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.

jacket | pants | shoes

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 and 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.  Ressey 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 such as 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, such as 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 an excellent 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. Using a single color looks more formal and elegant than mixing two different colors or a solid with a print. Additionally, a monochromatic outfit is often considered 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 pantsuits. They’re similar to 3-piece pantsuits in that they are soft and flowy, but they resemble 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. Lack 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 a vow renewal or occurs earlier in the day, or if the reception takes place in a home or low-key venue, a more casual or semi-dressy pantsuit is suitable. 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. Opt for a pair of soft, cream-colored pants, a ruffled blouse in blush-colored floral, fine jewelry, and perhaps 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, paired with a 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-toned trim, all eyes will surely be drawn to your upper half, where this top showcases 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,  making it 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 rhinestone embellishments and the demure coverage of a flowing, tiered top. What a beautiful alternative to a jacket, adding a festive touch to 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, walk-through 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  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.

Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

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