When should I start shopping for my mother of the groom outfit?

To be safe, we suggest you start shopping for your dress at least six months before the wedding to allow for any shipping delays or changes.

What colors should a mother of the groom avoid wearing?

A good rule of thumb is to avoid wearing white or any hue that might resemble the bride’s wedding gown. It's a good idea to use the couple's wedding palette and the season as a guide when you're searching for an outfit.

Do I have to run my mother of the groom outfit by the couple?

While the couple will surely want you to feel your best in your dress, having a conversation ahead of time can help set expectations and narrow down your options.

13 Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses of 2024

People wearing mother of the groom dresses on a light red background — Brides / Amelia Manley

While the most raved-about dress at your son's upcoming wedding is bound to be the bride's wedding gown, the groom's mother deserves to have your own fashion moment with a statement-making dress—the goal: an outfit that's both stylish and comfortable.

When shopping for the perfect mother-of-the-groom dress, it's important to keep in mind the dress code, venue, and color palette. From fashion-forward velvet to elegant necklines to body-hugging styles, you'll dream up excuses to wear your ensemble repeatedly. Whether you're coveting glitz and glam for a black-tie affair or searching for light and effortless styles for a backyard wedding, we've researched and rounded up the best mother-of-the-groom dresses to suit any style, body type, and budget.

Our Top Picks

Best Form-Fitting:

La Femme MOG Dress at Nordstrom ($599)

Jump to Review

Best with Jacket:

Alex Evenings Scalloped Sequin Lace and Satin Jacket Dress at David's Bridal (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

AW Romula Dress at Awbridal.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best for a Winter Wedding:

Adrianna Papell MOG Dress at Adriannapapell.com ($300)

Jump to Review

Best Off-the-Shoulder:

Amsale Pryce Gown at Anthropologie ($250)

Jump to Review

Best Vintage-Inspired:

Adrianna Papell Blouson Gown at Amazon (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Pantsuit:

Oleg Cassini Paintsuit at David's Bridal (See Price)

Jump to Review

Most Elegant:

Theia Valencia Flutter-Sleeve Satin Gown at Saks Fifth Avenue ($695)

Jump to Review

Best Plus-Size:

Kiyonna Paris Pleated Sequin Gown at Kiyonna.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best with Sleeves:

Oleg Cassini Off-the-Shoulder Lace Gown at David's Bridal ($150)

Jump to Review

Best Form-Fitting

La Femme MOG Dress

Woman wearing La Femme Off-the-Shoulder Beaded Satin Trumpet Gown

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $599 View On Lordandtaylor.com View On Verishop.com $599

If you've tried on a few dresses in your lifetime, then we don't need to explain what a difference expertly-placed ruching makes. This style from La Femme cinches you at the waist and falls effortlessly into a gorgeous, flowing hemline.

Size Range: 0-18 | Material(s): Polyester | Fit: Runs large, size down one size | Shade(s): Three

Best with Jacket

Alex Evenings Scalloped Sequin Lace and Satin Jacket Dress

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal View On Nordstrom $229 View On Alexevenings.com

If you're looking for a more conservative fit that allows you to flaunt your arms, opt for a dress with a jacket. This type of set is a great choice for weddings in the spring or fall when evenings are chilly. We love this midnight blue sequined set for a dressed-up New Year's Eve wedding.

Size Range: 6-18 | Material(s): Polyester, nylon, spandex | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Two

Best Budget

AW Romula Dress

AW Bridal

View On Awbridal.com

Believe it or not, but for less than $100, you can get a custom-made dress for you. All you have to do is enter your measurements online, and the gown will fit your exact size (at no extra cost). This pared-back, satin style is an elegant option for those who skip beading and other embellishments instead. The jewel neckline beautifully shows off accessories—and you can choose from 25 shades to compliment your skin tone and style.

Size Range: 0-14 | Material(s): Satin Charmeuse | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): 25

Best for a Winter Wedding

Adrianna Papell MOG Dress

Adrianna Papell

View On Adriannapapell.com $300 View On Macy's $210

Dripping in crystal embroidery, this shimmering Adrianna Papell beaded gown is party-ready. It's effortless and fancy without much fuss and is available in six different hues depending on the season (think blush for spring or plum for an autumn ceremony). Pair it with strappy silver sandals and chandelier earrings to complete your look.

Size Range: 0-20 (regular and plus size available) | Material(s): Polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Four

Best Off-the-Shoulder

Amsale Pryce Gown

Amsale

View On Anthropologie $250 View On Saks Fifth Avenue $372

What could be more sophisticated than an elongating, floor-length dress with a draped asymmetrical neckline? We recommend wearing this look with a sleek updo to show off your shoulders. Bold earrings or a statement ring are all you need for the final touches.

Size Range: 0-16 | Material(s): 100% polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Nine

Best Vintage-Inspired

Adrianna Papell Blouson Gown

Woman wearing Adrianna Papell Beaded Blouson Gown

Bloomingdale

View On Amazon View On Bloomingdales $209 View On Adriannapapell.com

For the mother of the groom who loves a little vintage flair, this art deco-inspired gown is for you. Designed with a supremely flattering blouson bodice, boat neckline, and body-skimming skirt, this one fits like a dream.

