Years ago I watched a groom’s mother wait four months for a phone call about dresses. The bride’s mother was busy, the call never came, and two weeks before the wedding she bought a beige gown in a panic. She looked fine. She also looked like she was attending someone else’s wedding, and she told me later it was the one thing she’d change.
So here is my first piece of advice, before any dress: pick up the phone. Then come back and use this list. There are 42 complete outfits here, sorted by the kind of wedding you’re going to, from black tie to a beach in July, with pantsuits, plus sizes and petites mixed through every section.
What mothers of the groom are wearing in 2026
The column. A straight, hip-skimming gown is the shape of the year. It looks modern and it’s easy to wear for ten hours.
Capes and capelets. They cover the arms without a jacket and look dramatic in photos. Stylist Carla Rockmore calls them dramatic without being fussy.
One shoulder and halters. Both necklines show up in every 2026 trend report I read. With either one, wear earrings and skip the necklace.
Softer fabrics. Chiffon, crepe, organza and light satin are replacing the stiff, boned gown. One designer put it well: mothers don’t want to wear a heavy gown all day in 80 degree heat.
Sparkle in one place. Beading now sits at the neckline, the waist or one side of the bodice, and all-over sequins are saved for black tie.
Pantsuits and jumpsuits. Relaxed tailoring, wide trousers and jumpsuits are now accepted at almost every dress code.
Colour. Navy and midnight blue lead, then metallics, dusty rose and mauve, sage, and jewel tones like emerald, plum and garnet. Chocolate brown and caramel are the new names to watch.
The celebrity mothers this year wore bold, single colours. Pamela Anderson chose bright yellow lace, Denise Welch a deep dusty rose and Hilary Whitehall a garnet sequin halter. None of them wore beige, and none of them looked older for it.
The etiquette, kept simple
The bride’s mother goes first. Tradition says she shares her colour and length, and you choose something that sits well next to it. If you haven’t heard anything once planning is underway, Emily Post says you’re free to call her.
Different colours, same visual weight. Match her formality and her dress length so the family photos look balanced. If she’s in a floor-length gown, you should be too.
Ask the couple. Stylist Julie Sabatino suggests photographing your top three options and sending them to the couple. It takes five minutes and saves a lot of worry.
Colours to skip. White, ivory and cream belong to the bride. Avoid the bridesmaids’ exact shade, and stay away from any colour the couple has saved for a special group of guests.
The grey zone. Champagne and pale blush divide the experts. A deeper, golden champagne is usually fine. A pale one can look bridal in photos, so ask.
Black and red. Black is accepted at most formal evening weddings, though some Southern families still find it too sombre. Red and bright orange are risky unless they suit the theme.
Who pays. You buy your own outfit unless the couple offers.
When to shop
The Knot says to start about nine months before the wedding, soon after the couple chooses their own outfits. If you’re buying off the rack, four to six months is enough. Order for your largest measurement and have it taken in. Plan on three fittings, and bring your actual shoes, shapewear, jewellery and wrap to each one. Lace and beading take longer to alter, so allow extra time. Don’t finish the alterations too early, because bodies change over a few months.
Finding the right fit in your 50s and 60s
Simple shapes look better than big bows, ruffled necklines or balloon sleeves. A-lines and structured fit and flare suit the most bodies. An empire waist helps if you carry weight through the middle, a column with darts works on a straighter figure, and a soft trumpet suits a defined waist.
Look for fabric that skims and doesn’t cling: stretch crepe, satin-backed crepe, mikado or lined chiffon. Thin jersey and very shiny satin show every line at the middle. Flutter, elbow or three-quarter sleeves give coverage without a tight band on the arm. A cape, bolero or jacket gives you coverage for the ceremony and a way to cool down at the reception, which is a real help if you run warm. Before you buy, sit down in the dress, hug someone, raise your arms and climb a step or two.
