The Best Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for Fashionable Moms

So long, frumpy. Hello fabulous.

Three modern mother-of-the bride dress options

Photos, left to right: Meshki, Sachin & Babi, Mac Duggal

Updated Mar 03, 2026

Finding a collection of the best mother-of-the-bride dresses can seem tough when there's a world of possibilities online and in-store. But don't let the wide variety of options make you feel overwhelmed. Instead, think about how your situation pretty much guarantees you'll find something you love. But before you begin your search (which usually happens six to eight months before the wedding), brush up on mother-of-the-bride attire etiquette. Then, let the event's formality, season and venue be your guide. Lastly, you should feel comfortable and confident in whatever outfit you choose for your mother-of-the-bride look—don't feel confined to styles that are traditionally thought of as "mom friendly."

Unsure where to start or just want to see what's out there? Well, you can always go to a bridal salon, but we know where to buy the best mother-of-the-bride dresses online if you prefer not leaving the comfort of your couch. Ready to get started? First, check out our editor-curated guides if you're shopping by season:

Now, keep reading to discover other pretty mother-of-the-bride dresses that are fashion forward and to-be-wed approved.

In this article: Top Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses | Elegant Dresses | Simple Dresses | Modern Dresses | Unique Dresses

Top Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses You Can Buy Right Now

In a hurry? Below are 10 of the best dresses for the mother of the bride.

The Knot favorite mother-of-the-bride dress: Sachin & Babi Cella Gown, $995
Best formal mother-of-the-the-bride dress: Azazie Milfred Dress, $149
Best black-tie mother-of-the-bride dress: Teri Jon Roll-Neck Cap-Sleeve Metallic Organza Jacquard Gown, $970
Best cocktail mother-of-the-bride dress: Adrianna Papell Halter Pleated Metallic Dress, $199 (Get $25 off any purchase of $100 when you use our exclusive code: THEKNOT25.)
Best semi-formal mother-of-the-bride dress: Mac Duggal Multicolor Floral High-Neck Balloon-Sleeve Midi Dress, $458
Best casual mother-of-the-bride dress: Donna Karan New York Drawstring Waist Linen-Blend Shirtdress, $199
Most trendy mother-of-the-bride dress: The Wolf Gang Tacha One-Shoulder Bow Maxi Dress, $320
Most classic mother-of-the-bride dress: Reformation Maven Dress, $278
Most affordable mother-of-the-bride dress: Lulus Keep It Interesting Asymmetrical Halter Maxi Dress, $79
Most splurge-worthy mother-of-the-bride dress: SIMKHAI Beatrice Sequined Long-Sleeve Gown, $1,095

Elegant Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

If a formal wedding is on the horizon, you'll need an over-the-top 'fit for the occasion. If the invite specifies that it's a black-tie affair, opt for a floor-length gown in a dark color, like maroon, navy blue or black. If it's black-tie optional, any color or pattern goes, just ensure your dress is floor length. Whatever you're in the market for, you'll find it among our selection of mother-of-the-bride elegant gowns below. (Psst: We've also included one of our favorite Adrianna Papell mother-of-the-bride dresses.)

1. Lulus Gowning Around Yellow Floral Jacquard Strapless Maxi Dress

Lulus floral jacquard strapless maxi mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: XXS–XXL

Get 25% off first-time purchases on select categories when you use our exclusive code: THEKNOT25.

$138 | Lulus

2. Sachin & Babi Cella Gown

Size range: 0–22W

Shop more like this: Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for an Outdoor Wedding

$995 | Sachin & Babi

3. AW Bridal Canoro Dress

AW Bridal velvet mother-of-the-bride halter dress

Size range: 0–30 and custom sizing available

Get 10% off this elegant mother-of-the-bride dress with our code: AWKNOT10.

$110 | AW Bridal

4. Azazie Milfred Dress

Azazie blue mother of the bride dress with cape detail

Size range: 0–30 and custom sizing available

$149 | Azazie

5. Betsy & Adam Dayna Dress

Betsy & Adam black mother-of-the-bride maxi dress

Size range: 4–16 and petite sizes available

$209 | Betsy & Adam

$208 | Dillard's

$209 | Belk

6. Teri Jon Roll-Neck Cap-Sleeve Metallic Organza Jacquard Gown

Teri Jon roll-neck metallic mother-of-the-bride gown

Size range: 0–22

$970 | Teri Jon

7. Xscape Ruffled Off-the-Shoulder Short-Sleeve Crepe Sheath Gown

XSCAPE off-the-shoulder black mother of the bride dress

Size range: 4–16 and petite sizes available

$228 | Dillard's

$239 | Amazon

8. SIMKHAI Beatrice Sequined Long-Sleeve Gown

Size range: 00–14

$1,095 | Neiman Marcus

$1,095 | Revolve

$1,095 | SIMKHAI

9. Adrianna Papell Hand-Beaded Short-Sleeve Floral Godet Gown

Adrianna Papell navy blue maxi mother of the bride dress

Size range: 0–20

Use code: THEKNOT25 for $25 off any purchase of $100.

