Mother of the groom outfits are the dresses, pant suits and accessories worn by the groom’s mother at the wedding. The best mother of the groom outfits are formal or semi formal, include sleeves or a wrap for the ceremony, and use a color that complements the wedding palette without matching the bridesmaids.
Top 10 Stores to Shop for Mother of the Groom Outfits
These are the 10 stores we recommend first when you are shopping for mother of the groom outfits. We chose them for flattering fits, real wedding-ready quality, sleeve options and a strong range of colors, so you can find your dress without searching the whole internet.
- Neiman Marcus: The go-to for designer cocktail dresses with sleeves, such as Teri Jon, that look polished in photos.
- Saks Fifth Avenue: Tadashi Shoji, Mac Duggal and Shoshanna gowns for black tie, destination and evening weddings.
- Bloomingdale’s: Tailored Karen Millen dresses with a refined, structured shape that flatters and holds up all day.
- Ralph Lauren: Beaded gowns and lace-trim dresses with true old-money polish, ideal for a formal wedding.
- Mint Velvet: Satin cape, pleated and jacquard dresses with a soft British finish and a lot of sleeve options.
- Nordstrom Rack: Named designers like Eliza J, Adrianna Papell and Vince Camuto, plus shoes and clutches to finish the outfit in one stop.
- Dillard’s: A dependable home for Alex Evenings and Adrianna Papell, with plenty of sleeved and extended-size options.
- Anthropologie and BHLDN: Bridal-inspired floral and draped dresses that feel special without looking like a typical guest dress.
- Lulus: Velvet, satin and flutter-sleeve styles in wedding-friendly colors and a reliable range of sizes.
- Macy’s: Pant suit and jumpsuit separates, plus easy-to-find dressy basics for the rehearsal dinner.
Quick Summary: Mother of the Groom Outfits
- Best colors: sage, dusty blue, champagne, blush, navy, burgundy and soft metallics. Avoid white, ivory and the exact bridesmaid shade.
- Best silhouettes: tea length and midi dresses with sleeves, flowing maxi dresses, and tailored pant suits for a modern option.
- Best stores: Mint Velvet, Nordstrom Rack, Ralph Lauren, Anthropologie and Lulus.
- Best finishing touches: a satin clutch, a kitten heel, pearl earrings and a cashmere wrap.
Finding mother of the groom outfits that feel polished, comfortable and photo-ready is one of the biggest parts of wedding planning. We found 29 dresses, pant suit pieces and accessories from Mint Velvet, Nordstrom Rack, Ralph Lauren, Anthropologie and more, then built them into 8 complete mother of the groom outfits you can shop in one place.
Traditionally, the mother of the groom wears a color that complements the wedding palette without matching the bridal party. Beyond that, the look is yours: a lace tea length dress, a flowing cape maxi, a tailored pant suit or a beaded evening gown all work, as long as the fit is flattering and you can comfortably stay in it from the ceremony through the last dance.
What Colors Should the Mother of the Groom Wear?
The mother of the groom should wear a color that complements the wedding palette without matching the bridesmaids. Start by asking the couple for the wedding palette, then choose a shade in the same family that is not identical to the bridesmaids. Sage, dusty blue and champagne are the safest picks because they look good in almost every venue and photograph softly, like this satin cape maxi dress and this floral midi.
For fall and winter weddings, deeper tones feel right: burgundy in a velvet maxi or a lace-trim charmeuse dress, royal blue in a flounce gown, and rust in a draped shirtdress. Soft pinks such as this pleated satin maxi and this flutter sleeve midi are lovely for spring and summer. The one rule that never changes: leave white, ivory and cream to the bride.
Mother of the Groom Dresses by Length
Tea Length Mother of the Groom Dresses
Tea length hits just below the knee and is the classic choice for daytime and afternoon weddings. It is comfortable, easy to walk in and flattering on almost everyone. We found a lace tea length dress, a sequin floral lace A-line dress, a three-quarter sleeve faux wrap dress and a floral embroidered midi that all strike the right balance between dressy and wearable.