Size Range: 0-20 (regular and plus-size available) | Material(s): 100% polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Nine

Best Pantsuit

Oleg Cassini Paintsuit

Oleg Cassini Sequin Lace and Jersey Three-Piece Pantsuit

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

We love a good three-piece set; it feels like two outfits in one. This chic pantsuit features a sheer draped jacket with medium coverage, perfect for cooler weather. The sleeveless sequin top and slightly flared pants are as comfortable as loungewear but feel dressed up for the occasion.

Size Range: 4-16 (regular and plus-size available) | Material(s): Nylon, polyester, spandex | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Three

Most Elegant

Theia Valencia Flutter-Sleeve Satin Gown

View On Saks Fifth Avenue $695

Combining flutter sleeves with expertly placed draping and a gathered waistline, you'll have a very stylish and flattering dress. This stunning gown also features a dramatic V-neckline and a ruffled hem with an elongating front slit.

Size Range: 0-16 | Material(s): Satin | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Navy

Best Plus-Size

Kiyonna Paris Pleated Sequin Gown

Kiyonna

View On Kiyonna.com

This polished number from Kiyonna (which is solely a plus-size brand) will undoubtedly turn heads at a more formal evening wedding. Pair with sequined heels to match the sparkly bodice and simple silver accessories to accent the look without adding too much extra bling.

Size Range: 0X(10-12)-5X(30-32) | Material(s): Spandex, polyester, nylon | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Two

Best with Sleeves

Oleg Cassini Off-the-Shoulder Lace Gown

Woman wearing Oleg Cassini Off-the-Shoulder V-Neck Ruched Lace Gown

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal $150

Equal parts sophisticated and romantic, this formal dress features exquisite details like sheer sleeves adorned with 3D floral appliqués, a décolletage-baring neckline, and side ruching for a flattering fit. Crafted out of a polyester, spandex, and nylon blend, the gown is body-hugging in all the right ways.

Size Range: 4-22 | Material(s): Polyester, nylon, spandex | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Four

Most Glamorous

Alex Evenings Long Fit and Flare Dress

Amazon

View On Amazon $163

Go glam with this gorgeous gown—we love the sheer lace cap sleeves, shiny embroidery, and flattering fit-and-flare silhouette. It's available in various colors and has a matching shawl, depending on your wedding palette.

Size Range: 6-20, Petit and regular | Material(s): Polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): 12

Best Short

Pissaro Nights Beaded Cocktail Dress

Woman wearing Pissaro Nights Beaded V-neck Cocktail Dress

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $143 View On Lyst.com $238

A semi-formal wedding calls for a sophisticated but slightly less dressy look than a black-tie wedding—and we think this long-sleeved beaded number fits the bill. Available in three shades, this knee-length dress can be worn to a New Year's Eve wedding, a summer wedding, and everything in between.

Size Range: 2-18 | Material(s): Rayon | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Three

Best Modest

Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Floral Gown

Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Floral Jacquard Gown

Saks Fifth

View On Saks Fifth Avenue $344 View On Terijon.com

About as chic and refined as they come, this gown is crafted from a shimmering brocade fabric accented with a graphic floral pattern. It would be right at home for anything from a semi-formal garden wedding to and elegant black-tie fête.

Size Range: 2-22 | Material(s): 73% polyester, 27% metallic; 100% polyester lining | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Six

What to Look For in a Mother of the Groom Outfit

The Season: The season and location of the venue will significantly impact what kind of outfit to wear. Stick to deep jewel tones and rich fabrics like velvet and satin for fall or winter weddings. For summer or a wedding taking place in a tropical destination, we recommend lighter fabrics and whimsical designs with ruffles and short sleeves. And for anything in between, you might want to go with a style with a jacket, in case you get chilly when temperatures drop
Dress Code: It’s also essential to pick an outfit that showcases your style and follows the wedding dress code and color palette. If the wedding calls for black-tie attire, make sure you opt for a formal outfit like a floor-length gown or pantsuit. If the wedding is more casual, you can wear a shorter dress.
Shipping & Return Policies: Although online shopping has many perks, it can be tricky to tell exactly what a particular dress will look like in person. The solution? Thoroughly read product descriptions and note things like the fabric type and customer reviews. And since so many retailers offer fast shipping and free returns, you can easily send back any dresses you don’t love–just make sure to always review a retailer's shipping and return policy.

FAQ

When should I start shopping for my mother of the groom outfit?

To be safe, we suggest you start shopping for your dress at least six months before the wedding to allow for any shipping delays or changes.
What colors should a mother of the groom avoid wearing?

A good rule of thumb is to avoid wearing white or any hue that might resemble the bride’s wedding gown. It's a good idea to use the couple's wedding palette and the season as a guide when you're searching for an outfit.
Do I have to run my mother of the groom outfit by the couple?

While the couple will surely want you to feel your best in your dress, having a conversation ahead of time can help set expectations and narrow down your options.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties, and more.