Petite mothers do best in midi or tea-length A-lines and slimmer sheaths. J.Crew and Hobbs both cut occasion styles for women 5’3″ and under, and Adrianna Papell, Alex Evenings and Mac Duggal all make petite lines.
Shoes, jewellery and makeup
Shoes. Keep the heel under 3 inches, and a 2-inch block heel is better still. You’ll stand, hug, dance and sit for five or six hours. Wear wedges on grass and flat sandals on sand. Nude shoes go with almost every colour, and shoes that exactly match the dress can look dated.
Jewellery. Pick one statement piece, either a bold necklace or chandelier earrings. With a bare shoulder or a beaded gown, go with earrings alone.
Bag and wrap. A small clutch that holds your phone and a lipstick, plus a pashmina or a dress coat for the evening.
Hats. A small percher or pillbox is lovely at a day wedding. Take a wide brim off in church.
Makeup. Use a hydrating primer and a light satin foundation without SPF, which can flash white in photos. Waterproof mascara is a must. Warm rose, mauve or muted berry lips suit almost everyone. Do a trial and photograph it inside by a lamp and outside in daylight.
Black tie and formal evening (outfits 1 to 11)
1. Black beaded column with a cape
The look: A black floor-length beaded column gown with a high round neck and an attached cape falling from the shoulders to mid-back, black satin pointed pumps with a 2.5-inch block heel, a black satin frame clutch, small diamond studs and a slim tennis bracelet.
Where to find it: Mac Duggal Embellished Beaded Column Cape Gown, $798, sizes 2 to 20.
The Knot named this its best mother of the groom dress of the year, and I can see why. The cape gives you arm coverage for the ceremony, so you can skip the wrap. Keep the jewellery small, because the gown already does the talking.
2. Black and blue sequin embroidery
The look: A black and blue sequin-embroidered floor-length gown with a V-neck and short sleeves, navy suede court shoes with a 2-inch block heel, a black velvet evening stole, a silver mesh clutch and single pearl drop earrings.
Where to find it: Adrianna Papell Sequin Embroidered Gown, $299, sizes 0 to 20, with a matching plus-size version.
Under $300 with short sleeves and real sparkle, this one covers a black tie evening without a designer price. Navy shoes pick up the blue in the embroidery.
3. Midnight flutter sleeves in plus sizes
The look: A midnight blue floor-length gown of sequins over mesh with a V-neck and flutter sleeves, silver metallic sandals with a 2-inch block heel, a silver-grey pashmina, a silver box clutch and crystal drop earrings.
Where to find it: Mac Duggal V-Neck Flutter Sleeve Embellished Gown, $598, sizes 14 to 24 (last listed 2024, so check stock).
Flutter sleeves cover the tops of the arms without the tight band of a cap sleeve. My plus-size cocktail dressesguide has more shapes that work for curves.
4. Green sequin one-shoulder column
The look: A green all-over sequin sleeveless floor-length column gown with one shoulder, gold strappy sandals with a 2.5-inch block heel, a sheer black chiffon stole, a gold metallic envelope clutch and sculptural gold drop earrings.
Where to find it: Mac Duggal Sequin One-Shoulder Column Gown, $398, sizes 0 to 16 (last listed 2024, so check stock).
The column is the shape of the year for mothers, and one shoulder is right behind it. With a bare shoulder, wear earrings and leave the necklace at home.
5. Garnet sequin halter, after Hilary Whitehall
The look: A garnet all-over sequin sleeveless floor-length column dress with a halter neck and a closed back, a cropped black velvet bolero over it, oxblood satin court shoes with a 2-inch block heel, an antique-gold beaded clutch and gold-and-garnet drop earrings.
Where to find it: Recreate it with any garnet sequin halter column. Hilary Whitehall wore hers to her son Jack’s countryside wedding in April 2026.
Hilary Whitehall showed that a mother in her sixties can wear a deep red sequin halter and look completely right. A velvet bolero covers the shoulders in church and comes off for dinner.