Midi Mother of the Groom Dresses
A midi dress is the most versatile mother of the groom option, because it suits ceremonies, receptions and rehearsal dinners alike. Look for sleeves, a defined waist and a fabric with movement. Our favorites are a long sleeve shirtdress, a floral midi from BHLDN, a ruffle sleeve midi and a satin flutter sleeve midi.
Maxi and Evening Gowns for the Mother of the Groom
For an evening, black tie or formal ballroom wedding, a floor-length gown is the right call. We found a satin cape maxi, a pleated satin maxi, a velvet ruched maxi, and statement gowns from Ralph Lauren, Tadashi Shoji and Mac Duggal. Choose a long sleeve or add a wrap if the ceremony is in a church.
Can the Mother of the Groom Wear a Pant Suit?
Yes, a pant suit is an appropriate, modern and formal choice for the mother of the groom, and it is one of the most searched mother of the groom options each year. Pair a tailored blazer with wide leg trousers in a soft neutral, add a silk blouse, and finish with a kitten heel for a clean, confident outfit. If you would rather wear one piece, this pintucked wide leg jumpsuit is an easy, elegant alternative.
Plus Size Mother of the Groom Dresses
Extended sizing is easier to find than it used to be. This off-the-shoulder rosette gown from Adrianna Papell is made specifically for plus sizes, and brands like Alex Evenings and Eliza J offer extended ranges too, so check the size chart on each product page. Look for A-line and wrap shapes, structured sleeves and fabrics with a little stretch.
Mother of the Groom Outfits by Season
Spring Mother of the Groom Outfits
Spring weddings call for florals, soft pastels and lightweight fabrics. Choose a breathable midi with sleeves, since the weather can change quickly.
Summer Mother of the Groom Outfits
For a summer wedding, think light colors, airy lace and shorter sleeves. Our periwinkle lace dress, embroidered midi and blush flutter sleeve midi keep you cool and polished.
Fall Mother of the Groom Outfits
Fall mother of the groom outfits look best in jewel tones, jacquard and velvet. Add a cashmere wrap for the ceremony and you are set.
Winter Mother of the Groom Outfits
Winter weddings are the perfect moment for sequins, satin and rich blues. Choose long sleeves and a warm wrap, and keep the jewelry simple.
8 Complete Mother of the Groom Outfits to Shop
Here are eight head-to-toe mother of the groom outfits, each one styled so you can shop the whole look at once. Tap any image to shop the piece.
Outfit 1: The Garden Party Midi
A floral midi with ruffle sleeves is soft, feminine and ideal for an afternoon ceremony. Add a block heel sandal and pearl drop earrings.
Outfit 2: The Classic Tea Length
A lace tea length dress in periwinkle is timeless, flattering and perfect with a slingback kitten heel and a satin clutch.
Outfit 3: The Sage Cape Maxi
The cape sleeves do the styling for you. Keep accessories minimal with a cashmere wrap and a clutch for a graceful evening look.
Outfit 4: The Rust Fall Shirtdress
A draped long sleeve midi in rust brings warmth to an autumn wedding. Finish with a slingback pump and a soft wrap.
Outfit 5: The Velvet Evening Gown
For a winter or black tie wedding, a burgundy velvet maxi with pearl earrings and a satin clutch looks rich and refined.
Outfit 6: The Royal Blue Gown
A long sleeve flounce gown makes an elegant statement. Add a cashmere wrap for the ceremony and a block heel for the reception.
Outfit 7: The Modern Pant Suit
A neutral blazer, wide leg trousers and a silk blouse create a sleek, comfortable outfit that is just as formal as a dress.
Outfit 8: The Easy Jumpsuit
A pintucked wide leg jumpsuit is easy to wear all day. Dress it up with pearl earrings and a block heel sandal.
More Mother of the Groom Dresses We Love
These are more mother of the groom dresses we found, including tummy-friendly maxi dresses, structured evening gowns, lace overlay dresses, jumpsuits and designer picks. Each one is a proven favorite from our earlier edit, so tap any photo to shop it.
