6 Mother-of-the-Bride Dress Trends You'll See in 2025

The silhouettes are classic, but the fabrics, colors and patterns are oh-so of-the-moment.
Three mother-of-the-bride dresses
Photos: Azazie
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by
Elle Cashin
Elle Cashin headshot
Elle Cashin
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Elle writes for The Knot online with a focus on fashion, covering gown design trends and shoppable accessories.
  • Elle is a contributor to wedding publications across the country, including Brides, The New York Times Vows and Modern Luxury Weddings.
  • Prior to shifting to weddings, Elle covered lifestyle, culture and celebrity across Chicago as the editor of the Chicago Tribune’s SPLASH magazine, where she interviewed cele...
Updated Jan 20, 2025
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Every year, we see shifts in mother-of-the-bride dress trends, just as we see shifts in bridal trends. But the changes are subtle: Slight adjustments are made to honor of-the-moment colors, patterns and fabrics, but silhouettes remain classic and, importantly, flattering. "Mother-of-the-bride trends often reflect bigger industry and seasonal trends," says Nicole Carrabine, the owner of The Lake Forest Shop on Chicago's North Shore, a go-to boutique for mothers of the bride and groom. "They are less driven by bridal trends as they are by what is hot that year—but, mostly, they're driven by what is most flattering for the client: the mother of the bride."

In fact, brides today want to make sure their mothers look and feel their best. "We are finding that the traditional cardinal rules have relaxed a bit, and it has become more about what the individual bride wants for her wedding," Carrabine says. "Recently, a dress from one of our designers, Audrey + Brooks, went viral because the mother of the bride's dress was a showstopper. There were some comments questioning if she was upstaging the bride, but her daughter loved her mother's dress and called it 'perfect.' Clearly, that's all that should matter."

It's one thing to know what is trending for mother-of-the-bride dresses, but another to know how and where to shop. Carrabine strongly suggests shopping in person. (You can see where to try on mother-of-the-bride dresses near you on The Knot Vendor Marketplace; simply filter by "dress types" in a bridal salon search and filter by mother-of-the-bride dresses.) "Shopping in person allows the mother-of to try on many different silhouettes to ensure she finds the one that is most flattering and, even more importantly, the one she feels most comfortable in," Carrabine says.

Here, Carrabine and a handful of other stylists and salon owners share their thoughts on mother-of-the-bride dress trends for 2025 (all of which also apply to mother-of-the-groom dresses, of course!). Keep reading for all the inspiration to start your search.

Top Wedding Mother-of-the-Bride and Groom Dress Trends for 2025

"Special occasion dress collections take cues from runway trends," says Allison Kaplan, the founder of Mother Of, an online resource for MOBs and MOGs. "So, for example, based on the spring 2025 designer collections, we're seeing more modern draping and signs of maximalism in the form of sequins, brocades, bows and ruffles. But a wedding is not the time to go overly trendy—those photos will be around for many years! You're better off choosing a timeless style with modern touches that, most importantly, you feel comfortable wearing." Brands know this, Kaplan adds. So, while there are subtle shifts and new collections each year, many stick to the classics. "Many brands popular with MOBs feature some of their bestselling styles year after year. Think: Sachin & Babi's Brooke gown or Amsale's one-shoulder draped bodice gown—worn by Gayle King for her son's 2024 wedding—because they're known to flatter," Kaplan says. "Each season, you'll see the brands simply update these enduring silhouettes in new colors, prints or fabric." Here are a half dozen trends that honor the classics in new and modern ways.

In this article:

  1. One-Shoulder Silhouettes
  2. Pink
  3. Focused Embellishment
  4. Luxe Materials
  5. Soft Fabrics
  6. Metallics

1. One-Shoulder Silhouettes

"As for silhouettes, one-shoulder continues to be strong," Carrabine says. Kaplan agrees and takes it one step further. "The draped one-shoulder is an update to the classic one-shoulder that has been so pervasive in recent years," she says. "That strap is evolving into more of a sculptural asymmetrical neckline with an off-the-shoulder sleeve." The move reflects a bridal trend toward structured architectural fashion and looks chic and sophisticated compared to the more casual sleeveless one-shoulder bodice. One-shoulder styles come with all different skirt types, so you can opt for the silhouette that flatters you best—A-line, mermaid, maybe even a jumpsuit with cigarette pants—and remain on trend on top.

A Classic Mermaid

Teri Jon classic mermaid mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids

With this piece from the master of mother-of attire Teri Jon, a structured cuff serves as a built-in bolero. It provides coverage while serving sophistication to the nth degree. The gown's stretch mikado is a fabulous fabric that will hold its shape all evening long.

Size Range: 2–20

A Bold Column

Carolina Herrera red column mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Bergdorf Goodman

A big-budget piece, this Carolina Herrera gown is Kaplan's pick for fall and winter black-tie weddings and can be pulled from the closet for future galas and fancy events (and passed down!). We love the deep red color and classic column silhouette, but it's the unique draping of the asymmetric sleeves that drives it home.

