No one ever talks about just how hard finding a mother-of-bride outfit really is. For many ‘MOTB’s’, choosing what to wear on their daughter’s big day feels monumental – but there are so many rules. Black – a go-to colour for many women over the age of 50 – is a big no-no (unless it’s a black tie wedding, of course). And it goes without saying that white is usually forbidden too. Choose something from a high-street label and, chances are, another guest might turn up in the same thing. And whilst your daughter’s wedding is a big day, the focus is rightly on the bride herself, so you have to carefully balance finding an outfit that stands out and says ‘hey, I’m rather important’, but doesn’t stand out too much. So where exactly do you shop for a mother-of-the-bride outfit?
Enter Favourbrook – the go-to shopping destination for mothers of the bride looking for a classic, formal look with a modern twist.
The look:
While Favourbrook might be best known as a formal menswear brand – perfect for grooms and those attending Royal Ascot – Favourbrook isn’t just morning suits,, waistcoats and dress shirts. From Italian silk cocktail dresses to intricately embroidered and embellished coats and jackets, their womenswear range is equally as creative, classic and elegant – and ideal for any mother of the bride who doesn’t want to turn up to their daughter’s wedding accidentally matching another guest!
Favourbrook is all about celebrating both tradition and individual style. They specialise in beautiful crease-resistant linen, organza and silk jackets, and dresses in perennial silhouettes with a close, tailored fit.
A snapshot of the space:
Originally situated in the Piccadilly Arcade, in 2017 Favourbrook moved their flagship store to a bigger space on Pall Mall. Light and airy, as you step through the door, you’ll be greeted by a sense of openness, since the high ceilings give the space an expansive feel, allowing natural light to spill into the room. The walls are painted in a soft shade of pink, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Who is dressing you:
Favourbrook’s General Manager, Theresa, is the face and backbone of Favourbrook womenswear and knows each piece in the collection like the back of her hand. Theresa will help guide you through every style with as much – or as little – hands-on advice as you’d like. Consider her your personal shopping assistant and all-round expert on the rules around wedding dressing. She’s helped hundreds of women decide what to wear for Ascot, countryside weddings, evening do’s and destination weddings.
The experience:
There are no appointments at Favourbrook – you simply show up whenever best suits you. “We often find the women coming to shop here are extremely busy and don’t want to be rushing around from appointment to appointment,” Theresa tells us. “So we have an open door policy, with no set appointment times and no need to rush.” And if you turn up and find it’s too busy? “Then just pop to Fortnums and come back 15 minutes later,” she adds.
The collections:
Favourbrook has two main collections, Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter. SS24 has just landed in store, and features bold prints, warm tones, elegant silks, and decadent embroidery – perfect for Baby Boomer and Gen X women who just don’t relate to the old-school fade-into-the-background archetype of the mother of the bride.
Expect lightweight and breathable materials in pastel hues including soft lilacs, lemon yellow and cornflower blues. Their daughter’s wedding can be a very long day for mothers of the bride, so comfort is key – you want to feel as if you could stay in the look for days. The dresses often stick to A-line skirt shapes (great for dancing in the evening), but it’s the jackets which really set Favourbrook apart from other brands. Each pattern is only made in one size per colour – so no chance of accidentally twinning – and is completely unique. From scalloped edge hems and floral motifs to vibrant silk organza – each coat manages to strike the balance between sophistication and fun.
The extras:
As well as dresses, jumpsuits and jackets, Favourbrook also sells hats and Alice bands from London-based Atelier Millinery which have all been designed to coordinate with the formalwear at Favourbrook. From classic Dior-esque New Look sinamay shapes to straw boaters and silk covered saucers, you can try on the hats to compliment each look and see how it all ties together.
The budget:
Dresses start from £690 and go to £1,050, while jackets start from around £890. It’s worth noting that Favourbrook offer an alteration service in store, for any bespoke tweaks.
The need to knows:
Favourbrook, 17 Pall Mall, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5LU; Tel: 020 7493 5060; favourbrook.com; Instagram: @favourbrook
Your 15-second sneak peek inside…
What’s the first thing you’ll notice? The relaxed open space, with a mixture of colours from each side of the room calling to you.
You’re sitting on: A velvet-covered ottoman.
You’re drinking: A takeaway flat white from next-door’s Wrights of London coffee shop.
The view from the inside out: Looking out through the glass fronted shop window, you’ll see the grand entrances to Pall Mall’s renowned members clubs across the road.
Most likely to overhear someone say? ‘Do you have a hat that will match this coat?’
Forget the dresses, I’ll take the tailored jumpsuit.
Nothing says Favourbrook quite like one of a kind pieces that will continue to live in your wardrobe beyond the wedding.
You had me at the feel of the Italian silk – it’s so light!
Related Article: The Chicest Mother Of The Bride Outfits
