The Best Fall Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

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Composite of Mother of the Bride Dresses for Fall — Photo:
Courtesy of Anthropologie, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus

The bride's wedding dress may be the exclamation point when it comes to a fall wedding (thing long lace sleeves, velvet accents, and dramatic high necklines), but there are other VIPs who should be dressed to impress, too. First up on that list? The mothers of the bride and groom.

If you're a mom preparing for your son or daughter's autumn wedding, consider sleeved options that fight that turn-of-season chill or rich jewel tones and burnt metallics that speak to the vivid foliage and moodier motifs of autumn. Some of our favorite fall-time shades include deep plum, berry, and navy (they flatter many skin tones!), but don't rule out a timely pattern—florals in deeper colorways can absolutely work for fall.

Ralph Lauren Collection Carmelo Embellished Tulle Evening Dress

Long sleeves and a floor-length A-line skirt keep this gown formal, while a plunging neckline and shimmering sequined fabric keep it festive and youthful. The airy tulle skirt, embellished with a tassel belt, is dance-floor ready—and perfect for a fall wedding.

Price at time of publish: $6,500

Buy on Ralphlauren.com

Oscar de la Renta Strapless Dahlia Faille Cocktail Dress

Embrace fall florals with the lush burgundy tones in this dahlia-print, tea-length dress. Though it's not floor-length, the full, pleated skirt and rich faille silk make it formal enough for an evening fall affair, too.

Price at time of publish: $4,990

Buy on Oscardelarenta.com

Jason Wu Embroidered Off-the-Shoulder Dress

A fit-and-flare tea-length silhouette and off-the-shoulder tulle straps add texture and shape to this formal dress, while the intricate, colorful embroidery is a modern take on a classic, autumnal floral print.

Price at time of publish: $1,018.50

Buy on Saks Fifth Avenue

Theia Imogen Strapless Gown

If your favorite part of any outfit is your footwear, opt for an understated high-low hemline that practically requires a stunning pair of heels. The pointed, layered bodice is a fresh twist on classic sweetheart and strapless necklines, while the textured fabric provides a subtle visual accent.

Price at time of publish: $695

Buy on Neiman Marcus

Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Belted Floral-Print Organza Shirt Gown

The tailoring on this belted shirt-dress silhouette is incredibly flattering, while the floral-print organza keeps the look flowing and feminine. The varied shades of blue in this pattern work as well for a fall-time yacht club wedding as they do for a turn-of-the-season garden party.

Price at time of publish: $810

Buy on Bergdorfgoodman.com

Sachin and Babi Desdemona Gown

The black stretch-crepe bodice and high-contrast emerald Mikado silk skirt on this ballgown are accented by a belted waist and jeweled neckline for an unforgettable all-in-one look.

Price at time of publish: $1,195

Buy on Sachinandbabi.com

Adrianna Papell Scoop Back Sequin Gown

This full-coverage gown, with its high neckline, short sleeves, and full-length skirt, still makes a major impact: It's covered with glittering sequins in rose gold (or black, navy, silver, blush, or berry).

Price at time of publish: $280

Buy on Adriannapapell.com

Jenny Yoo Ryland Velvet Dress in Rose

Jenny Yoo Ryland Velvet Maxi Dress — Courtesy of Anthropologie

There's no fabric more appropriate for fall than velvet; this sumptuous dress with a faux wrap neckline is a classic option for a late-autumn celebration.

Price at time of publish: $200

Buy on Anthropologie

Alex Evenings Embellished Lace A-Line Gown

Soutache rosettes, a delicate sprinkling of sequins, and a rich palette of color options—including eggplant, merlot, and navy—dress up a short-sleeve silhouette, making this gown perfect for a black-tie celebration on an early fall evening.

Price at time of publish: $269

Buy on Nordstrom

Amsale Pryce Off-the-Shoulder Column Dress

Elegant and architectural, this column gown is especially striking when paired with oversized statement earrings. Choose from navy, dark green, or cream-colored tones in standard or plus sizes.

Price at time of publish: $495

Buy on Anthropologie

Kiyonna Screen Siren Lace Gown in Nocturnal Navy

Screen Siren Lace Gown KIYONNA — Courtesy of Nordstrom

The lace trimmed V-neck on this fit-for-a-queen floor-length gown mimics Kate Middleton's iconic wedding gown. The waist-defining cummerbund and subtle trumpet skirt let you create your own royal moment.

Price at time of publish: $228

Buy on Nordstrom

Sachin and Babi Deliah Gown

A rich, emerald fabric backing a pale blue-and-green floral print allows this gown to complement any fall color palette, from the late-summer tones of September to the rich reds and golds of November. A cinched waist, front slit, full skirt, and one-shoulder neckline are universally flattering.

Price at time of publish: $995

Buy on Sachinandbabi.com

Theia Brigitta Capelet Column Gown in Bright Navy

A sparkling beaded bodice is pretty, yet understated; this gown also features an attached capelet to keep you warm when the air turns chilly. A single leg slit adds a touch of unexpected (but tasteful) drama.

Price at time of publish: $283.48

Buy on Saks Fifth Avenue

Badgley Mischka Long-Sleeved Sequin and Velvet Cocktail Dress

If you hear "knee-length and long-sleeved" and think, "dowdy and frumpy," think again: This velvet cocktail dress with balloon sleeves, a deep neckline, and enough sequins to feel like you're "wearing your own personal galaxy" is modest, chic—and youthful.

Price at time of publish: $495

Buy on Badgleymischka.com

Mac Duggal Floral Sequin Long Sleeve A-Line Gown

For a more delicate garden-inspired gown, opt for the sequined flowers embellishing this long-sleeved A-line frock. In earthy fall shades of pink, rust, and chocolate, they stand out next against a field of emerald and aqua leaves.

Price at time of publish: $698

Buy on Nordstrom

Mac Duggal Beaded Cap Sleeve Tulle A-Line Gown

A flowing skirt, jeweled waist, and delicate cap sleeves add to the Juliet-inspired silhouette on this deep purple gown, while plenty of sequins and beads provide a fresh, fun sparkle.

Price at time of publish: $698

Buy on Nordstrom

Zac Posen Pleated Off-the-Shoulder Gown

Show off your shoulders in this shimmering metallic gown. The sweetheart neckline and dramatic flared sleeves are eye-catching (and flattering), while the empire waist and pleated skirt keep you comfortable from pre-ceremony photos until the last song of the night.

Price at time of publish: $795

Buy on Saks Fifth Avenue

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