Size Range: 0–16

A Full-Skirted Classic

Azazie full-skirted mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Azazie

Full, A-line skirts are in for mothers of the bride and groom, and this one gets a little added drama with a high slit. Its asymmetric top provides plenty of sleeve-like coverage despite being shoulder-baring. The look is available in five rich jewel tones, but we love the classic navy.

Size Range: 0–30

2. Pink

Maybe a trickle-down effect from the Barbie bonanza we saw a couple of summers ago, pink is having a major mother-of moment. "Moving away from navy and beige, we're seeing moms embrace all shades of pink, from pastel to dusty rose to fuchsia," Kaplan says. Though it's particularly stunning for spring and summer weddings, the color comes in so many forms it can work for just about anything. For late fall and winter weddings, opt for a deep jewel-tone magenta and look for fabrics with weight and structure. For springtime, try pastel hues and watercolor prints on sheer fabrics and light organza. It's not just for Barbie girls—pink is universal.

A Sparkly Stunner

Sparkly pink mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Saks Fifth Avenue

Combining the top two trends on our list, this Theia dress has a draped bodice and keyhole opening on the asymmetric strap. It's a poppy shade of pink, made even more exciting by a sheer beaded overlay that adds a touch of sparkle. We love it with a strappy heel for a late summer wedding.

Size Range: 0–16

A Vibrant Hot Pink Slouch Dress

Amsale pink mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Amsale

One of bridal label Amsale's most noted styles is its iconic slouch dress, a piece that is sophisticated and relaxed all at once (it could work for a black-tie affair or a more casual garden wedding). The fluid satin style comes in a dozen colors, but none are prettier or more vibrant than this fuchsia.

Size Range: 00–28

A Blush Brocade

Azazie blush brocade mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Azazie

Textured fabrics like jacquard and brocade elevate any dress and can be rendered in just about any color palette. Here, it's a beautiful dusty blush with contrasting sleeves in solid stretch satin.

Size Range: 0–30

A Pretty Pantsuit

Kay Unger pink mother-of-the-bride pantsuit
Photo: Kay Unger

Sometimes, trending mother-of-the-groom dresses aren't dresses at all, but jumpsuits or pantsuits. This Kay Unger look is actually the best of both worlds, with the comfort and ease of pants (for moms planning to get down on the dance floor) but the sophistication and formality of a gown in the form of an overskirt. Style it with statement shoes and chandelier earrings.

Size Range: 0–18

3. Focused Embellishment

"Most modern moms take a less-is-more approach and shy away from all-over beading," Kaplan says. "But we're seeing pops of embellishment—on the neckline, or a floral pattern on the side of the bodice—that look super chic and make a gown extra special." New York-based bridal stylist and author Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride agrees. "Mothers of the bride and groom are embracing fresh ways to shine, shifting away from dresses that carry all the drama. Instead, they're opting for subtle sequin accents and tasteful hints of sparkle while steering clear of bold prints that might overpower the occasion." Look for embellished collar necklines, feathered hems or monochromatic sparkle.

A Sparkling Short-Sleeve

Sachin & Babi short-sleeve mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Sachin & Babi

In Sachin & Babi's Estelle gown, the sparkle is subtle in that it's rendered in the same deep midnight hue as the rest of the dress—but when the embroidered beads and paillettes catch the light, you'll truly shine. Style this stunner with diamond studs.

Size Range: 0–22W

A Floral Burst

Adrianna Papell one-shoulder mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Adrianna Papell

The classic black column gets an upgrade in this Adrianna Papell piece, which puts a moody spin on florals for formal weddings. Let the embellishments do the talking and keep accessories to a minimum: Wear strappy sandals as your mother-of-the-bride shoes, a drop earring and a metallic clutch.

Size Range: 0–18

A Beaded Bodice

Verdavainne green mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Verdavainne

From the back, this is a stunning ballgown in gorgeous emerald green mikado, but turn around, and the focal point becomes clear: a bodice beautifully hand-embroidered with crystal beads in shades of pink, green and white. The sophisticated gown can work for indoor or outdoor weddings, with the vibrant green a true reflection of nature.

Size Range: 0–22, Made to Order

4. Luxe Materials

"Mothers are leaning toward structured, formal fabric in 2025," says Erin Casey Wolf, franchisor of Bella Bridesmaids. "Amsale's evening collection and its mikado [fabric] specifically answers that call. We see the trend walking hand-in-hand with the bridesmaids, who are leaning into the structured trend (often wearing Amsale's faille fabric for the same reason)." Sabatino agrees. "The first image that comes to mind is Selena Gomez's Prada moment at the 2025 Golden Globes," she says. "We anticipate simple silhouettes crafted from luxurious fabrics—solid and elegant, with perhaps a detachable skirt for versatility after the ceremony." This look can and should be highlighted with jewelry. "Gomez's look inspires a second trend prediction: leaning into statement jewelry," Sabatino adds. "We foresee a 'wow' moment where the richness of the fabric is perfectly balanced by equally striking jewelry."