6. Navy satin halter ball gown
The look: A navy satin floor-length ball gown with a halter neck and a full skirt, navy satin pumps with a 2.5-inch block heel, a navy duchess-satin stole, a silver crystal minaudiere and diamond chandelier earrings.
Where to find it: ML Monique Lhuillier Halter Satin Ball Gown at Saks, $695, also in black or blush.
Navy is the colour I recommend more than any other to a groom’s mother. It photographs well next to almost anything the bride’s mother chooses, and a full satin skirt makes it feel like an occasion.
7. Raspberry mikado with an off-shoulder cuff
The look: A raspberry stretch mikado floor-length column gown with an asymmetric off-shoulder cuff neckline, nude satin pumps with a 2.5-inch block heel, a black silk-satin stole, a gold box clutch and gold statement earrings.
Where to find it: Teri Jon Stretch Mikado Asymmetrical Off-Shoulder Cuff Gown, $930 at Teri Jon or $920 at Bloomingdale’s, sizes 0 to 22.
Mikado holds its shape and skims the body without clinging. This is a splurge, but raspberry will stand out in every family photo for the right reasons.
8. Hibiscus crepe one-shoulder
The look: A hibiscus pink crepe sleeveless floor-length column gown with a draped one-shoulder neckline, silver sandals with a 2-inch block heel, a silver-grey chiffon stole, a silver clutch and crystal linear drop earrings.
Where to find it: Tadashi Shoji One-Shoulder Crepe Column Gown at Nordstrom, $378. The plus version at Saks runs 14 to 24 in five shades (last listed 2024).
Tadashi Shoji crepe is the fabric I trust for a long day. It stays smooth after hours of sitting, and the hibiscus shade gives your skin some warmth.
9. Begonia with bishop sleeves
The look: A begonia pink floor-length gown with a round neck and sheer bishop sleeves gathered at the wrist, nude pumps with a 2.5-inch block heel, a rose-gold metallic clutch and pearl-and-crystal drop earrings.
Where to find it: Tadashi Shoji Nyssa Bishop-Sleeve Gown, $638, sizes 2 to 18.
Sheer sleeves give full coverage and still feel light. You won’t need a wrap for church or for a chilly evening.
10. Dusty rose off the shoulder, after Denise Welch
The look: A dark dusty-rose floor-length gown with a wrapped bust, rounded off-shoulder sleeves, a satin-sheen bodice and a matte skirt, rose-gold sandals with a 2-inch block heel, a dusty-rose chiffon stole, a rose-gold satin clutch, diamond drop earrings and a thin bangle.
Where to find it: Recreate it with a dusty-rose off-shoulder gown. Denise Welch wore Solace London to her son’s Los Angeles wedding in July 2026.
Denise Welch proved that off the shoulder works at any age if you’re comfortable with your arms. The darker rose keeps it clear of the bridesmaids’ blush, but check with the couple anyway.
11. Black slip and a tuxedo blazer, after Julianne Moore
The look: A black satin bias-cut ankle-length slip dress with thin straps and a V-neck, a black tailored tuxedo blazer worn over the shoulders, black satin kitten-heel slingbacks, a black satin clutch, a gold statement collar necklace and tiny gold studs.
Where to find it: J.Crew Natasha slip dress, $178 to $228, in Classic, Petite and Tall. Julianne Moore wore a black slip to her son’s wedding in October 2026.
This is the city mother’s answer to black tie. One gold collar necklace is the only jewellery it needs.
Spring garden (outfits 12 to 18)
12. Sky blue beaded ruffle midi
The look: A sky blue multi sleeveless midi dress with a V-neck, floral beaded embroidery and a ruffle hem, nude slingbacks with a 2-inch block heel, a sky-blue chiffon stole, a silver woven-metal clutch and pearl cluster earrings.
Where to find it: Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Floral Beaded Embroidery Ruffle Midi, $299, sizes 0 to 20.
A midi hem clears the grass, which matters more than you’d think at a garden wedding. The beading sits in the embroidery, so it reads as daytime.
