How to shop for the best mother of the bride dresses, per a Kleinfeld expert (2024)

Here comes the bride…(or, rather, here comes the mother of the bride, because she’s bound to make an entrance while gracing the aisle with one of our top picks below).

If shopping for a wedding dress wasn’t enough of a full-time job, let’s talk about mother of the bride dresses — also known as, “MOB” dresses. Of course, you want whatever mom’s wearing to photograph well but not take too much attention off the lace-trimmed, veil-adorning bride.

We get it, especially after RSVPing to a calendar’s worth of weddings and helping to plan a few. But, even all of our shopping and fashion expertise here at New York Post Shopping can’t hold a candle to speaking with Kleinfeld — a surefire shining star in the wedding industry.

“Customarily, mothers tend to coordinate with the bridal party and wear a shade that is similar to the bridesmaids but different enough to distinguish her apart,” Marissa Rubinetti, vice president and COO of Kleinfeld Bridal, exclusively told the New York Post. “However, more recently, mothers have opted to wear any color that makes them feel beautiful. A good rule of thumb is to wear a color that you feel comfortable — except white or ivory!”

To help you say “yes to the dress,” the New York Post Shopping team cherry-picked the 20 best mother of the bride dresses you can shop for in 2023 with options ranging from Amazon and Adrianna Papell to Mac Duggal and Saks Fifth Avenue.

What’s more, Rubinetti answers some of your most pressing questions about mother of the bride dresses in our in-depth FAQ section following our lookbook of styles. Oh, and shop some of our favorite designer clutch bags to pair with your new gown.

1. Alex Evenings Cascade Ruffle Detail Dress, $208 to $219

The Alex Evenings Cascade Ruffle Detail Dress is a classic style that won’t make you look frumpy, thanks to its flattering ruching and — nodding to its spot-on name — ruffle detailing that cascades down its slit. Not to mention, we covet this all-over lace design and the array of colors it comes in.

2. Alex Evenings Sleeveless Dress with Shawl, $229 to $259

For an elegant mother of the bride dress with a bit of glitz, the Alex Evenings Sleeveless Dress is one we recommend. Even better, it comes with a shawl to drape over yourself if you become cold or prefer a more modest touch. This style also boasts subtle eyelet detailing at the top and comes in a multitude of colors.

3. Ever-Pretty Embroidery V-Neck Evening Dress, $70

We’re nearly obsessed with this mother of the bride dress if you love the look of tulle, want something with a bit of personality and adore the girly, feminine style, Its sheer butterfly sleeves is a top feature we love, along with its elevated maxi drape-down detail. For less than $100, this fully lined style comes in a few other colors, too, and is worth every penny.

4. Sabina Musayev Sarah Maxi Dress, $570

Shop the Sabina Musayev Sarah Maxi Dress from Revolve if you’re looking for subtle glam, high quality and a photogenic mother of the bride dress. Namely, this style is Israel-originated, partially lined, comes with a hidden back zipper closure for a seamless fit and slightly bohemian aesthetic.

5. Tadashi Shoji Odette Off-Shoulder Sequin Mesh Column Gown, $430

For a chic mother of the bride option that’s classy and not at all shy with the allover lace detail, Tadashi Shoji’s Odette Off-Shoulder Sequin Mesh Column Gown is difficult to beat. Aside from silver, it’s also available in gold, and we adore its to-the-body fit and cap sleeves for limitless glam.

6. Mac Duggal Chiffon Faux Wrap Flutter Sleeve Tiered Gown, $498

This dress certainly has the it-factor, and we have Mac Duggal to thank. One of the most popular designers for evening-style gowns is, hands down, MC, much ado to its keen eye to detail. Its Chiffon Faux Wrap Flutter Sleeve Tiered Gown is no exception, especially for plus-sized mothers of the bride.

7. AQUA Ruffled Off-the-Shoulder Formal Dress, $278

According to our Kleinfeld expert, navy is in (year-round, too) for mother of the bride dresses, so naturally we had to hand-pick the AQUA Ruffled Off-the-Shoulder Formal Dress. Not only is it an option our loved ones has worn to their daughter’s wedding but with a good pair of heels, it’s a classic, relatively affordable style.

8. Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Daisy Ruched Rosette Bodycon Midi Dress, $995

We love how unique the Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Daisy Ruched Rosette Bodycon Midi Dress is, much ado to its statement ruched rose detailing that hugs the body at just the right spot. Plus, its length is exceptional, as is its ruching at the top.

9. Mac Duggal Satin One-Shoulder Gown, $538

Gorgeous and nicely colored is the Mac Duggal Satin One-Shoulder Gown, a stellar option that’s less than $550 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Its subtle glitter border is just the perfect accent, and we love its drape-style side detailing just as much.

10. R & M Richards Off-the-Shoulder Lace Gown, $159

For the ultimate champagne mother of the bride dress, the R & M Richards Off-the-Shouler Lace Gown is both stunning and affordable. It comes in other colors too (which we love) and, the best part? Aside from its shine-emitting fabric, it comes with shoulder straps to offer more support for this otherwise off-the-shoulder style.