A Mikado Gown

Amsale pink mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Amsale

As Casey Wolf notes, mothers should look for fabrics like mikado or faille to lean into this trend; they'll hold their structure to support an architectural style, such as the off-the-shoulder V-neck and fit-and-flare skirt of this Amsale dress.

Size Range: 00–28

A Minimalist Floral

Minimalist floral mother-of-the-bride dress from Lula Kate
Photo: Lula Kate

Lula Kate's Beckett dress is highly customizable: Shoppers can choose various skirt silhouettes, fabrication types and patterns. Opting for a column skirt in a structured jacquard hits this fabric-forward trend on the head, and we particularly love this minimalist lily of the valley floral. The square neckline creates the perfect frame for a sparkling statement diamond necklace.

Size Range: 000–32

An Embellished Mikado Sheath

Azazie mikado sheath mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Azazie

Sometimes, the statement accessory is right there on the dress for you. It's one of the reasons we love this burgundy sheath dress: There's a little hint of sparkle at the base of each strap. The dress comes with a jacket in the same color and fabric, so the look can transform from ceremony to reception.

Size Range: 0–30

5. Soft Fabrics

In contrast to the above, there's an airier trend for springtime weddings. "Sheer lightweight fabrics, like chiffon and organza, are highly sought after," says Julie Mersine Romeli, owner of the bridal and occasion salon Mira Couture in Chicago's Gold Coast. "So many weddings are held outdoors, and not just necessarily the ceremonies—often the receptions are held partially or fully outdoors as well. Mothers don't want to wear a heavy, stiff, bulky gown all day in 80-degree weather. We love the movement of soft, flowing chiffons for walking down the aisle, dancing, and blowing in the wind. And organza is a perfect fabric to create lightweight volume; it looks fabulous when pleated and can be used to create artful architectural elements."

A Watercolor Floral

Teri Jon watercolor mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Teri Jon

Organza is the perfect ethereal fabric to showcase a soft pattern, such as a watercolor floral, another reason it makes for great mother-of-the-bride dresses for outdoor weddings. Teri Jon nails the look with this A-line gown that also boasts statement floral moments at the shoulder and hip.

Size Range: 0–22

A Ruffled Chiffon Dress

Mac Duggal ruffled chiffon dress
Photo: Mac Duggal

Trending mother-of-the-bride dresses often have unique interest in one element of the dress, while the rest is simple. Sometimes that comes through in pattern; here, it is the texture of a solid-color gown. In this V-neck style, lightweight chiffon is pleated at the bodice, ruffled down the skirt and gathered into a statement floral on the shoulder.

Size Range: 0–20

A Sheer Overlay Dress

STAUD sheer overlay mother-of-the-bride
Photo: STAUD

STAUD's famous organza overlay dress makes a stunning and surprising mother-of-the-bride style. (Fear not: A high neck and short sleeves are modest details that offset the sheer fabric.) It comes in a range of colors and patterns; we love it in classic navy for an evening outdoor wedding or painted magenta floral for a daytime garden affair.

Size Range: XS–XL

6. Metallics

"Metallics are another trend we are super happy to see in the realm of mothers of the bride and groom," Mersine Romeli says. "It's almost the 'new neutral': Whether it be silver, shades of gold, rose gold, gunmetal or a combination of different metallics, you never have to worry about clashing with someone else's dress color or the room or decor." Carrabine agrees, adding that metallics are an easy way to elevate your look. "Many mothers still prefer a more classic silhouette," she says. "Metallics and florals are a nice way to add some flare without too much drama." The glossy sheen can bring an otherwise casual silhouette into the world of black tie, and there are so many different ways to embrace it. "Our favorite metallic looks are unexpected combinations of metallics, geometric designs with a metallic sheen, metallic with florals or as a subtle underlay," Mersine Romeli says.

A Silver Sequined Gown

Blomingdale's silver sequined mother-of-the-bride gown
Photo: Bloomingdale's

A trellis pattern of silver sequins gives this short-sleeve stunner by AQUA an allover sparkle without weighing it down. It's belted at the waist and drapes beautifully to the floor. Accessorize with simple studs.

Size Range: 0–16

A Shimmery Jacquard

Mac Duggal shimmery jacquard mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Mac Duggal

Shimmery threads in this weighty jacquard give this dress a lovely luminesce without being too in your face. A tiered ruffle at the bottom and a shoulder bow detail are fun elements that lend structure and architecture. (Psst, while the latest trend for mother-of-the-bride dresses may be metallic, this style also embodies other trends—namely, a one-shoulder bodice and full A-line skirt—making it a perfectly of-the-moment pick.)

Size Range: 2–16

A Caped-Sleeve Gown

Betsy & Adam cape sleeve mother-of-the-bride dress
Photo: Nordstrom

Is it gold? Is it silver? The ambiguously metallic overlay material of this Betsy & Adam dress will mesh beautifully with any wedding color scheme. Perfect for petite mothers of the bride or groom, the style features draped sleeves that circle around into a cape. Pair the look with statement earrings.

Size Range: 2P–14P

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