Julie Facey
For many mothers of the bride or groom, deciding on the perfect outfit for the day they’ve always dreamed about is no easy feat. In fact research shows that on average mothers take 6 days longer choosing their wedding outfits than the brides themselves! If you’re daunted about getting it right for your son or daughter’s special occasion, never fear - we’ve put together some expert tips to help you assemble a practical yet splendidly stylish MOB wedding outfit.
Firstly, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t pick something you’d love to wear again. Although you may take cues from the bride and the wedding theme, a mother of the bride or groom should be free bring her own unique style and flair to her wedding ensemble. Steer clear of setting out to match the bridesmaids; your outfit should even help to distinguish you from the other ladies at the party. Instead, choose items that will co-ordinate nicely whilst making you feel confident and fabulous in your look.
The sophisticated knee-length dress is the perfect option for the MOB as it won’t be seen as inappropriate or frumpy. The knee-length dress is extremely versatile; you can choose fabrics from luxurious silks in a stunning array of colours to elegant crepes in pretty pastel prints and bolder, bright shades.
When looking at the right colours, take your complexion into account - avoid reds, pinks and oranges if you’re prone to flushing and choose cooler tones like blue and green. Though white and black are traditionally avoided, a monochrome outfit can be timelessly elegant. Soft pastel shades, champagnes, pale pinks and powder blues, are the favourite for rural weddings and bright occasions.
Right now, we’re offering huge reductions on a range of dresses in our Mother of the Bride summer collections – visit the Charisma Fashions website for more information.
Teaming your dress with a chic jacket is an ideal cover-up for the changing weather and will take you through to the evening. If you’re wearing florals, a printed dress or lace, opt for a plain jacket that will complement your look. This co-ordinating jacket from Condici works brilliantly to contrast with the bold pinks of the dress and completes a lovely statement outfit.
A beautifully soft, refined hair style will let your outfit do the talking whilst adding glamour to your overall look. A tasteful updo can be enhanced with a classic hat, with floral or bow detailing. A slightly asymmetric hat or fascinator is flattering for most face shapes and will make it easier to do all that kissing!
For that truly memorable MOB outfit, it’s all about the small details. A matching clutch is always a glamorous option and can be embellished for that extra opulence. Accessories can really add status to your look – choose from gloves, and delicate jewellery. Remember not to go overboard with the accessorising however, carefully choose what you wear and keep your outfit looking effortless.
To complete your look you’ll need to accessorise with a comfortable pair of shoes which will see you through the day. However, this doesn’t mean that they can’t be stylish – opt for co-ordinating or neutral coloured shoes and you can get slightly platformed ones if you’re not usually comfortable in heels.
Charisma Fashions is a specialist Mother of the Bride and wedding outfit boutique, with a range of designer labels in in sizes 8 to 28. To see their complete collections and get up to 75% off on their summer sale range, why not visit their Fawley or Cowes stores? Or simply call 02380 894 500 to find out more.
