Ideas for 'alternative' outfits for mother of the groom

[Meezer2]

Hi Mnetters,

My son is getting married in August and I'm struggling to find anything I like.

Everything is rather frumpy for want of a better description. lots of frocks and fascinators which isnt my taste. My own style is slightly boho, rock chick ish, hippy ish. I love bright colours in the summer, but have loads of black in my wardrobe too.

think Stevie Nicks, with a bit of Kate Bush, Florence Welsh combo.

my budget is roughly up to £500. Ive been looking at Rixo, Needle and Thread, and The Vampires wife (I wish! too expensive for me)
have seen a few things I like but nothing I want yet.
I'm 56, long 'dirty blonde' hair, 5ft 9, wide shoulders, long legs, no arse, not too much of a gut, and moderate sized breasts. size 14 but aiming to be a 12.

Id be so grateful of any ideas you may have. thanks in advance.

Would something like this work?

https://www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/bluebell-maxi2/?color=055&countryCode=GB&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmlMfmWLT07Hn9Ch_JQ8SGeGgokq&gclid=CjwKCAiA8sauBhB3EiwAruTRJs1r56Ceeo-OlMvaDHGEVplDBQRq6LvztZLmB-3iFU8yqurIFMkjehoCej4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&inventoryCountry=GB&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

Or this for something more covered. In fact they have a lot of gorgeous dresses in this sort of fabric but different shapes.

https://www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/a-new-way-maxi/?category=dresses&color=041&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

I don't think you should go TOO alternative and "noticeable" as MofG. Attention may be drawn away from the Bride.

What about something simple for the ceremony and photos, then change into a WOW outfit that suits your style for the reception and dancing/party?

I hope I didn't offend you by saying the above.

I had a similar issue. I identify as an elder goth, but short and round. There was no way on this earth that I was going to find anything in a shop. I had a friend who is a seam mistress and costumier and we collaborated on my outfit. I am not a lover of hats and hate fascinators so instead wanted a fabulous collar. I had a two piece, mermaid skirt and my take on a tail coat in black, with frog clasps, bat details on the jacket tails, a bat handbag, boots with bat buckles and a bat necklace. The collar stood up from the back of the jacket in lace and the sleeves ended at the elbow with lace reaching to the wrist. I felt like a million dollars! Get something custom made, go with ideas, photos, sketches (even if they are rubbish). Do you and be fabulous and not the typical mother of the groom. My son told me not to wear black, laughed and said that he knew I would anyway. The collar is removable and so the outfit has been worn a couple more times without this.

Thanks for the suggestion Naptrapped, I love it, but it's a little too casual.

No offence taken at all Quizine, that's a good suggestion.

I was having the same dilemma and I saw this dress on rixo. I’m short so was going to have the dress shortened and use the fabric to create a back strap and a mock camisole to make it more wearable. I see you are 5 ft 9 so it wouldn’t need shortening but maybe you could get a matching fabric.

https://rixolondon.com/products/orchid-clover-navy

i just loved it

Sorry i have no suggestions but im watching as i have a wedding to attend in the summer as mother to one of the grooms

That's a great idea, I want to be me still but with Mother of the groom elements. I'm an ex 80's goth myself. Still get excited by bats and The Sisters.

Another good choice, But can't go backless as I'm uncomfortable not having a bra and being 'unsupported'

Wolf and Badger?

Thank you Retiredearly, I'm not sure about the low cut, and I'd be afraid of spoiling the overall look of the dress by altering it

If you like Vampires Wife have you thought about hiring a dress - hurr had quite a few https://www.hurrcollective.com/designers/the-vampire-s-wife

Exactly the same dilemma (except dd not ds). Mine has to be packable too. My mother has chosen a suitable phase 8 dress and jacket combo and it's just not me

@Meezer2 my seamstress is so good you wouldn’t know it had been altered. I ended up caving and going traditional mother of bride. The outfit will be going on vinted the next day lol

Thank you Definitelynot41. There's lots on here I very much like the look of. So much choice!

What a brilliant suggestion. Wouldn't have thought of renting a dress.

I’m in a similar position OP - definitely not traditional MOG material. Most of my wardrobe is charity shop /ebay and I’m not a big dresser up.

Have considered Rixo, Free people and looking at rental too

I’m following, good luck

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx7iZXDLNzO/?igsh=ancxYjI5bW92MDkw

This is more casual but have you considered Ghost separates? Something like this?

Maybe have a look at Me and Em, for example the wild meadow print maxi dress reduced to 88.00 or Jigsaw outlet silk jumpsuit or dress in clouded leopard.

The dresses on the Hurr link are perfect!! New customers get £20 off too.

What about Reformation?

These two jumped out at me given your initial description and, mention of 80s goth:
https://www.thereformation.com/products/winslow-dress/0503333RVN.html?dwvar_0503333RVN_color=RVN&quantity=1

Second dress:
https://www.thereformation.com/products/irisa-dress/1313942DAM.html?dwvar_1313942DAM_color=DAM&quantity=1

Came to say about renting VW on Hurr!

also love Queens of Archive https://queensofarchive.com/collections/all-dresses

This would be gorgeous! And still with tag on https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/4067534895-queens-of-achieve-new-with-labels-redfloral-with-gold-metallic-dots-dress-rrp-ps295-size-xl