got It

Say hello to a mother who still has what it takes to make heads turn. Classic and elegant, this dress is sure to be a smash at any wedding.

With beautiful detailing and a mermaidesque skirt, it’s sure to look great on multiple body types.

This dress comes in a variety of colors as well. It can run a bit small, so be sure to order up in size.

Why we love it:

• Classic and elegant details
• Able to hide tummy “imperfections”
• Variety of colors

Match Made in Heaven: Guess Women’s Funtime Peep Toe

See customer reviews on Amazon

Country Chic

Whether the wedding is boho themed, a backyard barbecue, or a church wedding in the heat of summer, this is a dress that can do it all.

It’s available in several colors, which makes it less challenging to coordinate with your daughter’s wedding colors.

Why we love it:

• A built in bra means one less thing to pack in your bag
• Lace detailing ups the elegance meter
• Wear heels or booties

Match Made in Heaven: Dolce Vita Ankle Boot

See customer reviews on Amazon

Just Add Boots

For the more casual weddings, you need a more casual dress that makes you look like a million bucks… without costing a million bucks.

It’s light on the wallet, but it’s not light on fashion.

It comes in several beautiful colors that will make anyone stand out and feel amazing about giving their daughter a new last name (because, remember, you’re gaining a son and not losing a daughter).

Why we love it:

• Casual but beautiful
• The ruffle up front and sleeve give the look some drama
• Subtly accentuates an hourglass figure
• Grab your heels or your best cowgirl boots
• Wear it again and again and again!

Match Made in Heaven: Country Love Women’s Cowboy Boots

See customer reviews on Amazon

Vintage Lace

Last on the list, but certainly not the least, is this beautiful dress. Made with a vintage style reminiscent of a swing dress, this is a perfect choice for a mother who is hosting a beautiful, laid back wedding or any wedding in the summer.

It’s sure to be a hit at any wedding without taking anything away from the bride.

Plus, there’s the extra benefit of being able to wear it after the wedding.

Why we love it:

• Hides the “mommy tummy”
• Fits a variety of sizes
• Soft, silky fabric and comfortable fit
• Wear it to multiple places and events

Match Made in Heaven: Stetson Womens Cash Boots

See customer reviews on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best mother of the bride dress to wear with cowboy boots?

If cowboy boots are your thing, then the dresses you have to choose from are plenty. Anything with a fun and casual flair to it should do the trick. Just be sure it’s not floor length so you don’t take away from your incredible boots.

This Country Chic dress is a great option.

What about country wedding attire for mothers of the groom?

Country weddings are a blast, and they’re some of the best places to see what denim is capable of.

If you’ve gotten the go ahead from your bride and groom, be as adventurous as you like. Whether it’s formal or casual, the sky is the limit.

Comfort and fun are the main goals for any wedding outfit, and a country wedding outfit is no exception. Be sure to stick with shoes you know you can walk outdoors in, and you’ll be fine.

What’s the best denim mother of the bride dress?

Denim isn’t exactly well known as a fashion fabric and is seen as more of a “working man” of the fashion world. However, denim can be beautiful when applied correctly to any wardrobe choice.

Check out this denim dress or this denim skirt and pair it with a fun top.

What is proper etiquette for a mother-of-the-bride dress?

First and foremost, listen to any cues the bride gives you about the level of formality, color, and style. You don’t want to show up in a satin gown at a country wedding (or vice versa).

The color of the dress should complement the colors of the wedding party without matching. Wait until the bridesmaids’ dresses have been chosen before you start shopping so you know what color (and style) to look for.

NEVER wear a white dress (or one the same color as the bride’s dress). The bride is the star of the show and your dress shouldn’t upstage (or compete with) hers.

What is the most popular color for mother-of-the-bride dresses?

While almost any color is acceptable, navy is an increasingly popular choice. If blue isn’t your thing, blush (assuming the wedding party’s dresses aren’t the same color) or nude are both great colors and go well with most color schemes.

Silver and gold are also good choices thanks to their metallic hues and ability to blend in with any wedding party. Of course, the best color to choose is the one the bride tells you to. Many brides are very particular or have a clear vision of what they want their big days to look like, so it’s best to respect that.

Wondering what to wear to a country outdoor wedding in general?

A country outdoor wedding can be more formal or it can be more casual. Be sure to get some ideas from the bride or bridesmaids as to what you should wear.

The only rule most people abide by is that only the bride is allowed to wear white. The main rule, though, is to have fun celebrating the new life two people are embarking on together!

P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:

• 8 Best Dresses to Wear with Boots to a Wedding
• 10 Fashion-Forward Dresses to Wear with Boots
• 7 Most Comfortable Cowboy Boots for Walking All Day
• Furlong Fashion Guide: What to Wear to a Horse Race
• 20 Fashionista Tips: How to Wear Cowboy Boots in the Summer