47 Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for the Modern Mom

So long, frumpy. Hello fabulous.

Three modern mother-of-the bride dress options

Photos, left to right: Reiss, Teri Jon, Azazie

Updated Aug 25, 2025

There's a world of possibilities when it comes to mother-of-the-bride dresses, which means you're pretty much guaranteed to find something you love. That said, having such a wide variety of options might feel a little overwhelming. If you're not sure where to start (or you just want to see what's out there), consider us your personal stylist.

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 formality, season and venue be your guide. Lastly, you should feel comfortable and confident in whatever outfit you choose—and definitely don't feel confined to matronly styles.

When it comes to where to buy mother-of-the-bride dresses, your local mall is always an option, but if you're anything like us, you might prefer to skip the stress of shopping in person. Thankfully, there are plenty of fashionable and contemporary mother-of-the-bride dresses available online, from off-the-shoulder gowns to sequin-embellished styles.

Ready to get started? We've got all the advice and inspiration you need to find the perfect mother-of-the-bride outfit. And if you're looking by season, check out our editor-curated guides featuring trendy mother-of-the-bride dresses for spring, summer, fall and winter:

Keep reading to discover the best mother-of-the-bride dresses that are not frumpy, all of which you can shop instantly.

Top 10 Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses You Can Shop Now

In a hurry? Shop our top ten favorite mother-of-the-bride dresses below:

Best Mother-of-the-Bride Dress: Donna Karen One-Shoulder Metallic Jacquard Gown, $359
Best Formal Mother-of-the-the-Bride Dress: Sachin & Babi Brooke Gown, $875
Best Black-Tie Mother-of-the-Bride Dress: XSCAPE Women's Off-The-Shoulder Short Sleeve Satin Long Dress, $289
Best Cocktail Mother-of-the-Bride Dress: Adrianna Papell High Low Mikado Gown With Asymmetrical Detail, $199
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: Karen Millen Floral Placed Embroidery Organdie Woven Midi Dress, $629
Most Trendy Mother-of-the-Bride Dress: Azazie Milfred Dress, $149
Most Classic Mother-of-the-Bride Dress: BHLDN Amelia Deep-V Flutter-Sleeve Satin A-Line Gown, $248
Most Affordable Mother-of-the-Bride Dress: Lane Bryant Pleated-Skirt Faux-Wrap Maxi Dress, $72
Most Splurge-Worthy Mother-of-the-Bride Dress: Mestiza Eve Convertible Cape Gown, $895

In this article:

Top 10 Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses You Can Shop Now
Trendy Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses
Simple Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses
Unique Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses
Formal Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

Trendy 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 frumpy, conservative styles that were once synonymous with mother-of-the-bride dresses and instead, 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 draped neck scarves. As for colors, the bolder the better—Don't be afraid to don a pastel or jewel-toned dress at a wedding this year. Keep scrolling to get inspired by the season's hottest styles, and shop our favorite trendy and modern mother-of-the-bride dresses with the click of a button. (Psst: They all make perfect dresses for a young mother of the bride.)

1. Azazie Milfred Dress

Azazie blue mother of the bride dress with cape detail

Size range: 0–30 (Custom sizing available) | Length: Floor | Color options: Light Blue, Sage Green, Lilac and more

$149 | Azazie

2. Donna Karen One-Shoulder Metallic Jacquard Gown

Donna Karen jacquard mother of the bride gown

Size range: 2–16 | Length: Floor | Color options: Taupe

$359 | Nordstrom

3. Sachin & Babi Brooke Gown

Sachin & Babi floral mother of the bride gown

Size range: 0-22W | Length: Floor | Color options: Sage Green, Navy Blue, Black and more

$875 | Sachin & Babi

4. Teri Jon Chiffon Puff Sleeve Pleated VNeck Gown

Teri Jon pink long sleeve chiffon mother of the bride gown

Size range: 0–22 | Length: Floor | Color options: Pink, Blue, Black and more

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

$670 | Teri Jon

5. Badgley Mischka Strapless Gown With Cape

Size range: 0–16 | Length: Maxi | Color options: Navy Blue

From $130 | Rent the Runway

6. V. Chapman Cherie Brocade Corset Dress

V. Chapman floral corset mother of the bride dress

Size range: 00–18 | Length: Floor | Color options: Light Blue

$545 | Anthropologie

7. Jewel by Badgley Mischka Asymmetrical Chiffon Slipdress With Scarf

Jewel by Badgley Mischka chiffon mother of the bride dress with scarf

Size range: 0–16 | Length: Midi | Color options: Blue, Red

$268 | Nordstrom

8. Reiss Petite Satin Cape Maxi Dress

Reiss green cape mother of the bride maxi dress

Size range: 0–14 | Length: Maxi | Color options: Green, Blush

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

$595 | Reiss

9. Phase Eight Dahlia Printed Dress

Phase Eight printed mother of the bride dress

Size range: 2P–22 | Length: Maxi | Color options: Multicolor

$395 | Phase Eight

10. BHLDN Jenny V-Neck Cape Satin Maxi Dress

BHLDN maxi cape mother of the bride satin dress

Size range: XXS–XL | Length: Maxi | Color options: Magenta

$298 | Anthropologie

Simple Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

If you prefer to keep things classic, simple gowns for mothers of the bride are the way to go. You could sport a streamlined satin gown with a sparkly clutch, a tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress with a pair of patent pumps, or even a floral midi dress with some woven wedges. Since simple mother-of-the-bride dresses are known for being timeless, 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. We call that a win-win. Below, shop a few of our favorite simple mother-of-the-bride dresses for every dress code and venue.