13. Yellow pleated chiffon
The look: A yellow pleated chiffon midi dress with a V-neck, flutter sleeves and a ruffle, gold leather sandals with a 2-inch block heel, a pale grey cashmere wrap, a gold metal box clutch, gold-and-pearl drop earrings and a small natural-straw percher hat.
Where to find it: Mac Duggal Yellow Pleated Chiffon V-Neck Ruffle Midi Dress, $498, sizes 2 to 14.
Yellow had its moment this year when Pamela Anderson wore it to her son’s wedding. A small percher hat is right for a day ceremony, and it comes off for the reception.
14. Dusty rose tea length to size 30
The look: A dusty rose pleated chiffon tea-length A-line dress with a boat neck and short flutter sleeves, rose-gold pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a dusty-rose chiffon stole, a rose-gold clutch, a short single-strand pearl necklace and pearl studs.
Where to find it: Azazie A-Line Boat Neck Pleated Chiffon Dress, $149, sizes 0 to 30.
At $149 and up to size 30, this is one of the best values on the list. A good smoothing layer helps chiffon hang well; my shapewear guide covers what to wear under a dress like this.
15. Blush floral taffeta shirt dress
The look: A blush multi floral print taffeta midi shirt dress with a point collar, elbow sleeves and a self-tie belt, nude pointed pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a gold frame clutch, gold button earrings and a gold bangle.
Where to find it: Teri Jon Taffeta Floral Print Shirt Dress, $920, sizes 0 to 22.
A shirt dress is the most relaxed shape a mother can wear to a formal garden wedding. Blush is a contested colour, so send the couple a photo first.
16. Green roses print
The look: A green roses print midi dress with a V-neck and short flutter sleeves, nude slingbacks with a 2-inch block heel, a soft sage pashmina, a gold clutch and emerald-tone drop earrings.
Where to find it: Sachin & Babi Shay Dress in Empress Green Roses, $650, sizes 0 to 14.
A print takes the pressure off matching the bride’s mother, because nobody will compare a floral to a solid. Green suits a garden better than any pastel.
17. Slate blue beaded sheath
The look: A slate blue midi sheath dress with cap sleeves, an empire waist and beading, silver pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a slate-blue chiffon stole, a silver clutch and small crystal studs.
Where to find it: Mac Duggal Beaded Cap-Sleeve Empire Waist Sheath Midi, $498, sizes 2 to 20.
Slate blue is quieter than navy and works for church and garden alike. The empire waist sits high and skims everything below it.
18. Pistachio lace A-line
The look: A pistachio lace tea-length A-line dress with a scoop neck and illusion short sleeves, nude 2-inch wedges, a soft taupe cashmere wrap, a gold clutch and gold-and-pearl drop earrings.
Where to find it: Azazie Bertie, $259, sizes 0 to 30 with custom sizing.
Pistachio sits close to sage, which Adrianna Papell calls the colour for spring. Wedges won’t sink into a lawn; my comfortable wedding shoes list has more pairs.
Summer beach and destination (outfits 19 to 24)
19. Yellow guipure with a capelet, after Pamela Anderson
The look: A bright yellow guipure lace ankle-length column dress with a matching capelet to the elbow, gold flat sandals, a natural raffia clutch and small gold hoops.
Where to find it: Recreate it with a yellow guipure column and capelet. Pamela Anderson wore custom Oscar de la Renta to her son’s Saint-Tropez wedding in July 2026.
This was my favourite mother of the groom look of the year. She wore bright yellow with flat sandals and almost no makeup, and she looked happier than anyone there.
20. Peacock chiffon tea length
The look: A peacock blue pleated chiffon tea-length A-line dress with a V-neck and flutter sleeves, gold flat sandals, a peacock chiffon stole, a gold woven-straw clutch and turquoise statement drop earrings.
Where to find it: Azazie Durant A-Line Pleated Chiffon Dress, $139, sizes 0 to 30.