$300 | Adrianna Papell

10. Mac Duggal Beaded Overlay Tulle Crew-Neck A-Line Gown

Mac Duggal beaded overlay mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: 6–14

$598 | Dillard's

Simple Mother-of-the Bride Dresses

If you'd prefer to keep things classic, simple gowns are the way to go for a mother-of-the-bride look. You could sport a streamlined satin gown with a sparkly clutch, a tea-length frock with a pair of patent pumps or even consider floral mother-of-the-bride dresses so you can rock woven wedges with them. Bonus: Simple dresses are timeless, so you won't look back on your outfit choice with regret, no matter what you choose. Plus, you'll also be able to re-wear your dress for future events. Keep reading to see some of the best mother-of-the-bride gowns for when you want to keep your attire low-key. (Spoiler alert: There are Anthropologie mother-of-the-bride dresses below calling your name.)

11. Adrianna Papell Halter Pleated Metallic Dress

Adrianna Papell halter pleated metallic mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: 0–20

Take $25 off your total with any purchase of $100 using our exclusive code: THEKNOT25.

$199 | Adrianna Papell

12. BHLDN Amelia Deep-V Flutter-Sleeve Satin A-Line Gown

BHLDN lilac flutter-sleeve mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: XXS–XL and plus sizes available

Shop more like this: Mother-of-the-Bride Beach Dresses

From $228 | Anthropologie

13. Donna Karan New York Drawstring Waist Linen-Blend Shirtdress

Donna Karan floral mother-of-the-bride shirtdress

Size range: 2–16

$199 | Nordstrom

$199 | Donna Karan New York

14. ELOQUII Combo Fabric Pleated Dress

ELOQUII fabric pleated pink mother-of-the-bride

Size range: 14–32

$170 | ELOQUII

$170 | Target

15. Reformation Maven Dress

Reformation brown mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: 0–12

$278 | Reformation

$278 | Anthropologie

16. Petal & Pup Anabelle Halter Neck Midi Dress

Petal & Pup halter neck mother-of-the-bride midi dress

Size range: XS–XL

Score 15% off your purchase on Petal & Pup when you use the code: PETALXTHEKNOT.

$99 | Petal & Pup

$99 | Target

$99 | Macy's

17. Moon River Plum Shimmer Knit Midi Dress

Moon River plum mother-of-the-bride knit dress

Size range: XS–XL

$125 | Tuckernuck

18. STAUD Cassie Dress

STAUD yellow strapless mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: 00–16

$595 | STAUD

19. Phase Eight Alana Blue Bow Dress

Phase Eight lilac mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: 2–16

$500 | Phase Eight

20. Meshki Samantha Waterfall-Sleeve Maxi Dress

Meshki waterfall-sleeve maxi mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: XXS–3XL

Shop more like this: Long-Sleeve Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

$269 | Meshki

Modern Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

You're not a regular mom; you're a cool mom, and you deserve a dress that reflects that. Skip the conservative styles and opt for a contemporary look inspired by this year's top mother-of-the-bride dress trends. Among the top trends of the year are asymmetric and one-shoulder necklines, capes and focused embellishments. Keep scrolling to see the mother-of-the-bride trendy outfits that we've picked out for you.

21. The Wolf Gang Tacha One-Shoulder Bow Maxi Dress

The Wolf Gang mother-of-the-bride one-shoulder dress

Size range: XS–XL and available in Cherry Red

$320 | Anthropologie

22. Abbey Glass Victoria Gown Blush Pansy Vine Organza

Abbey Glass floral mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: XXS–XL

$395 | Abbey Glass

23. ASTR the Label Meana Halter Plunge Drop-Waist Midi Dress

ASTR the Label lilac halter-neck mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: XS–XL and plus sizes available

Snag 15% off your first order with the exclusive code: KNOT15.

$178 | ASTR the Label

24. Mac Duggal Chiffon Gown With Fully Beaded 3/4 Sleeve Top

Mac Duggal chiffon mint mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: 2–20

$598 | Mac Duggal

$598 | Nordstrom

$598 | Bloomingdale's

25. Sachin & Babi Colette Gown

Mac Duggal chiffon mother-of-the-bride gown

Size range: 0–14

$1,395 | Sachin & Babi

26. Azazie Meridian Dress

Azazie black midi mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: 0–30 and custom sizing available

$189 | Azazie

27. Mestiza New York Esperanza Midi Dress

Mestiza New York midi mother-of-the-bride

Size range: XS–XL

$425 | Mestiza New York

$425 | Dillard's

28. Mac Duggal Strapless Embellished With Back-Bow Detail

Mac Duggal strapless back-bow mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: 2–12

$998 | Mac Duggal

$898 | Neiman Marcus

$998 | Bloomingdale's

29. Lulus Keep It Interesting Asymmetrical Halter Maxi Dress

Lulus pink halter-neck mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: XXS–XXL

As a The Knot reader, you get 25% off first-time purchases on select categories with the code: THEKNOT25.

$79 | Lulus

30. Meshki Emory Dress

Meshki black cape sleeve mother-of-the-bride dress

Size range: XXS–3XL

$235 | Meshki

Unique Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

The best mother-of-the-bride dresses help you stand out without taking the spotlight, so if you're accompanying the wedding party down the aisle, take the opportunity to wear an extra-special outfit. Whether you choose a mother-of-the-bride cocktail dress in a unique silhouette or a boho mother-of-the-bride dress with an unexpected pattern, you'll be guaranteed to make a statement. Show up in one of the classy, but unusual mother-of-the-bride dresses we rounded up below to instantly earn yourself the title of "best dressed guest."