5 Mother of the Bride Dresses and Jewelry Pieces for a Timelessly Elegant Look
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Your daughter is getting married and you couldn’t be more excited about the big event ahead. From helping her find the right venue to sorting out the wedding guest list, there’s a lot on your plate – but one aspect you should definitely not overlook is your own wedding-ready ensemble. Insert: the hunt for mother of the bride dresses!
When on the lookout for mother of the bride dresses, there are many things to consider – and the first one on the list is the type of wedding your daughter is having. Fun and relaxed? Then a flouncy shift it is! Elegant and sophisticated? Then opt for a gown in a darker, rich hue. Summer wedding? Embrace lighter tones – and save the less bright alternatives for a late fall or cold season event. Next, you want to opt for a flattering silhouette that is tailored to perfection. Style tip: if you don’t get the perfect fit right off the bat, opting for a few custom adjustments can make a world of difference. Thirdly, taking the style of the dress into account, you’ll want to perfect the look with the right fine jewelry – all in the name of utter elegance.
From frilly to minimalistic and refined and from sparkly to velvety, the plethora of mother of the bride dresses on the market is definitely overwhelming. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a quick guide featuring five dress and jewelry options for different types of events, meant to help you tackle this style challenge.
Your daughter decided to opt for an elegant, evening affair. If so, darker tones are always appropriate, regardless of the season. Take the universally-flattering route by opting for a rich jewel tone – one of the most popular choices when on the lookout for mother of the bride dresses. From garnets to sapphire and emeralds, the possibilities are all tempting – not to mention flattering for all skin tones. Paired with dark gems like black Tahitian pearls in white gold settings, plus a matching mini-clutch and dark strappy heels, the timelessly elegant look is complete.
The Dress: The Bow One-Shoulder Velvet Gown
If you are looking for a dress that accentuates your hourglass silhouette without being too form-fitting or clingy, then this sophisticated gown from Nordstrom is a stunning choice. And, bonus points: if you’re planning on dancing the night away, the flared cut of this A-line silhouette will allow you to move as desired.
The Fit: A-line, with neckline asymmetry
The Shade: dark, rich Hunter green
Suitable for: elegant, sophisticated weddings
Wear it at: fall weddings, evening events
The Jewelry: The Tahitian South Sea Pearl & Diamond Swirl Earrings & The 11-12mm Tahitian South Sea Pearl Bracelet
You simply can’t go wrong with pearls – especially if you are attending your daughter’s wedding. If your goal is achieving a timelessly elegant look, yet aren’t too keen on the classic, preppy-like crisp white pearls, then this look comes with a welcomed alternative. Discover stunning Tahitian South Sea pearls, under the shape of earrings and a matching bracelet. Channeling the shades of the dress in their many overtones, these diamond swirl earrings are a perfect on-tone match. In addition, the many iridescent hues of the bracelet (from steel to blue-green and peacock) perfectly complement the rich, refined, yet fresh look.
As one of the most sought-after types of pearls in the world, Tahitian South Sea Pearls make excellent choices for special occasions, including anniversaries, birthday celebrations and weddings. With their impressive range of overtones that all provide mesmerizing iridescence, Tahitian Pearls are eye-catching and enigmatic from every angle and in any light.
Summery or spring-like, adorned with florals, yet lacking the pigment in favor of sophisticated shades of silver. If you are hunting mother of the bride dresses that come with a touch of shimmer, cloud silver hues are one of the most versatile choices out there. And when you can complete the look with a radiant pearl necklace in matching tones, the outfit simply radiates elegance, refined glamour and timeless feminine vibes.
The Dress: The Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Short-Sleeve 3D Floral-Embroidered Jacquard A-Line Dress
If a feminine silhouette in a luxurious fabric sounds like the ensemble you’re envisioning for your daughter’s wedding, this Rickie Freeman frock is a great candidate. With its crew neckline, cap sleeves and knee-length design, this darling floral frock channels the distinctive glam of the 50’s, with its retro-gone-modern silhouette in a subtle fit & flare cut.
The Fit: 50’s-inspired fit and flare (A-line with ample skirt)
The Shade: cloud silver with embroidered grey flowers
Suitable for: spring and summer weddings
Wear it at: garden weddings, daytime weddings
The Jewelry: The 11-13mm Silver Tahitian South Sea Pearl Necklace
Pair this floral frock with an on-tone matching pearl necklace – and opt for a choker length in order to perfectly complement the crew neckline of the dress. Featuring large pearls raging in size from 11mm to 13 mm, this lustrous necklace can be customized with your choice of fine clasp, which allows you to easily match the design with other pieces of jewelry.
Channeling a vintage look with bohemian flair, this pink-infused mother of the bride look could not be more charming. Moreover, if you are on the lookout for a summer dress that forgoes the florals and the print in favor of some truly stunning bead detailing, then this mother of the bride dress is one to watch. Accessorized with dainty Freshwater pearls in pink (or, alternatively, with iridescent mother of pearl) that perfectly resonate with the mauve shade of the flouncy frock, this look captures old-school flair to perfection, with a subtle roaring 20’s vibe that perfectly works in a boho-inspired setting.
The Dress: The Beaded Short Sleeve Column Gown
With its intricate tapestry of metallic beading in silvery shades, this mother of the bride dress definitely brings on the sparkle. Complete the look with a pair of strappy heeled sandals, dainty Freshwater pearls and loose curls for a perfect merger between vintage and modern.