Chiffon moves in a sea breeze and won’t trap heat. Flat sandals are the only shoe I’d wear on sand. My beach wedding guest dresses list has more ideas for warm weddings.
21. Lavender ruffle maxi under $80
The look: A lavender chiffon one-shoulder ruffle maxi dress, silver flat slide sandals, a lilac pashmina, a pearl-beaded clutch and silver drop earrings.
Where to find it: Lulus Last Forever Lavender One-Shoulder Ruffle Maxi, $79, sizes XXS to 3X.
Seventy-nine dollars, and nobody at the reception will know. Lavender is a safe pick as long as the bridesmaids aren’t in it.
22. Serenity blue sheer cape
The look: A pale serenity blue flowy maxi dress with a V-neck and a sheer cape layer over the shoulders, nude 1.5-inch wedge sandals, a natural raffia clutch and silver linear drop earrings.
Where to find it: ELOQUII Flowy Sheer Cape Dress, $180, sizes 14 to 32.
ELOQUII goes to size 32, further than anyone else on this list. The sheer cape covers the arms and still lets air through.
23. Turquoise silk caftan
The look: A floor-length turquoise silk crepe de chine caftan with a gold-embroidered V-neck, elbow-length kimono sleeves and side slits to the knee, gold leather flat thong sandals, a gold metallic woven pouch and gold statement earrings.
Where to find it: Look for a lined silk caftan with an embroidered neckline.
AARP suggests a caftan for a beach wedding, and I agree. It’s cool, it covers the arms, and it packs into a carry-on.
24. Lipstick pink resort maxi
The look: A solid lipstick pink tiered maxi dress with a V-neck and flutter sleeves, gold flat sandals, a coral silk scarf, a natural straw clutch and gold-and-coral drop earrings.
Where to find it: Lilly Pulitzer Bernice Maxi in Lipstick Pink, $298, sizes 00 to 16.
A bright pink is right at a destination wedding. White is off the table, so carry a coral scarf for the evening.
Fall, barn and vineyard (outfits 25 to 30)
25. Emerald jacquard Adelaide
The look: An emerald jacquard midi dress with a square neck and elbow puff sleeves, cognac suede pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a camel cashmere wrap, a gold clutch and gold drop earrings.
Where to find it: Tuckernuck Emerald Mirasol Jacquard Adelaide, $298, sizes XXS to XXXL.
Jacquard has enough weight for a cool fall evening. A block heel keeps you steady on barn floors, and my barn and ranch attire post has more rustic outfits.
26. Burgundy long sleeves for $110
The look: A burgundy chiffon long-sleeve midi dress with a V-neck, taupe suede pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a gold chain-strap clutch and gold-and-garnet drop earrings.
Where to find it: AW Bridal Katheryn Dress, $110, sizes 0 to 30 plus custom.
Long sleeves, a midi length and a rich fall colour for $110. If you only need one dress for an autumn wedding, start here.
27. Ganache stretch satin
The look: A ganache chocolate brown pleated stretch satin floor-length one-shoulder A-line gown, gold sandals with a 2-inch block heel, a caramel velvet wrap, a gold clutch and gold-and-topaz drop earrings.
Where to find it: Azazie Lawrence Stretch, $169, sizes 0 to 30.
Chocolate brown is the colour to watch this year. It looks rich in candlelight and suits warm and cool skin alike.
28. Brown Lina midi for petites
The look: A brown crepe midi dress with a V-neck and three-quarter sleeves, a camel tailored blazer, cognac suede pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a tan leather clutch and gold-and-pearl drop earrings.
Where to find it: J.Crew Lina midi dress, $168, in Classic, Petite and Tall, also in navy.
J.Crew cuts this one in petite, so the waist and hem land where they should. It works for a barn wedding and the rehearsal dinner.
29. Berry faux wrap in petite
The look: A berry jersey floor-length gown with a faux-wrap V-neck bodice and long sleeves, nude pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a gold clutch and gold drop earrings.
