Wedding fashion has never been so prevalent, with many of the more traditional looks being a thing of the past. For many, navigating what to wear as the mother of the bride is something of a minefield, and the once fuddy-duddy phrase connotes a whole new meaning of chic. Once the bride has selected her dream wedding dress, and bridesmaids’ colour – or theme – is confirmed, it’s time to look at what’s en vogue for a knock-out mother of the bride outfit. Traditionally, the mother of the bride outfit would match the bridesmaid and flower girl dresses but as weddings have evolved, this definitely isn’t the case. Today, we are seeing statement looks, modern twists on the two-piece suit, flattering dress silhouettes and striking head pieces to complement these designs. In this edit, we select the top brands for mother of the bride outfits for the upcoming wedding season.
Caroline Charles
Fashion designer, Caroline Charles (OBE) has reached a big milestone as she celebrates 60 years of dressing the world’s most elite. From royals, such as the late Princess Diana, to actors Helen Mirren and Emma Thompson to red carpet a-listers such as Mick Jagger – she has been the go-to. Today, the brand is still independently owned and operated, with a focus on British and European fabrics, meticulous attention to detail and the highest-quality craftsmanship. The latest AW24 collection reinvents the brand’s timeless silhouettes in a contemporary style, with the luxurious, statement fabrics and monochromatic looks that lend themselves for an evening soiree. Caroline is renowned for celebrating ‘The English Woman’, making her a fabulous go-to for many confident mother of the brides.
Shop here: www.carolinecharles.co.uk
Favourbrook Womenswear
Favourbrook is steeped in heritage and is arguably best known as a formal menswear brand – perfect for grooms and those attending Royal Ascot – however, Favourbrook isn’t just morning suits, waistcoats and dress shirts. From Italian silk cocktail dresses to intricately embroidered and embellished coats and jackets, its 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. The brand specialises in beautiful crease-resistant linen, organza and silk jackets, and dresses in perennial silhouettes with a close, tailored fit. Originally situated in the Piccadilly Arcade, in 2017 Favourbrook moved its flagship store to a bigger space on Pall Mall. There are no appointments at Favourbrook – you simply show up whenever best suits you to try on the latest collection.
Shop here: favourbrook.com
Gill Harvey At Eliza Jane Howell
Gill Harvey and Andrea Cutts established the bridal brand, Eliza Jane Howell, and this was closely followed by the inception of Gill Harvey Collection. The latter was born out of the duo’s desire to redefine occasion wear for the modern day woman and mother of the bride, all whilst retaining a sense of history via ancient beading techniques and vintage silhouettes. Today, Gill’s legacy and vision is continued by her protegé, designer Catherine Fisher, Andrea and the team at Eliza Jane Howell in London’s Connaught Village. As boutiques go, the Eliza Jane Howell flagship on Connaught Street needs to be seen to be believed. Filled with sequins, beads and feathers at every turn, it is a kaleidoscopic feast for the eyes and offers both bespoke, made-to-measure gowns and ready-to-wear designs off the peg. Size-inclusive, Eliza Jane Howell also stocks sizes 8 to 26. No matter your shape nor size, Andrea has a special knack for making a woman feel a million dollars and can tailor every detail and design to your desire should you wish you to marry the pattern of one dress with the colourway of another.Â
Shop here: gillharvey.com
Lalage Beaumont
Luxury British designer brand, Lalage Beaumont, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this winter. It’s known for its exquisite women’s ready-to-wear, demi-couture clothing and timeless, structured handbags. The brand offers iconic silhouettes made from the finest European fabrics, every look oozes sophistication with unbeatable tailoring. Lalage Beaumont’s AW 24/25 collection features opulent dress coats, dresses and suits, brimming with stylish looks for all events. Pieces are cleverly designed to deal with the vagaries of the Great British weather as well as chilly and draughty churches and venues, think velvets, rich silk brocades and textured tweeds. Lalage Beaumont is the master of layering in style, with many of the mother of the bride looks working for day and night, easily transformed by removing a coat to reveal a fabulous party outfit. These items are also guaranteed to become wardrobe staples, which you will wear time and time again.  Â
Shop here: lalagebeaumont.com
Sassi Holford
Sassi Holford is best known for her iconic couture bridal gowns, however, the award-winning British designer has also been creating timeless occasionwear for forty years. Sassi Holford’s elegant styles have been spotted many times on royalty and a-listers, and the brand is a go-to for many women all over the world. Sassi is known to have an instinctive eye for detail, which results in the famous cut and the most incredible fit alongside the effortless style that makes her label so unique. Behind the scenes, there is a long-standing team of exceptional staff, including her head seamstress who has been with the brand for over thirty years. Sassi Holford’s HQ is in Somerset, and there are two boutiques in London.
Shop here: sassiholford.com
Suzannah London
For over two decades, British designer Suzannah London has created elegant womenswear collections, featuring the most feminine dresses. Made from innovative fabrics and the most flattering silhouettes, the designs are timeless, meaning you will wear again and again. For mother of the bride, there are coats, dresses and separates, all incredibly versatile, designed to work from ceremony through to evening. There is a made-to-order and custom service, with a vast choice of bespoke colourways and fabrics. Mother of the brides can head into the London boutique or book a virtual appointment for convenience.
Shop here: www.suzannah.com
NEXT READ: The Chicest Mother Of The Bride Outfits
