How to Look Modern and Elegant as Mother of the Bride (Without Looking Frumpy)
So many mothers of the bride and groom tell me the same thing: they want to look elegant and special, but they don't want to look frumpy, old-fashioned or as if they're wearing a costume. Here's how to look modern, chic and completely like yourself on the day.
The new mother of the bride
What does a modern mother of the bride wear?
Forget the matching hat, dress and boxy jacket. Today's mother of the bride wears a beautifully cut dress or jumpsuit in a colour she loves, with a defined waist, a flattering sleeve and a fabric that feels luxurious. It should look as good in the candid photos as the formal ones.
The secret is cut and fabric, not fuss. A clean shirt dress in electric blue satin looks far more modern than a heavily embellished two-piece.
★★★★★
“I wore this dress to my daughter's wedding and felt amazing in it. Got lots of compliments but above all I felt really comfortable. The cut of this dress is outstanding.”
Sandra H.
Grace in Electric Blue
Colour
Which colours look modern for a mother of the bride?
Strong, clear colours instantly feel fresher than beige, champagne or lilac. Electric blue, fuchsia and bright pink, emerald and rich red all photograph beautifully and lift your complexion. If you love a softer palette, choose one clean, confident shade rather than several pastels together.
Not sure which colour to choose? Read my guide to who chooses their colour first, including this season's wedding colours.
Prints
Can a mother of the bride wear a print?
Yes, and a beautiful print is one of the most modern choices you can make. Choose a large, painterly print on a clean background rather than a small, busy pattern. My prints are made in Como, Italy, and I've written about my secret formula for prints that flatter.
★★★★★
“After months of looking for mother of groom dress returning lots... I came across Katya's page and kept going back to the red Stevie dress. I ordered the red dress and was blown away by quality and how nice I felt in it. I'm 62.”
Michelle D.
Stevie in Red Tahitian Rose
Trousers please
Can the mother of the bride wear a jumpsuit?
Absolutely. A tailored palazzo jumpsuit is elegant, modern and so comfortable for a long day of hugging, photographs and dancing. My Dietrich jumpsuit has wide, floor-skimming legs that look as glamorous as a gown, and the Hampstead velvet jumpsuit is perfect for a winter wedding or evening reception.
Coats and jackets
What should I wear instead of a matching jacket?
A matching jacket is the quickest way to look old-fashioned. If you need a layer for church or a cooler day, choose a beautiful swing coat that you could happily wear over other dresses too, like my Cliveden swing coat. Better still, choose a dress with a lovely sleeve built in, so you won't need a cover-up at all.
My golden rules
How do I avoid looking frumpy as mother of the bride?
- Choose a defined waist, with a sash, wrap or seaming, rather than a shapeless shift.
- Go for one statement: colour, print or sparkle, not all three.
- Pick a flattering sleeve over a bolero or shrug.
- Midi, ballerina or full length all look more elegant than knee length.
- Keep accessories simple and modern: a sleek clutch, a beautiful earring, a headpiece rather than a large hat.
- Above all, choose something you'd love to wear again.
★★★★★
“This dress has the Wow factor and just exudes elegance! Perfect for mother of the bride (try not to outshine the bride!) Timeless and classic, definitely a must have for that special occasion.”
Helen C.
Suzannah in Pink Artist Print
Find your modern mother of the bride look
Come and try on dresses with me in my London showroom. I'll help you find something elegant, flattering and completely you, or we can make it for you.
Book a visitMade for YouLove, Katya x
Katya Wildman is a London fashion designer and former costume designer and stylist for television and the red carpet. For more than 20 years she has designed flattering occasion dresses for real women, made in London, and she welcomes customers to her showroom in Tottenham Hale to try on dresses in person.