11. Azazie Easton Dress

Azazie one shoulder mother of the bride dress

Size range: 0–30 (Custom sizing available) | Length: Floor | Color options: Navy Blue, Maroon, Emerald Green and more

$169 | Azazie

12. Sachin & Babi Kayla Gown

Sachin & Babi floral halter neck mother of the bride dress

Size range: 0-22W | Length: Floor | Color options: Navy Blue, Fuchsia, Mint Green and more

$325 | Sachin & Babi

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

Anthropologie green flutter sleeve mother of the bride gown

Size range: XXS–3X | Length: Maxi | Color options: Forest Green, Navy Blue, Black and more

$248 | Anthropologie

14. Karen Millen Floral Placed Embroidery Organdie Woven Midi Dress

Karen Millen floral organdie mother of the bride dress

Size range: 2–12 | Length: Midi | Color options: Multicolor

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

$629 | Karen Millen

15. Azazie Emmeline Dress

Size range: 0–30 (Custom sizing available) | Length: Floor | Color options: Maroon, Navy Blue, Emerald Green and more

$199 | Azazie

16. Mac Duggal Multicolor Floral High Neck Balloon Sleeve Midi Dress

Mac Duggal floral midi mother of the bride dress

Size range: 2–24 | Length: Midi | Color options: Multicolor

$458 | Mac Duggal

17. ELOQUII Draped Satin Maxi Dress

ELOQUII satin maxi mother of the bride dress

Size range: 14–32 | Length: Maxi | Color options: Black

Shop more like this: Plus-Size Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

$140 | ELOQUII

18. BHLDN Juliana High-Neck Side-Slit Stretch Crepe Maxi Dress

BHLDN green crepe maxi mother of the bride dress

Size range: XS–3X | Length: Floor | Color options: Pistachio, Navy Blue and White

$248 | Anthropologie

19. Kiyonna Graceful Tiered Mesh Gown

Kiyonna tiered mesh mother-of-the-bride gown

Size range: 10–32 | Length: Maxi | Color options: Sage Green, Black

$248 | Kiyonna

20. Yumi Kim Hester Dress

Yumi Kim dark green mother of the bride dress

Size range: XS–XL | Length: Maxi | Color options: Dark Green

Use code KNOT15 for 15% off sitewide.

$258 | Yumi Kim

21. Banana Republic Double-Twist Jersey Midi Dress

Banana Republic black mother of the bride dress

Size range: XXS–XXLT | Length: Midi | Color options: Black

$200 | Banana Republic

22. Lane Bryant Pleated-Skirt Faux-Wrap Maxi Dress

Lane Bryant pink maxi mother of the bride dress

Size range: 14–24 | Length: Maxi | Color options: Pink

$72 | Lane Bryant

Unique Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

If you're accompanying the wedding party down the aisle, you'll have plenty of eyes on you. Take this as your opportunity to sport an extra special outfit. A unique mother-of-the-bride dress can make the moment all the more memorable. Plus, it will look really good in photos. 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 shoppable dresses we rounded up below to instantly earn yourself the title of "best dressed guest".

23. Adrianna Papell High Low Mikado Gown With Asymmetrical Detail

Adrianna Papell navy high low mother of the bride gown

Size range: 0–22 | Length: Midi | Color options: Navy Blue, Black, Plum and more

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

$199 | Adrianna Papell

24. Mac Duggal Pleated Caplet Tea-Length Dress

Mac Duggal tea length mother of the bride navy dress

Size range: 2–20 | Length: Midi | Color options: Navy Blue, Lime Green

$498 | Mac Duggal

$498 | Nordstrom

25. Teri Jon Taffeta Shirt Gown With Feather Pattern

Teri Jon shirt mother of the bride dress

Size range: 2-22 | Length: Floor | Color options: Multicolor

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

$810 | Teri Jon

26. Mac Duggal Embellished Short Sleeve Empire Waist Dress

Mac Duggal embellished empire waist mother of the bride dress

Size range: 4–20 | Length: Midi | Color options: Navy Blue, Lavender, Sage Green and more

$398 | Mac Duggal

27. Adrianna Papell Stardust Pleated Draped One Shoulder Gown

Adrianna Papell pink one shoulder mother of the bride dress

Size range: 0–20 | Length: Maxi | Color options: Magenta, Emerald Green and Gold

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

$199 | Adrianna Papell

28. R&M Richards Women's Embellished-Capelet Gown

R&M embellished capelet mother of the bride dress

Size range: 6–18 | Length: Floor | Color options: Charcoal Grey, Black

$169 | Macy's

Shop Plus-Size

29. Mac Duggal Flutter-Sleeve Formal Appliqué Maxi Dress

Mac Duggal blue floral mother of the bride maxi dress

Size range: 4–18 | Length: Floor | Color options: Light Blue

$698 | Anthropologie

$698 | Mac Duggal

30. ELOQUII Satin Puff Sleeve Pleated Dress

ELOQUII satin puff sleeve mother of the bride dress

Size range: 14–32 | Length: Midi | Color options: Navy Blue, Black, Pink and more

$190 | ELOQUII

31. MSK Women's Boat-Neck Embellished-Cape Jersey-Knit Gown

MSK embellished cape mother of the bride dress

Size range: S–XL | Length: Maxi | Color options: Black

$119 | Macy's

$144 | Belk

32. Alex Evenings Short Stretch Crepe Sheath Dress With Ruffle Sleeves

Alex Evenings mother of the bride short red dress

Size range: 4–18 | Length: Knee-Length | Color options: Red

$189 | Alex Evenings

Formal Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

If a formal wedding is in the works, you'll need an over-the-top pick 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 just formal, or black-tie optional, any color or pattern goes, just make sure your dress is floor-length and not overly flashy. Whatever you're in the market for, you'll find it among our shoppable picks below.