More Outfits to Shop From Our Homepage
Looking for more polished looks to wear to a wedding, a rehearsal dinner or an engagement party? These are some of the most-shopped outfits on Best Outfits Today, each one ready to buy in a few taps.
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Mother of the Groom Accessories We Found
The right finishing touches turn a nice dress into a complete mother of the groom outfit. We kept this edit classic: a satin clutch, comfortable heels, pearl earrings, a cashmere wrap and a silk blouse.
What the Mother of the Groom Should Not Wear
Avoid white, ivory or champagne that reads as white in photos, and steer clear of the exact color the bridesmaids are wearing. Skip anything overly short, low-cut or flashy, and choose fabrics that will not wrinkle badly during a long day. If you are unsure, send the bride or groom a photo of the outfit before you buy.
More Wedding and Formal Outfit Ideas
If you are also planning for other events, our semi formal outfits for women and Christmas party outfits guides have more dressy options to shop.
FAQs About Mother of the Groom Outfits
What color should the mother of the groom wear?
The mother of the groom should wear a color that complements the wedding palette without matching the bridesmaids. Sage, dusty blue, champagne, blush, navy, burgundy and soft metallics are the most popular choices, and the safest approach is to ask the couple for their wedding colors before you buy.
Can the mother of the groom wear white or ivory?
The mother of the groom should not wear white, ivory or any shade that reads as white in photos. These colors are traditionally reserved for the bride, so choose champagne with caution and pick a clear color like sage, blue or blush instead.
Can the mother of the groom wear black?
Yes, the mother of the groom can wear black as long as the style is dressy and the couple is comfortable with it. Black works best for evening and black tie weddings, and adding color through a wrap, jewelry or a clutch softens the look for a daytime event.
What is the difference between a mother of the groom dress and a mother of the bride dress?
A mother of the groom dress and a mother of the bride dress are the same type of formal dress, so there is no strict difference in style. The mother of the bride usually chooses her outfit first, and the mother of the groom then picks a different color in a similar level of formality so the two look coordinated without matching.
How much does a mother of the groom dress cost?
A mother of the groom dress typically costs anywhere from under $100 to well over $1,000, depending on the brand, the fabric and whether it is a cocktail dress or a designer gown. In our edit, most dresses fall in the low hundreds, while beaded and embellished gowns cost more, so set a range first and then add tailoring and accessories to your total.
When should the mother of the groom buy her dress?
The mother of the groom should buy her dress four to six months before the wedding. This timing leaves room for shipping, returns and alterations, and it gives you time to match shoes, a clutch and a wrap once the dress is chosen.
Can the mother of the groom wear a pant suit?
Yes, the mother of the groom can wear a pant suit when it is tailored and made from a dressy fabric. A matching blazer and wide leg trousers in a soft neutral or jewel tone, paired with a silk blouse and heels, looks as formal as a dress and is often more comfortable.
What should the mother of the groom wear to a winter wedding?
For a winter wedding, the mother of the groom should wear a long sleeve midi or maxi dress in velvet, satin or sequins. Rich colors such as burgundy and royal blue look beautiful in winter, and a cashmere wrap keeps you warm during the ceremony.
Key Takeaways: Mother of the Groom Outfits
- The best color for the mother of the groom is one that complements the wedding palette without matching the bridesmaids, such as sage, dusty blue, champagne, blush, navy or burgundy.
- White and ivory are reserved for the bride, so the mother of the groom should avoid them.
- The best length is tea length or midi for daytime weddings and a maxi dress or gown for evening and black tie weddings.
- A tailored pant suit or wide leg jumpsuit is a modern, formal alternative to a dress.
- The best seasonal fabrics are florals and lace for spring and summer, and velvet, jacquard and satin in jewel tones for fall and winter.
- The best time to shop is four to six months before the wedding, which leaves time for alterations and accessories.
- The best finishing touches are a satin clutch, comfortable heels, pearl earrings and a cashmere wrap.
- The best stores to start with are Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Ralph Lauren, Mint Velvet, Nordstrom Rack, Dillard’s, Anthropologie, Lulus and Macy’s.
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