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Original poster

It's another MOB one - do I have to wear a dress?

56 replies

CoastalGrey · 25/02/2026 15:33

I obviously want to look nice but I'm really not a dress sort of person. I look at the dresses suggested on other MOB threads and think some of them are lovely and some a bit strange but they just wouldn't be right for me. Could I get away with trousers or a trouser suit? It's a fairly relaxed late afternoon ceremony, not church.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Mosman2020 · 25/02/2026 15:35

I think as long as you wear a suit in a colour that suits you a pant suit would be absolutely fine
My mother turned up looking like Elmo in a red suit so maybe avoid that, Not too baggy

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 25/02/2026 15:36

Yes of course, unless your daughter violently objects- in which case, the answer is still yes of course, after you’ve talked some sense into her!

ainsleysanob · 25/02/2026 15:37

My mother looked gorgeous in her trouser suit for my wedding! I havnt worn a dress or skirt since I was about 6 so if it ever becomes my turn to be a MotG I won’t be wearing a dress either!

TheApocalypticiansApprentice · 25/02/2026 15:39

One of the absolute most stylish mothers of a bride I’ve ever seen wore a silk blouse and tailored trousers. Beautifully groomed and accessorised but not ridiculously fancy, at all.

Go as the best version of you.

Do you want suggestions?

Original poster
CoastalGrey · 25/02/2026 16:02

I'd love suggestions! The Karen Millen one is a bit flouncy for me but I love the colour.

I'm short and rather wide but with a small frame so petite ranges suit me best.

OP posts:
SixthWorstOption · 25/02/2026 16:06

Mosman2020 · 25/02/2026 15:35

I think as long as you wear a suit in a colour that suits you a pant suit would be absolutely fine
My mother turned up looking like Elmo in a red suit so maybe avoid that, Not too baggy

Sorry to laugh but your description of Elmo really made me snigger. Did you tell her? 🤭😬

Dearg · 25/02/2026 16:15

Oh, the Phase Eight petite Eliana is lovely, and they have a selection of Occasion jackets to top it for the service .

Although I realise you may be quite a bit younger than me Op!

gototogo · 25/02/2026 16:25

Wear what you feel is appropriate for you. A lot of suggestions on here are quite “out there” and often very expensive. If you feel more comfortable in trousers opt for a trouser suit or jumpsuit, and allow time for alterations as they can be less forgiving than dresses

Original poster
CoastalGrey · 25/02/2026 16:26

Dearg · 25/02/2026 16:15

Oh, the Phase Eight petite Eliana is lovely, and they have a selection of Occasion jackets to top it for the service .

Although I realise you may be quite a bit younger than me Op!

Mid 50s so not that young!

I have been looking at Phase Eight, it's very far from my normal style but I do like some of them and the fabrics look good quality and as though they would give me a bit of shape - I'm slightly dreading the photos 🫣

OP posts:
Cyclistmumgrandma · 25/02/2026 16:30

I wore trousers to both my children's weddings. Wide legged trousers, sleeveless top and jacket to one (it was summer and 29°C here in Staffordshire!) and a burgundy velvet jumpsuit with navy sequined cardigan to the other. I liked the look and I was comfortable.

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 25/02/2026 16:32

My mum wore jacket and trousers to my brother’s wedding.

Isometimeswonder · 25/02/2026 17:45

I would never wear a dress unless it was long as I don't show my legs.
Therefore I wear trousers to every event and that includes weddings.
I think you will look lovely @CoastalGrey wearing something you're confident in.

lazymum99 · 25/02/2026 18:08

Mother of groom last April. Afternoon wedding. I never wear dresses and would feel very uncomfortable. I wore wide leg loose patterned satiny trousers with a plain coloured no collar silk top. I accessorised more than usual and I think I looked great!

Oneborneverydecade · 25/02/2026 19:15

Could you organise a stylist session in a department store? I know John Lewis does them but it would need to be one of the larger stores, our local store has limited choice.

Delphiniumandlupins · 25/02/2026 22:29

I wore a jumpsuit to my son's wedding. Felt very comfortable (until I'd had a few drinks, went to the loo and somehow got the fastening tangled in my bra!).

Grizelina · 25/02/2026 22:38

@CoastalGrey of course you can wear trousers. Have a look at Shibumistyle.com as they do a made to measure range of beautiful silk jackets, coats, trousers and dresses. Depending on your budget you could go for trousers, top and silk coat/jacket or buy basic trousers/top from elsewhere (next for instance) and top with a made to measure coat/jacket. I think they also have a milliner recommendation on their site. There are photos from lots of their customers on their site so you get an idea of what their product is like. Being petite (like me) it’s worth investing if you can, to look and feel great for such a wonderful celebration.

Original poster
CoastalGrey · 25/02/2026 22:45

Personal stylist session is actually a great idea, I often see it suggested on here but have never imagined doing it! They might push me out of my comfort zone a bit but hopefully not too much.

OP posts:
ChikinLikin · 25/02/2026 23:48

Elegant trouser suit is a great idea and what I will aim for in the unlikely event that my kids ever get married.
Jumpsuits look good but are a total pain when you need a pee.

GreenDogDot · 26/02/2026 06:45

My mum wore wide legged trousers, silky round neck tshirt and a cropped jacket to my wedding.

It apparently took her a week to work up to asking me if I would mind if she wore trousers, I was completely baffled as to why she thought I’d have any kind of opinion. I think it was just really ingrained that MoBs have to wear the natty matching dress and jacket sets!

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 26/02/2026 08:37

I think the wedding jumpsuits are horrible, but a trouser suit could look fantastic. I’m not a fan of those silky wedding jacket things either. What sort of budget do you have and any idea of colours?