Where to find it: Mac Duggal Petite Faux Wrap Long Sleeve Gown, $398, petite 2 to 14 (last listed 2024, so check stock).
A faux wrap gives you a waist without a belt, and the petite cut means no huge alterations bill.
30. Dark green organza under $100
The look: A dark green pleated organza sleeveless maxi dress with a V-neck and a drop waist, a black velvet cropped jacket, gold sandals with a 2-inch block heel, a gold clutch and gold statement earrings.
Where to find it: Lulus Zeline Dark Green Organza Pleated Drop Waist Maxi, $99, sizes XS to XL.
Organza has body without weight. A velvet jacket makes it right for a fall evening.
Winter (outfits 31 to 33)
31. Blue velvet off the shoulder
The look: A blue velvet floor-length fit-and-flare gown with an off-shoulder neckline and long sleeves, silver pumps with a 2.5-inch block heel, a silver-grey faux fur stole, a silver clutch and diamante chandelier earrings.
Where to find it: Alex Evenings Off-the-Shoulder Velvet Fit and Flare Gown, $249, sizes 6 to 20 (last listed 2024, so check stock).
Velvet and long sleeves are what a winter wedding asks for. My winter wedding ideas post has the rest of the cold weather details.
32. Emerald embroidered velvet
The look: An emerald velvet floor-length A-line dress with a round neck, short sleeves and embroidery, a black wool dress coat, black velvet pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a black velvet clutch and pearl drop earrings.
Where to find it: Oleg Cassini Short Sleeve Velvet Embroidery A-Line Dress, $300, sizes 2 to 24 (last listed 2024, so check stock).
Emerald velvet with pearls feels like a holiday party in the best way. A proper wool dress coat matters for the photos outside.
33. Black beaded with sheer sleeves
The look: A black floor-length gown with a boat neck, beaded floral sequin design and sheer illusion long sleeves, a camel wool dress coat, black suede pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a black satin clutch and small diamond studs.
Where to find it: Adrianna Papell Floral Beaded Dress with Sheer Long Sleeves, $349, sizes 0 to 20 (last listed 2024, so check stock).
Sheer sleeves solve the church question in winter. Some Southern families still find black too sombre, so ask first.
Church and jacket dresses (outfits 34 to 37)
34. Navy sequin midi with a jacket
The look: A navy sequin A-line midi dress with a scoop neck and a matching cropped long-sleeve sequin jacket, silver pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a silver clutch and pearl studs.
Where to find it: Alex Evenings Sequin A-Line Midi Dress and Jacket, $229, sizes 6 to 18.
The jacket stays on in church and comes off for dancing. That’s two outfits for one price.
35. Navy draped column with a bolero
The look: A navy sleeveless draped floor-length column gown with a matching three-quarter-sleeve bolero, nude pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a silver clutch and crystal drop earrings.
Where to find it: Alex Evenings Draped Column Gown with Bolero Jacket, $199, petite 6 to 16 (last listed 2024, so check stock).
A petite column means the drape sits where it should. The bolero covers you for church and keeps you cool later.
36. Teal beaded mesh boat neck
The look: A teal sapphire beaded mesh floor-length gown with a boat neck and elbow-length sleeves, silver pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a silver clutch and small diamond studs.
Where to find it: Adrianna Papell Petite Floral Beaded Mesh Boat Neck Gown at Dillard’s, $299, petite 4 to 16 (last listed 2024, so check stock).
Elbow sleeves and a boat neck are right for any church. Teal is a good choice when navy feels too expected.
37. Plum beaded godet
The look: A plum floor-length gown with a V-neck, short sleeves, hand-beaded floral appliques and a godet skirt, nude pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a plum chiffon stole, a gold clutch and amethyst-tone drop earrings.
Where to find it: Adrianna Papell Hand Beaded Short Sleeve Floral Godet Gown, $379, sizes 14 to 26 (last listed 2024, so check stock).