The Fit: shift silhouette in plus-sizes
The Shade: dusty mauve with silver bead embellishments
Suitable for: summer weddings
Wear it at: beach weddings, bohemian weddings, vintage-chic receptions
The Jewelry: The 13mm Pink Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings & The Pink Freshwater Pearl & Diamond Heart Shaped Pendant
Celebrate the love with a few jewelry pieces in pink shades, featuring radiant pearls and the finest gold finishes. If you are attending a relaxed summer wedding, a beach wedding or an event with a vintage-chic theme, take a more relaxed approach when choosing your jewelry pieces. Opt for a pearl pendant necklace instead of a pearl strand if you are attending a more casual affair and choose alternative gemstone shades instead of the classics. A classic pair of pearl studs in a unique shade is the perfect choice for this mother of the bride look, complete with a matching heart-shaped pendant adorned with twinkling diamonds.
Whites are classics, blacks are mysterious and goldens are glam – but few shades of pearls carry the delicate beauty of Pink Pearls. Add timelessly feminine allure to any outfit, be it a daytime or nighttime look with the help of gorgeous Pink Pearl Jewelry in shades of dusty rose, pastel pink and peachy undertones.
If you are looking for form-fitted mother of the bride dresses, one of the most flattering and elegant choices out there is the mermaid silhouette. When you’re fabulously wearing a princess neckline gown, opting for a necklace that follows the same outline as the dress is a very flattering choice. With that in mind, this lace-galore burgundy number works best with a drop pendant necklace, such as this Tahitian South Sea Pearl Diamond beauty. To complete the look, opt for same-tone pearl earrings, adorned with lustrous diamonds.
The Dress: The JS Collections Scalloped Lace Cap Sleeve Gown
A rich jewel tone is one of the most popular color choices for mother of the brides aiming to exude nothing less but timeless elegance while attending a sophisticated event. And this garnet-colored lace gown definitely carries a refined, polished allure. Following a mermaid silhouette that accents your curves, this scalloped lace cap sleeve dress works best in a glamorous setting, be it a chic wedding venue, a nighttime event or a black tie affair.
The Fit: mermaid silhouette with cap sleeves and princess neckline
The Shade: jewel tone burgundy
Suitable for: fall or winter weddings
Wear it at: a nighttime affair, evening wedding
The Jewelry: The Tahitian South Sea Pearl & Diamond Faye Earrings & The Tahitian South Sea Pearl Diamond Triple Pearl Irene Pendant
A glamorous dress deserves matching fine jewelry like Tahitian pearls in dark and rich tones, which is why this pair of pearl jewelry pieces is the perfect match. Discover the beauty of mysterious Tahitian South Sea Pearls by opting for a drop pendant necklace in three different overtones ranging from purple to peacock and a matching pair of earrings that bring on the iridescence.
For a classy event to remember, follow this simple recipe: borrow Audrey Hepburn’s timelessly chic elegance! How exactly? With the right retro-inspired dress, of course – plus the perfect jewelry to match. Our 50’s inspired frock of choice is destined to a fabulous night, spent creating memories with the ones you love most – and what better occasion to do that than at your daughter’s wedding? If you are truly committed to the idea of a look you’ll love even 20 years from now (without any fashion regrets when looking back at pictures), then this mother of the bride ensemble was designed for you.
The Dress: The Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Jacquard Tea-Length Dress
Posh, chic, refined. In other words, Audrey’s go-to silhouette that comes in a tea-length cut, with an ample bottom half and a form-fitted bodice, plus a feminine boat neckline. While black might not be the go-to choice for weddings, this darling frock comes with floral embroideries in dark red wine hues, which makes the dress a great elegant choice for nighttime or cocktail-type weddings. Save this dress for a posh event where black tie is the dress code and celebrate your daughter’s big day (or big night) in style while accessorizing this fit & flare number with ultra-lustrous jewelry pieces.
The Fit: ample cut fit & flare
The Shade: black, with shimmery wine-colored embroidery
Suitable for: fall and winter weddings, cocktail-type weddings
Wear it at: sophisticated events, posh venues
The Jewelry: The Triple Strand White Akoya Pearl Necklace & The Akoya Pearl & Diamond Solar Ring
You can’t channel a Breakfast at Tiffany’s-inspired look without the mandatory pearl jewelry featuring Akoya pearls – and, more precisely, without a three-layer pearl necklace. When opting for a timelessly elegant 50’s-like silhouette in black, the go-to jewelry choice is no other than classic white pearls. Our picks: this stunning three-strand necklace featuring Akoya pearls and a matching white pearl ring that comes enriched with twinkling diamonds. Not pictured: the mandatory pair of classic black stiletto pumps to complete the sophisticated mother of the bride look.
If you love the idea of avoiding the hassle of perfectly matching your jewelry pieces, here’s a simple tip: opt for radiant Pearl Jewelry Sets. If you are all about a classic look and know that you simply can’t go wrong when opting for timeless white pearls, elevate your jewelry collection with stunning white Akoya Pearl Jewelry Sets featuring earrings, pearl bracelets and necklaces.
And there you have it: your go-to mini guide on picking out the perfect mother of the bride dresses and jewelry pieces, according to the type of event you’re attending. Whether your choice is form-fitted in bold red or sophisticated and reminiscent of old-school glam, the verdict is in: every frock out there looks ten times more fabulous when accessorized with the perfect pearl jewelry pieces.
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Content Writer and Editor at The Pearl Source
Carla Jonas is a content writer and editor at leading pearl retailer The Pearl Source. Passionate about everything jewelry, décor and fashion-related, Carla is ready to bring you the latest on what to wear, hot trends, style tips and more.
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