Can the Mother of the Bride Wear Pants?
Hi Deborah,
Can the Mother of the Bride wear pants? My daughter is getting married soon, and I wonder if Mother of the Bride pantsuits are acceptable and stylish. Can you help? Thanks, Beth.
Hi Beth,
Congratulations Mother of the Bride! While most moms wear dresses, wearing pants is also perfectly fine. There are many reasons why some women prefer pants. For example, they may not feel comfortable showing their legs, or they may not want to feel cold. Others find pants comfier than dresses, and some say pants are just more their style.
Whatever the case, pants are an appropriate and stylish option for the Mother of the Bride (or Groom). Just make sure they are soft, relaxed dressy evening pants. Let’s look at four options.
Three-Piece Mother of the Bride Pantsuits
Most weddings are dressy and elegant, so a formal mother-of-the-bride pantsuit is your best choice if you wear pants. Dressy MOB/MOG pantsuits have the look and feel of cocktail wear. They’re soft and flowy like an evening dress and are made of light, drapey fabrics like silk, chiffon, jersey nylon, and polyester.
Three-piece formal pantsuits are most popular for the Mother of the Bride or Groom. They consist of flowy pants – wide-leg or full palazzo style. Then, there’s the top or shell. It is usually sleeveless and can be flowy or more fitted. Typically, the shell is made of or embellished with lace, satin, crystals, sequins, or sheer bits of fabric.
The third piece is the pantsuit jacket, which is soft, light, and flowy, in keeping with the pants. It is usually quite long and often sheer or lace. The jacket pulls the whole look together so you appear more polished. It’s also handy for hiding a few extra pounds.
This sophisticated three-piece chiffon pantsuit (above) is a great example of what to wear to your child’s wedding. The high-low hem on the jacket gives this classic style a modern touch.
As for color, most Mothers of the Bride pantsuits are all one color or tone-on-tone. This is for two reasons. All one color looks more formal and elegant than mixing 2 different colors or a solid with a print. Also, a monochromatic outfit is the most slimming look. A solid swipe of color from head to toe makes you look taller and thinner.
Two-Piece Mother of the Bride Pantsuits
Many women also like 2-piece formal pants suits. They’re similar to 3-piece pantsuits in that they are soft and flowy but look more like dressy Mother of the Bride jumpsuits. This dressy two-piece matched set is a popular style. Some have cold shoulder details; Others have a loose poncho top, especially when you want to hide a bit of a tummy.
Metallic Knit Blouse with Tie Waist Detail | Metallic Knit Straight Leg Pants
Embroidered Detail Tunic with Scallop Sleeves & Hem | Chiffon Pants
Twinset with Scoop Neck Tank & Illusion Duster Jacket | Chiffon Pants
Collared Organza Blouse with Decorative Side Closure | Crepe Slim Leg Pant
Jumpsuits
If you want something modern, and a little dramatic, wear a jumpsuit. Black is a popular color for Mother of the Bride pantsuits and jumpsuits. A dressy black pantsuit is quite acceptable, so long as you check with the bride. Some brides still see black as too dark and depressing for a wedding. They have the final say!
Casual Mother-of-the-Bride Pant Suits
When the wedding is very small, or earlier in the day, or if the reception occurs in a home or low-key venue, a more casual or semi-dressy pantsuit is fine. This usually means a matched set consisting of a print top (and or jacket) and solid-colored pants.
Classy separates can also work so long as the fabrics are elegant. Go for a pair of soft, cream pants, a ruffled blush-colored floral blouse, fine jewelry, and maybe even a smooth, short jacket. Shantung or Silk Dupioni pants with a lace or silk top would also be nice. Ensure you honor the bride, even if the wedding is casual, by ensuring your outfit is coordinated and you look special.
Here are some Mother of the Bride Pantsuits and Jumpsuits in stores now. These come in all sizes, including plus-size mother-of-the-bride pantsuits.
Sequin Cowl Neck Blouse Pantsuit
You’ll dazzle and delight guests in this sequin cowl neck blouse two-piece Jersey knit pantsuit. It’s a great option if you prefer to keep the focus above the waist. With details such as cold shoulders and sequin tonal trim, all eyes will surely be focused on your upper half, where this top shows off and flatters your shoulders.
Plum Mother of the Bride Pantsuit with Chiffon Cascading Jacket
You’ll keep your options open with this two-piece pantsuit featuring an asymmetric cascade ruffle blouse with elegant crystal drop embellishment. If your son or daughter will be getting married during the summer heat, a light option like chiffon is a nice option when you want arm coverage but don’t want a heavy fabric.
Mother of the Bride Lace Pantsuits
Lace is feminine and delicate and an excellent choice for the mother of the bride or groom. This sash-waist lace top, paired with matching wide-leg pants creates an elegant silhouette. I like this Champagne color for a wedding in the early afternoon.
Navy Blue Mother of the Bride Pant Suit
This elegant chiffon pantsuit features the sparkle of a rhinestone embellishment and the demure coverage of a flowing tiered top. What a beautiful alternative to a jacket and a festive touch for a wedding celebration.
Lace Top Pantsuit
Every mother of the bride or groom loves a stylish yet comfortable choice. This three-piece pantsuit‘s lace top makes a bold statement without compromising comfort.
Unique and Edgy Walkthrough Pantsuit
Crafted of metallic floral jacquard, this boatneck walkthrough pantsuit is a gorgeous option if you are looking for something eye-catching and a little different. The color combination of black and midnight blue is stunning and flattering on every skin tone and hair color.
Where to Buy Plus Size Mother of the Bride Pantsuits?
You will find a great selection at David’s Bridal – MOB Pantsuits and Amazon – MOB Pantsuits.
Shop more plus-size Mother of the Bride Pantsuits
What do you think about wearing pants when you are the Mother of the Bride or Groom?
NEED MORE IDEAS?
Need more ideas about what to wear as Mother of the Bride or Groom? Pick up a copy of my bestselling book Tweak Your Chic – Mother of the Bride. It will tell you everything you need to know on one of your life’s most important and cherished days.
Hello,
Where did you purchase the light blue pant suit?
Under this title Two-Piece Mother of the Bride Pantsuits
Thank you
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie, That’s from http://www.alexevenings.com
I’m not sure if they carry that color this year but contact them via their email and I know they will help. They’re a great company.