Godet panels give the skirt movement from the knee down. Plum is one of the richest colours a mother can wear.
Pantsuits and jumpsuits (outfits 38 to 42)
38. Dusty blue chiffon pantsuit
The look: A dusty blue chiffon pantsuit of a sleeveless shell, wide-leg trousers and a sheer long-sleeve illusion jacket with embroidered trim, silver pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a silver clutch and pearl drop earrings.
Where to find it: Oleg Cassini Chiffon Pantsuit with Illusion Jacket, style D40WBM5362, at David’s Bridal, about $140 to $250 (check the exact price).
A chiffon pantsuit moves like a gown and lets you sit, dance and climb steps without thinking about a hem.
39. Navy sequin lace pantsuit
The look: A navy sequin-lace long-sleeve tunic over wide navy chiffon trousers, navy suede court shoes with a 2-inch block heel, a silver clutch and crystal studs.
Where to find it: Oleg Cassini Sequin Lace Chiffon Pantsuit, style D40WBM5363, at David’s Bridal, about $140 to $250.
The tunic covers the hips and the arms, and the sequin lace dresses it up for evening.
40. Black sequin halter jumpsuit
The look: A black sequin floor-length halter jumpsuit with a wide leg, a black crepe tuxedo blazer, black satin pumps with a 2.5-inch block heel, a black satin clutch and gold drop earrings.
Where to find it: Mac Duggal Sequin Halter Wide Leg Jumpsuit at Nordstrom, $398.
Adrianna Papell calls the jumpsuit one of the most comfortable choices for a mother, and this one is formal enough for black tie.
41. Navy beaded jumpsuit with a scarf
The look: A navy sleeveless wide-leg jumpsuit with a beaded bodice and a matching scarf draped over the shoulders, silver sandals with a 2-inch block heel, a silver clutch and small pearl studs.
Where to find it: Oleg Cassini Beaded Bodice Jumpsuit with Matching Scarf, style WGIN1853C, at David’s Bridal, about $140 to $250.
The matching scarf covers your shoulders in church and doubles as a wrap later on.
42. Sage silk blouse and wide trousers
The look: A sage silk crepe de chine long-sleeve pussy-bow blouse, matching high-waisted wide-leg sage crepe trousers, a sage collarless longline jacket, nude suede pointed pumps with a 2-inch block heel, a gold structured mini top-handle bag, a gold-and-pearl brooch on the lapel and pearl studs.
Where to find it: Build it from separates: a silk pussy-bow blouse, wide trousers and a longline jacket in one shade.
House of Colour says relaxed tailoring is taking over from the matching hat and jacket, and I’ve seen it at my own weddings. One brooch is all the jewellery this needs.
Plus-size, petite and budget picks
Plus size. ELOQUII goes to size 32. Azazie and AW Bridal run to 30 with custom sizing, and Tadashi Shoji, Mac Duggal and Adrianna Papell all have plus lines to 24 or 26. Outfits 3, 7, 8, 14, 18, 22, 26, 32, 37, 39 and 41 are shown on plus-size women.
Petite. Look at outfits 28, 29, 35 and 36. J.Crew also cuts the Natasha slip in petite.
Under $200. Lulus at $79 and $99, AW Bridal at $110, Azazie from $139 to $169, ELOQUII at $180 and Alex Evenings at $199. David’s Bridal pantsuits run about $140 to $250.
Renting. Rent the Runway is an option for a gown you’ll wear once, though it only lists membership pricing (from $129 a month), so compare that with buying.
Where I’d start
Call the bride’s mother this week. Then, if the wedding is in the evening, look at a navy or jewel-toned column with a cape or sleeves, and buy a 2-inch block heel in nude or metallic. For a daytime or outdoor wedding, a midi in sage, dusty blue or a print will carry you through. Send your three favourites to the couple, and let them choose.
With love,
Laura Everly Sterling, Glimmering Events
