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- Wedding Guest Attire
You're entering your mother-of-the-bride era and we're here for it. We're firm believers in comfort being key on the big day, and that's particularly true for moms. Your role is what makes everything possible—so feeling your best from the toasts to the last dance is a non-negotiable. While you're making sure the day runs smoothly to support the bride however she needs, we're here to make sure you find a dress that supports you however you need. The perfect dress will be your MVP to wedding-day success. To help, we spoke to fashion industry experts and researched plus-size mother-of-the-bride dresses in a range of styles, materials, and silhouettes. We made our final selection based on design, construction, quality of materials, and price point. Read on for the best plus-size mother of the bride dresses. Our Top Picks Best with Jacket: Best Ruched: Best Long Sleeve: In This Article Our Picks What to Look For FAQ This charming number has the perfect amount of mesh and floral details. We’re absolutely loving the embroidery, the fact that it’s fully lined, and the darling illusion neckline. Wear this ensemble to summer and winter weddings alike. Size Range: 0-16 | Colors: Bluebell, Navy Multi | Material: Nylon Classy and elegant, this golden beauty comes with a cowl neck and a deconstructed corset detail along the waistline that not only cinches the silhouette but adds a unique design element. This soft-to-the-touch fabric is also fully lined and sure to keep you comfortable all night. Size Range: 0-18 | Colors: Gold | Material: Polyester Make a statement with this vibrant emerald fit-and-flare midi-dress. The ruffles on the front, while prominent, are still trendy and elegant. The dress comes with an invisible back zipper, a flattering waistband, and an impressive full skirt. The only thing you'll be worried about in this dress is looking too good. Size Range: 2-16 | Colors: Emerald | Material: Polyester We’re obsessed with the glittery top and matte bottom contrast that this dress brings. It pairs perfectly with a structured yet adorable mandarin neck jacket. The skirt is exceptionally flowy for extra flexibility and the entire ensemble offers just the right amount of coverage. Size Range: 10-18 | Colors: 4 | Material: Glitter Knit Fabric There are few things better than feeling perfectly comfortable on a warm summer day. Throw on this bright and light number for the perfect summer wedding look. If the wrap detailing, surplice V-neckline, and three-quarter bell sleeves don’t win you over, it's lightweight nature and high-low cut definitely will. Size Range: 14-26 | Colors: Pink, Blue | Material: Polyester We are loving the asymmetrical sleeves and front slit on this vintage-inspired number. The design is perfectly dainty and sweet, while the waist-tie is made to be adjustable for a tight or loose fit. Throw on this V-neck beauty and hit the dance floor all night long, comfortably. Size Range: 1X-3X | Colors: Chianti | Material: Viscose If you’re planning a winter wedding, this ruched beauty is the perfect option. Not only does it have a floor-length skirt and a unique design, but its sleeves aren't too overbearing and are easy to layer with. Did we mention it comes in several gorgeous winter hues? Size Range: 6-26 Plus | Colors: 42 | Material: Chiffon If you're not into the idea of a long gown, this midi is a solid option for a summertime wedding. We're obsessed with the draping and bateau neck that gives it extra shape and drama (the good kind). We also think you'll love the cap sleeves and asymmetrical hem. Size Range: 2-14 | Colors: Rosewood | Material: Polyester The button long sleeves on this versatile number give off a flowy and ethereal vibe. We're also loving the V-neck cut and the adjustable waistband. Not feeling the cinched waist look? No problem—the waist tie is removable. Plus, it's made with a lightweight fabric so you can wear this on warmer days or layer it with a shawl on cooler nights. Size Range: 0-30 | Colors: 6 | Material: Polyester Although loose fitting, this dress has a beautiful silhouette that will undoubtedly flatter your shape. Cinched in the middle and exposing only a tasteful amount of shoulder, it offers an elegant and comfortable look. Size Range: XS-4X | Colors: 15 | Material: Polyester and Spandex A spring wedding calls for something that’s not too bright, not too dull, and weather appropriate. Made with sequin detailing, an