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The Most Elegant & Chic Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses to Add to Your Cart Right Now

Skip your local department store—this guest of honor edit is all you need.

Headshot of Heather HallBy Heather Hall
maye musk
Dennis Leupold

When it comes to dressing and styling one of the most important guests on your list, finding the right look can be a challenging task. A mother of the groom's dress should feel unique, special, and reflective of her personal style—all without outshining the bride and complementing her mother. The look should speak to the silhouettes and colors that make her feel most confident and respect the honorary role she serves on the wedding day, while coordinating with the aesthetic of the event.

Encourage her to coordinate with the colors of the bridal party and show off her best assets. Balance what mom conceals and reveals for a sophisticated look, but don't assume she needs to be covered from head-to-toe. Ahead, 20 mother-of-the-groom dresses for 2021 and 2022 that feel fashion-forward, elegant, and of-the-moment for a welcome return to wedding season.

Rasario

Rasario

Rasario

Now 50% Off
$1,147 at NET-A-PORTER
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A chic wraparound gown feels formal yet effortless. This bright yet rich emerald jewel tone is appropriate all year round—and it's what lands this look at the top of our list.

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana

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For wedding dressing in spring or summer, style your bridal party—and most importantly, your mother to the theme. Floral prints and soft colors play well with decor that's sure to embrace the blooms of the warm-weather months. 

Alex Perry

Alex Perry

Alex Perry

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Moms are superheros—let her dress the part. Caped gowns in soft hues are ideal for a woman looking for a bit of coverage, without the heaviness of a full sleeve. Pro tip: the silhouette of this gown will look that much more show-stopping as the cape wafts down the aisle to reveal her silhouette as she moves.

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Gucci

Gucci

Gucci

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A color-blocked statement gown in blue and black is a modern take on formal dressing. This one-shoulder drape, and pleating, work to draw attention to the smallest point: her natural waist.

Andrew Gn

Andrew Gn

Andrew Gn

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For the mother looking to dress for an outdoor affair, this blouson-sleeved gown is ethereal, while built-in embellishment at the natural waist feels formal, yet playful in all the right ways. 

Taller Marmo

Taller Marmo

Taller Marmo

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This belted jacquard dress is appros for any formal affair at a far-flung destination, or on the shore.

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Valentino

Valentino

Valentino

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For the mom that isn't about a cinch at the waist, opt for a bold color and a blouson silhouette—like this one-shoulder hot pink chiffon shift.

Dorothee Schumacher

Dorothee Schumacher

Dorothee Schumacher

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Mother-of-the-groom (or bride) dressing doesn't have to feel matronly. Keep it classic with a high neckline, but opt for a pop of color in a sleek and formal fabric. A midi length works well to show off a pair of chic shoes and easily transitions from day to night. 

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta

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A singular, statement embellishment is undoubtedly more impactful and graphic when set on a deep, rich hue rather than a lighter tone. 

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Erdem

Erdem

Erdem

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Polished boho dressing is all about fluid shapes, soft prints, and artful uses of color.

Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli

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Sheer and strategic draping will flatter any figure—and this gown is case in point. Choose a look in a soft, head-to-toe tone to ensure your mother looks her best standing alongside you in photos and complements the bridal party.

Hellessy

Hellessy

Hellessy

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Neither a daytime event nor a formal summer soiree requires a full-length gown. This elegant midi with a built-in cape would look just as chic paired with an evening shoe as it would with a dainty flat.

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Jenny Packham

Jenny Packham

Jenny Packham

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Black tie affairs (traditionally) mean floor length looks with luxe accessories. For the mother of the groom, opt for a gown that has built-in accessories, like embellishments at the neckline. Then, just add dainty earrings and effortless hair and makeup.

Lela Rose

Lela Rose

Lela Rose

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Graphic prints and a contemporary cut work for an uptown affair; and when done in a floral print, they suit a garden party just as well. Pair this sheath with dramatic earrings or a statement shoe to complete the look.

Alex Perry

Alex Perry

Alex Perry

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Jewel tones are an ideal palette for mothers of the bride and groom year-round. To avoid looking too holiday-inspired, choose the rich tone best suited for your event's color palette: be it a deep emerald, sapphire, citrine, garnet, amethyst, or a softer pink topaz.

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Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham

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Victorian vibes are festive and feminine without feeling too fussy. Punch it up with metallic accessories and modern extras to avoid the ensemble becoming too costume or matchy-matchy. 

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

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Meet the ultimate in black tie dressing. This look is formal and glam, yet undeniably sleek and modern for the mom after a bit of structure–and full coverage.

Costarellos

Costarellos

Costarellos

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A draped, sculptural silhouette in a color-blocked satin feels rich and celebratory, yet eclectic. Pair this look with elevated, colorful accessories to embrace a playful energy—and the color palette of the bridal party.

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Rasario

Rasario

Rasario

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Find fabrics that feel regal and rich, like a silk-satin jacquard. Make it modern by opting for minimalist accessories, like petite earrings and a box clutch. 

Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli

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Mothers of the groom often limit themselves to neutrals like navy, black and metallics. If your mom is one to sport a bold hue, lean into her penchant for pops of color with a tone that best suits her complexion, your bridal party, and the setting. 

Headshot of Heather Hall
Heather Hall
Contributing Weddings Writer

Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.  

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