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My mom and I have been on a few excursions to local malls to find a “Mother of the Bride” dress. We hit a wall pretty quickly. The selection was mostly limited to two types. Mama Glitter was either (a) a 15-year-old going to her high school prom, complete with spaghetti straps and a bubble skirt above her knees, or (b) an 85-year-old in an ugly jacket with a matching dress combo. We were both shocked at the lack of choices. We’ve tried Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Calvin Klein, and a few others. We both kept deferring to little black dresses. But I was told a long time ago that moms shouldn’t sport black at the wedding. (Supposedly it means they disapprove of the wedding/marriage? Anyone else heard of that?)
Mama Glitter’s criteria for her dress:
My mom might be a little lady, but she definitely knows what she wants.
We plan on going dress shopping again this Friday, and will hit up Nordstrom this time. I am thinking good thoughts; especially after spotting these options on Nordstrom.com.
I absolutely love this dress! But it’s black… darn it.
This one isn’t your grandma’s jacket and dress combo!
I like this one, too. Easy there, Mom. Don’t go looking hotter than the bride! 
This one has the collared jacket my mom has mentioned she likes. It even reveals a little cleavage, too! Not sure how she’ll feel about that…
Finally, I really like this one. With the right tailor, I think it could be altered to suit Mama G.
Has your mom bought her dress yet? Where did she purchase it from?
What color does Mama Glitter want to wear? Mama Bruschetta found a Bill Levkoff design, and order it (on the cheap!) from Pearl’s Place.
Those are awesome options. My Mom wasn’t too impressed with her options either. She even spent the day at the mecca: South Coast Plaza. In the end she got a great dress at Macy’s- which she can’t find on-line.
We tried the major dept. stores too, and didn’t find anything. We actually found my mom’s dress at a Talbot’s outlet. It is a gold color and actually has a jacket with the same type of collar your mother mentioned liking. It was a pretty good deal and was 100% silk. So, you may find it some where when you’re not even looking!
Oh my goodness - we’re facing the same dilemma at the moment and trying to hustle to find the MOB dress so the MOG can start looking and not outshine my momma. Sounds like our moms are looking for the same thing in a dress. She found one she really likes at David’s Bridal and she’s also seen some by Watters that she likes. I love the Nordstrom ones you found online.
I hadn’t heard of the black meaning they disapprove, but I wouldn’t want my mom wearing black to the wedding, unless it was an evening formal event!
Can’t wait to see what yall decide on!
The second one (the cream suit) is gorgeous … I bet your mum would look so sophisticated in that! Would it be too close to the colour of your dress though?
The last three are nice, but I think the shiny material makes them a bit bridesmaidy.
Generally black is frowned upon for weddings, since it is associated with funerals, and some people do think it means that they disapprove of the wedding.
It is becoming more acceptable with bridesmaids wearing black cocktail dresses now, but I do think some people might find it strange if your mother wore all black (I personally think some black is fine). As a guest it might be ok, but as the mother of the bride, I’m not so sure … some people might think she’s making a statement!
Bluefly. My mom found a knee length fitted Vera Wang for $300.
I can link if anyone wants to see what I was thinking.
Momma Tay got her dress at Von Mahr. I recommend Lord & Taylor’s dress department. They have the exact sorts of things you’re looking for. Not too young, not too old.
My favorite of the ones above is the taupe dress with the high-collared jacket. Beautiful!
And yes, I’ve heard that the mothers wearing black is very bad form. I haven’t seen a MOB ever wear black at a wedding.
My mom got hers at Nordstrom, but I know what you mean it was either way to young or grandma looking most of the places we went. I would suggest looking at all lengths and then hemming if you end up with something long.
Yes a mother of the bride or groom shouldn’t wear black because it shows disapproval. The same is true of red and white because these are colors that are going to take away from the bride.
My mom is wearing black. She’s walking me down the aisle, and I figured if it was a guy he might be in a black tux. 
She still hasn’t even tried her dress on yet, which is making me a bit nervous.
I love your options!
I have no idea but I’m making his mom go to Nordstrom…knowing her she would buy something from Victorias Secret and wear it with some sort of cape or something. His mother has the worst taste in clothes. Oh jeez now I’m slightly freaked out.
I LOVE the black dress, so classy but not senior citizen rated
My mom just ordered a modest bridesmaid dress
I am loving the LBD. My mom is wearing one and she looks and feels fabulous in it.. Which I think is most important. Whatever she feels beautiful in she should wear.
My Mama also found hers at Von Maur for a great deal. Hers is black..but I am getting married on Dec 19…and I love it! She is most comfortable in black and definitely approves of the wedding so I’m not worried about the bad luck I think finding something that she was most comfortable and felt most beautiful was most important..oh it happens to be a great floor-length velvet gown with a gorgeous neckline so that didn’t hurt either!
My mom wore an amazing long dress for my brother’s wedding in October and is looking to sell it. It’s a metallic sage color. She’s a very little lady so it’s probably a size 2. Let me know if you’re interested and I can send you pictures.
those are some great options!
Too bad my mom had this weird hatred for any sleeve that is 3/4 length. She wants to cover her arms, but not wear 3/4 or long-sleeve. Ugh! MOB dress shopping is harder than shopping for my dress!
I’d never heard that Mom’s wearing black is bad form or means that they disapprove of the wedding. My mom is wearing black, as are my bridesmaids. All our guys are in black tuxes too.
I think your mom should wear whatever makes her feel fabulous.
We’re having the same issue 
Good luck and let us know her pic!
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Mrs. Glitter, Los Angeles Age and Occupation: 27, Research Consultant/Writer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Accounting Engagement Date: May 6, 2007 Wedding Date: June, 2009 Venue: Millenium Biltmore Hotel About Me: I was born and raised in West Los Angeles, California. I spent eight years in the Northeast working and completing my education. Having split time between two sides of the country has given me a true appreciation for both coasts. It has also provided an overabundance of cross country drives, flights and long distance relationship fun/misery! I love my family, my doggy Emma, fabulous wine, Anthropologie, politics, reading, being outdoors, exploring new cities, and good movies! My fiance and I are complete opposites, but somehow we have managed to fall completely and hopelessly in love.
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