With contemporary ideas of what a marriage celebration looks like ranging from registry office plus rooftop drinks, to three-day extravaganzas in the country and wood-fired feasts on the beach, a prescriptive approach to dressing for your daughter’s big day is (thankfully) long gone. But though liberating, all that choice can make sourcing the perfect outfit an overwhelming prospect.
 

Once you’ve established the key details (is it a church ceremony? Will the bride be wearing white? How warm is the weather likely to be? Is there a dress code ­– black tie, cocktail or casual?), you can start to factor in your sartorial preferences and tailor your look to your taste.
 
Still confused? Worry not. Keeping comfort, elegance and event-appropriateness in mind, we’ve compiled our top Mother of the Bride dressing tips to make finding your dream ensemble a breeze.

1 | CHOOSE COLOR CAREFULLY

Established wedding etiquette suggests that clashing with (or copying, for that matter) the shade of the bridesmaid dresses – and certainly the bridal gown – is a no-no.
 
And it seems the same rulebook also says you get first dibs on color choice over the Mother of the Groom. Whether you subscribe to any of these beliefs or not, it makes sense for you to select your outfit shade as early as possible.

“Finding a color that flatters, and that you feel comfortable in, is the key to a winning look.”

Finding a color that flatters, and that you feel comfortable in, is the key to a winning look. Neutral tones and gentle pastel hues are understated and graceful and leave space for statement accessories. They complement the mood of more traditional church weddings beautifully, too.

Or, for a modern take on Mother of the Bride style, embrace block color. From jewel tones to joyful pinks, our one-shade shirt, maxi, and fit-and-flare dress styles are instant party-starters – and extremely wearable.

Ultra-flattering on a variety of complexions, vibrant hues uplift and revive your skin’s appearance. Add accessories in a matching shade, or opt for jewelry and shoes in a clashing color: think red with pink, or mustard with green. Just make sure you get the bride’s approval to go bold before you buy.

Whichever color you pick, it should ultimately make you feel like the best version of yourself. If you’ve never worn purple in your life, now’s not the time to dabble in lilac. Similarly, if you usually favor lively shades, it doesn’t make sense to water things down for your daughter’s big day. Stick to the palette you know suits you, consider the wedding setting and bridal party theme, and you’ll pass with flying colors.

2 | TRY A PANT SUIT

Flowing frocks not really your thing? Prefer outfits with a masculine edge? While it might seem a little daunting, we thoroughly recommend trying a pant suit on for size.

Once the preserve of ’80s power dressers, recent seasons have seen a refreshed spectrum of styles – from playful colors to dramatic wide-leg silhouettes – that instantly banish any corporate connotations.

“An uber-chic alternative to a dress, the beauty of a luxury pant suit lies in its styling versatility."

An uber-chic alternative to a dress, the beauty of a luxury pant suit lies in its styling versatility. Silk camisole, minimalist shirt, pussy-bow blouse: what you layer underneath the jacket is up to you.

3| FLORAL PRINTS NEVER FAIL

Dainty or bold, defined or abstract, floral prints have earned their place in the special-occasion hall of fame, coming into bloom every wedding season.

But veer too far into chintz wallpaper territory – or poufy, prom-like silhouettes - and your outfit can start to look fussy and dated.

To make florals feel fresh and luxury for now, seek out modern cuts and playful styling twists. While you wouldn’t immediately think of wearing a dark color to a wedding, when used as the backdrop to a floral print, deeper shades look chic and contemporary – working to ground your outfit and add a graphic quality.

“Dainty or bold, defined or abstract, floral prints have earned their place in the special-occasion hall of fame, coming into bloom every wedding season."

Designed to complement cold and warm-weather styling, our darker floral designs flourish on maxi and long-sleeved short dresses that offer both coverage and poise – and are sure to set you apart from the swathes of pastel prints in the wedding photos.

Or why not wear your florals interspersed with paisley? Refined boho dressing is here to stay, and our bespoke paisley florals in ethereal fabrics feel suitably elegant for the second most important woman at the wedding. Pick out colors from the print with a coordinating jacket or clutch bag, and slip on a pair of shoes comfortable enough to dance the night away.

4 | AVOID FABRICS THAT CREASE EASILY

It’s the stuff of Mother of the Bride nightmares. You’ve tried on more dresses than you care to remember, finally found the perfect one, spent hours ironing it, sat in the hair and makeup chair and made it to the church on time – only to get out of the car faced with a crumpled, creased mess. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

“Defined by crease-resistant yarns, several of our occasion dresses are designed to stay smooth for the duration of your daughter’s big day (and well into the evening celebrations)."

Defined by crease-resistant yarns, several of our occasion dresses are designed to stay smooth for the duration of your daughter’s big day (and well into the evening celebrations). With zero wrinkling worries, you can pack these carefree numbers into a suitcase without having to think about hand-held steamers or the effects of long, seated ceremonies. Our iron-free fabrics are machine washable, too, lending them an added layer of ease. Dry cleaning bills, be gone.

5 | ENHANCE YOUR BEST FEATURES

When shopping for an outfit for your daughter’s wedding, it’s easy to center your search on how your look differs from – or complements – her all-important gown.

While it’s wise to ask the bride for her thoughts on style, color and formality to ensure you look the part, remember to consider your best features, too – and whether your chosen outfit amplifies them.

“While it’s wise to ask the bride for her thoughts on style, remember to consider your best features, too - and whether your chosen outfit amplifies them.”

Are you blessed with a statuesque figure? Show off long legs with a split hem or midi-length skirt. Neat waist? Use a belt to highlight hourglass curves.
 

Elegant, clean lines can create the illusion of height (and stop petite figures from being swamped). Accentuate your narrowest points by making sure your ankles and wrists are on display, and stand taller with the assistance of a pair of strappy heels.

Many Mothers of the Bride feel most comfortable with their arms covered – and for some religious ceremonies, coverage is essential. Whether you’re more partial to a bouclé jacket or a tailored blazer, the ME+EM collections are always filled with practical-yet-stylish luxe outerwear solutions to carry you through endless seasons of events. Want a more modest look but don’t want the faff of finding a jacket to match? Opt for a standout piece with sleeves.