What To Wear: Mother Of The Bride

Q. Hey Jordan!

My older brother is getting married in a couple of months, and I would like your suggestions about what to wear on his big day. We are from South America, and the wedding will be at our local country club at night. My biggest concern is what my mom should wear.

We don’t live in the US, so we can’t buy clothes from there. BUT we have amazing dressmakers who can make the same exactly dress from just a picture for about $100, so you can get crazy with designers or prices. Just something to give us an idea of what you think would be age appropriate for the event and for my mom. (If you have the time, even for me! I’m 23!)

Thank you so much!

Maria

A. Hey Maria! For this one, I went straight to the source: my own mom. Here’s what she wore to my wedding (an evening garden wedding), and to a friend’s wedding (an indoor California wedding with an outdoor ceremony):

She advises a halter-top/flowing-bodice shape in a bright color, and I agree: that cut is flattering on pretty much everyone, and shows just enough skin (add a light wrap for the ceremony or in case it gets cool later in the evening). If you start with this basic cut, your mom can add details (anything from a little sparkle around the neckline to full-on head-to-toe ruffles) to suit her personality.

More inspiration:

Nicole Miller ($440); Aidan Mattox ($147); Badgley Mischka ($742)

If your mom isn’t a fan of halters or is looking for a slightly more conservative shape, try one of these classic choices (I think navy blue is always a beautiful MOTB choice):

Tadashi Shoji ($545); David Meister ($462); Tadashi Shoji ($311)

And finally, these are fun, but obviously much more glam:

Carolina Herrera ($3,790); David Meister ($650); Carolina Herrera ($2,295)

And now: you!

Let’s go boho-sophisticate with a hint of sparkle. If you’re not a bridesmaid, feel free to wear a cocktail-length dress in any color you like (save for red and white, which may bother some brides). If the event is more formal, you may want to wear a floor-length dress, but keep it fun and festive with a flowing silhouette.