Figure-Flattering Dresses for Mothers of the Bride (or Groom)

Draw attention to your waistline with fit-and-flare silhouettes or belted styles.

A navy shirtwaist gown such as the Alex Evenings Portrait Collar Stretch Taffeta Dress with High Low Hem and Tie Belt in Navy ($219, alexevenings.com) is an elegant option for a formal affair. Knee-length A-line styles, such as Donna Karan New York Women’s Jewel-Neck Sleeveless A-Line Dress in Snow Petal ($124, macys.com) and the Aqua Paneled Midi Dress in Green ($118, bloomingdales.com), are classics. A flowy wrap dress such as the Nocturne Asymmetric Flounce Dress in Blue ($209, nordstrom.com), or a belted caftan like the NicoBlu Capri Long Tunic Dress in Shalimar Turquoise ($298, nicoblu.com) in aquatic shades of blue, are perfect for beach weddings and can be worn with flat sandals or even bare feet!

(From left) Aidan Mattox Embroidered V-Neck Sleeveless Pleated Mesh Bodice Column Dress in Tropez Blue; AQUA Pleated Gown in Navy; Dress the Population Corey Chiffon Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress in Peacock Blue; Kiyonna Plus-Size Starry Sequined Lace Cocktail Dress in Onyx.

AARP (Dillard’s, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s)

Take the plunge to highlight your cleavage — but don’t dive too deep!

Subtle sexiness is the message you want to send. A structured column gown with a deep V-neck, such as the Aidan Mattox Embroidered V-Neck Sleeveless Pleated Mesh Bodice Column Dress in Tropez Blue ($450, dillards.com), conveys a regal air for an elegant evening affair. Ditto a draped gown in a muted metallic such as the Betsy & Adam Petite Melanie Foil Knit V-neck Long Sleeve Floor Length Dress ($320, betsyandadam.com). For weddings followed by a cocktail party, a long-sleeve sheath dress with a deep V-neckline in rich burgundy, such as the Zara Draped Midi Dress in Maroon ($60, zara.com/us), draws the eye to your décolletage and neck (dangling gold earrings would go nicely!). An empire-waist black dress scattered with sequins, like this Kiyonna Plus-Size Starry Sequined Lace Cocktail Dress in Onyx ($188, macys.com), also puts the focus where you want it — and requires little in the way of jewelry. Maybe a delicate bangle bracelet? And some leg-lengthening but comfortable heels! A flowy jewel-tone dress, such as the Dress the Population Corey Chiffon Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress in Peacock Blue ($198, nordstrom.com), the Mac Duggal Long Flare Sleeve Pleated Dress in Berry ($435, macduggal.com), or the Aqua Pleated Gown in Navy ($128, bloomingdales.com), works for daytime celebrations, cocktail hours and/or beach weddings, depending on how you accessorize it. 

For daytime, keep the jewelry small and subtle. Feel free to add a little glitz for cocktails, such as a sparkly necklace or drop earrings. For beach locations, add metallic flat sandals and perhaps a broad-brimmed hat.

(From left) City Chic Plus Size Estelle Dress in Navy; Lauren Ralph Lauren Georgette Cape Gown in Navy; Collection Ruffle-Trim Midi Dress in Crinkled Cupro in Blushed Peach; JS Collections Seraphina One-Shoulder Organza Gown in Violet Rose.

AARP (Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, J. Crew, Nordstrom)

Emphasize your lovely arms!

Whether it’s with a cape gown such as Lauren Ralph Lauren’s Georgette Cape Gown in Navy ($265, bloomingdales.com) or a one-shoulder style such as the elegant JS Collections Seraphina One-Shoulder Organza Gown in Violet Rose ($298, nordstrom.com) for an evening event, you can’t go wrong.

Other options include a slinky sheath in a pretty color, such as the Marina Rinaldi Persona Crepe Dress in Cornflower Blue ($385, marinarinaldi.com), or an arm-exposing fit-and-flare style, such as the City Chic Plus Size Estelle Dress in Navy ($199, macys.com), for an afternoon event. For a wedding at the beach, go for a pastel tank dress, like the Eileen Fisher Petite Sleeveless Crinkled Silk Midi Dress in Bellflower ($328, neimanmarcus.com), or this delicious peach beauty, the J.Crew Collection Ruffle-Trim Midi Dress in Crinkled Cupro in Blushed Peach ($160, jcrew.com). Your accessories should be bracelets and/or small stud or drop earrings. No necklace necessary.

(From left) Lauren Ralph Lauren Metallic Sleeveless Side Slit Dress in Champagne/Silver; BHLDN Hallie One Shoulder Stretch Crepe Maxi Gown in Pistachio; Francine Dress in Ivory/Silver Floral Jacquard.

AARP (Macy’s, Anthropologie, Ann Mashburn)

Let your legs lead the way with above-the-knee styles with sleeves — or long gowns with dramatic slits.

Your key accessory: sexy shoes or sandals! Metallic fabrics such as the Ann Mashburn Francine Dress in Ivory/Silver Floral Jacquard ($495, shopmashburn.com) or the champagne/silver combination in the Lauren Ralph Lauren Metallic Sleeveless Side Slit Dress in Champagne/Silver ($265, macys.com) are most suitable for evening weddings. A hot pink kimono-sleeve dress like the Trina Turk Daiquiri Dress in Lillikoi ($265, trinaturk.com) is a lovely choice for a garden or beach setting. 

A burgundy A-line chemise with a pretty scalloped hem and sleeve detail such as the Tara Jarmon Ruoda Red Shift Dress ($256, halsbrook.com) has an understated elegance for daytime — and can be dressed up for cocktail hour with dangling earrings and/or a delicate bracelet. A one-shoulder slit gown in a stretchy fabric such as BHLDN Hallie One Shoulder Stretch Crepe Maxi Gown in Pistachio ($220, anthropologie.com) pairs beautifully with gold or silver flat sandals for a beach wedding.

Show off your shoulders with long dresses featuring a halter, off-the-shoulder or strapless neckline.

Floor-length gowns are more formal than ankle-grazing or high-low styles. Keep the focus on your upper body with long earrings. A strapless gown, such as Donna Karan New York Women’s Straight-Neck Strapless Dress in Pomegranate/Multi ($164, macys.com), could also be accessorized with a collar-length necklace, as shown. 

With sleeveless dresses such as the BHLDN Ruby Twist Halter Satin Gown in Kelly ($248, anthropologie.com), consider adding a delicate bracelet. Vibrant colors such as this emerald Eliza J Fishtail Gown in Jade ($158, bloomingdales.com), the Zara Long Flowy Dress in Raspberry ($50, zara.com/us) or the Sachin & Babi Keely Gown in French Blue ($325, sachinandbabi.com) pair beautifully with metallic sandals or pointy-toed pumps.

Final word

Several of the women I queried about their mother-of-the-bride/groom shopping experience mentioned the importance of factoring the cost of a good seamstress into your budget to perfect the fit of your dress — and/or custom details, such as adding a small button to hold up the train of a gown for dancing, having bra cups sewn into a backless dress, or making a complimentary wrap or sash.

Another said she chose to rent a dress that was out of her price range from renttherunway.com. The retail value of her dress was close to $1,200, but renting it cost $45 for the day.

Bottom line: Mothers have the best advice.