11. Mac Duggal Sequined Butterfly Sleeve High Low Gown, $498

The Mac Duggal Sequined Butterfly Sleeve High Low Gown is ideal for an outdoor wedding or one where you’ll have to wear block heels (think: barn-style weddings), and we can’t get over all the sequined and layered detailing it boasts. For less than $500, it’s a splurge worth the investment.

12. Adrianna Papell Plus Size Beaded Illusion Gown, $335

Shop Adrianna Papell’s Plus Size Beaded Illusion Gown for a darker, sophisticated option to your dream mother of the bride dress. From its sheer detailing to sparkle overlay (oh, and the exceptional pleating at the bottom), you’ll look both elegant and timeless.

13. MOTF Premium One-Shoulder Sequin Dress, $40

For more of a co*cktail dress-style option that’s still suitable to serve as your mother of the bride dress, the MOTF Premium One-Shoulder Sequin Dress fits the bill (at just $40, too!) Its two-tone design is lovely, along with its diagonal-facing glitter that adds an extra pop. Done, and done.

14. XSCAPE Embellished-Neck Gown, $249

For a navy mother of the bride dress with more of a glam factor than average, the XSCAPE Embellished-Neck Gown is a lovely pick. We love its scalloped, eyelet detailing at the top, as well as its sheer ruching that adds a bit more dimension to an otherwise straight silhouette. Plus, it’s offered at a fair price point.

15. Rene Ruiz Collection Floral Embroidered Gown, $1,895

Now this is a gown. Shop the Rene Ruiz Collection Floral Embroidered Gown that truly caught our attention (and never left). From its strapless bodice to well-made fabric, it’s one of those styles that’ll get passed down from generation to generation post-wedding.

16. La Femme Beaded Lace Tulle A-Line Gown, $639

We’ve never loved gray as much as we do now. La Femme carries gorgeous gowns, as is the case with its Beaded Lace Tulle A-Line Gown with careful, gorgeous detailing. Plus, it’s an option that covers up your arms, should you prefer a more modest fit.

17. Catherine Regehr Off-the-Shoulder Silk-Wool Gown, $2,600

This color is everything. The Catherine Regehr Off-the-Shoulder Silk-Wool Gown is the most expensive on this list of options, but hear us out — the hue, paired with its silk and wool hybrid material, is second to none. You’ll receive plenty of compliments on its bow-wrapped front, too.

18. Fangheia Lace Applique Chiffon Evening Gown, $73

For less than $75 on Amazon, the Fangheia Lace Applique Chiffon Evening Gown comes in a rainbow of colors (and we mean a rainbow; just check out its site) that will serve you well on your daughter’s big day. We love its simplicity, slightly flow-y bottom and (subtle) sequined party at the top.

19. Reformation Marlin Dress, $378

Reformation is a hot-spot for all things mother of the bride dresses, and its Marlin Dress is one of our favorites. Its simple, perfect for more casual affairs (or, can be dressed up with the right affordable fine jewelry) and has a lovely tiered detail we can’t help but love.

20. Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Jewel-Embellished Metallic Jacquard Gown, $890

Navy is timeless, and so is the Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Jewel-Embellished Metallic Jacquard Gown, a worthy splurge from Neiman Marcus. It reminds us of something the royal family would wear and we can’t stop glossing over its accented belt detailing.

An FAQ on Mother of the Bride Dresses

Ahead, Rubinetti at Kleinfeld Bridal shared her hottest tips for shopping for mother of the bride dresses — from the most sought-after colors to what to look for.

What is the most popular color for mother of the bride dresses?

Ah, the golden question. According to Rubinetti at Kleinfeld, “many brides tell us their mothers/mothers-in-law have selected navy or champagne for their mother-of-the-bride dresses,” she tells The Post.

However, basically any other hue is acceptable, she notes, so long as it’s not white or ivory.

How soon before the wedding should mothers pick up their dress?

“We recommend that Mother’s complete their alterations and pick up their dress two months prior to the wedding,” she notes. Of course, you’ll want to start browsing for a style (aka, why you’re here) well before then to account for possible tailoring and alterations.

Not to mention, if you’d like your mother of the bride dress to have a subtle train, you may want to ask your tailor or seamstress to add a bustle to the back of your dress, which allows the train to clasp onto a newly sewed-on hook while you hit the dance floor and take photos outside.

Can the mother of the bride and mother of the groom wear the same color to the wedding?

For some, this is a serious no-no. However, this is completely up to what the mother of the bride and the mother of her daughter’s partner decides.

“Often the mothers do not want to wear the same color in order to differentiate between the two,” Rubinetti shares. “But, they may want to consider coordinating with one-another to ensure they select non-clashing shades. This aids in creating a nice palette for family portraits.”

How to shop for your mother of the bride dress, according to Kleinfeld Bridal

Ahead, Rubinetti provides some expert tips after years of experience to help not only your daughter — but also yourself — say ‘yes to the dress’ and score your dream style:

• Try different silhouettes and necklines until you find the cut you feel most comfortable in.
• Make sure you choose a fabric that is appropriate for the season. Avoid heavy fabrics for warmer climates and make sure you have a coordinating shawl or jacket for the winter months.
• Try to pick colors that coordinate with the bridal party (Related: Best bridesmaid dresses).
• Don’t stress the bride out with what you are going to wear, but also make sure she is comfortable with the style, color and fabric that you are going to wear.

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