Flattering Mother of the Bride dresses

The day arrives when your daughter shares the news you’ve been waiting for—she’s engaged. You spend half the day completed elated, and then, once the initial excitement wears off, reality sets in. You’re going to have to squeeze into one of those body-conscious, mother of the bride dresses!

If you’ve gained a few pounds or are, by nature, of the curvier nature, the thought of digging through the racks of mother of the bride wear can be truly daunting. Yet this prospect should actually be a joy, not some awful task that overshadows this special, once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Whether you search online, in other cities or scour the clothing racks of your favorite South Bay fashion boutique, there are ways to make this purchase a less stressful endeavor.

Think about what’s in style this season, not just for mother of the bride wear but for whatever the next few months has in store for you, and pick a color that you’ll be able to wear again. If you go for one of the vibrant colors in style this fall, like bold cobalt, stunning oxblood, honey gold or sleek French Roast, then you’ll get some extra mileage out of this purchase you originally thought you were going to resent.

To flatter your curves or minimize extra volume, look for mother of the bride dresses in the universally flattering A-line silhouette, originally popularized by Prince Grace herself. A-line dresses gradually flare out from a close-fitting bodice, creating a nice waistline and a skirt that hides a heavier middle section and bottom. This silhouette also makes you look taller and can add feminine curves to a more boyish figure. It’s truly a miracle worker.

Another great trick that will work with ensembles you can find anywhere, from haute couture sample sales or a high-end department store to the clothing racks of your favorite South Bay fashion boutique, is a bustline with ruching or draping. This will add volume to those who are less blessed in this area while minimizing those who are. Both of these tips will create a feminine look that will help you look and feel truly confident on this landmark day.