embroidered fit, and trumpet design, this dress screams spring in the best way. It also has a zipper closure and cap sleeves for a more flexible fit. Size Range: 6-16 | Colors: 4 | Material: Polyester Here's another great midi choice—this above-the-knee dress is perfect for the big day. Although it’s on the shorter side, the looser fit and polyester lining allow for enough flexibility to move around comfortably. Plus, the scallop detailing and sequin jacket effortlessly complete this look. Size Range: 6-18 | Colors: 16 | Material: Polyester and Spandex If sleeves seem too constricting for the big day, this sleeveless beauty is a perfect flowy option. We’re absolutely loving the flattering cowl neckline, the subtle high-low skirt, and obviously, the complementary shawl. Size Range: 6-18 | Colors: 4 | Material: Polyester Modest is never synonymous with boring. This floor-length gown is made with a glitter knit fabric that brings shine to your look and a back slit that adds a chic, modern touch. Size Range: 2-14 | Colors: Charcoal, Navy, Plum | Material: Polyester We’re loving everything about this classy dress, from the high V-neckline and ruffle sleeves to the perfect high-low skirt with beautiful lace detailing. What really brings it home is the wide range of colors and sizes available, and the fact that you can customize it to your measurements by adjusting the back corset for your perfect fit. Size Range: 2-26 | Colors: 30 | Material: Chiffon This gown's sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves are sure to impress. Made with a delicate side draping on a pleated bodice, as well as a zipper-closure and full lining, this number is the epitome of elegance and comfort. Size Range: 2-14 | Colors: Lavender Haze, Dutsy Blue, Gem | Material: Polyester We would be willing to bet that it’s impossible to feel constricted in this dress. Feel the breeze or dance your heart out in this chiffon beauty that comes in a number of beautiful hues. The look is made complete with an asymmetrical cut and elegant ruffle sleeves. Remember to check the size chart as this dress is not stretchy, according to the brand. Size Range: 6-30 | Colors: 10 | Material: Polyester Sometimes, the shawl is the look. Embody elegance in this chiffon gown that delicately drapes over your shoulders, arms, and back. This beautiful gown comes in a wide range of vibrant hues and sizes, too. Size Range: 2-26 Plus | Colors: 35 | Material: Chiffon FAQ What dress styles are best for plus-size women? According to Mateene, some of the best plus-size options include A-line, wrap, and fit and flare dresses. “A-line dresses are fitted at the waist and gradually flare out, creating a balanced silhouette that skims over curves," she says. "With a wrap-around design that cinches at the waist, these dresses enhance curves while offering adjustability for a perfect fit. Fit and flare dresses are fitted at the top and flare out from the waist, accentuating the waistline and providing a balanced look.” Does the color and style of the mother-of-the-bride dress matter? “When selecting a plus-size wedding dress as the mother of the bride, consider the wedding's dress code, color palette, and location,” says Mateene. It’s important to keep in mind the overall theme of the wedding. If you have any questions or doubts about your dress choice, check in with the bride for final approval. Can the bride decide what the mother of the bride wears? While there are no hard and fast rules, the bride typically weighs in on color and style. Ultimately, it is up to the mother to decide on the final look, although every wedding is different. How much should I spend on a mother-of-the-bride dress? Whether you’re going high-end or affordable, the typical price range tends to be anywhere from $50 to $500 for mother-of-the-bride dresses. You can take the size and budget of the overall wedding into account when determining your spending budget. Avid coffee drinker, writer, and dabbler in UX, Dagmara Cintron is an NYC native living in Los Angeles. She covers fashion, local LA, and rising Latina women stories across other platforms. She obtained her Fashion Marketing degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and is also a copywriter in the fashion industry. For this article, she spoke with fashion industry experts for their best tips and insight: 19 Getting Ready Outfits for the Mother-of-the-Bride She’ll Absolutely Adore Best Neckline
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