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We've said it once, we'll say it again: There are countless ways for mothers of the bride (and groom!) to look gorgeous on their son or daughter's wedding day. Just like a bride, moms have a wealth of dress fabrics, colors, and styles to choose from, plus the added benefit of that maternal glow of pride.
This year's Oscars ceremony and red carpet showed us tons of gorgeous gowns, and some of our favorites were worn by ageless stars like Sally Field and Glenn Close. Even better: many nominees brought their mothers as dates, giving us even more mother-of-the-bride dress-worthy gowns to lust over! Here, our favorite looks:
Meryl Streep
The Hollywood legend received her 18th (!) Oscar nomination this year, for Best Actress in August: Osage County. And while she went home empty-handed, her cream and black long-sleeved Lanvin gown (above), with a jeweled waist belt and matching bracelet, was a winner. We can always count on Streep to look refined and elegant, and her two-toned dress would be ideal for a modern winter wedding.
Glenn Close
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The veteran actress slipped into this sophisticated Zac Posen fit and flare mermaid dress with a half jacket to present at this year's Oscars. A closer look reveals an intricately textured fabric that we love, while the skirt reminds us of Sofia Vergara's Golden Globe dress, another Posen home run. We can totally picture this elegant gown being worn for an opulent ballroom wedding in Paris or New York City.
Jared Leto's Mother
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The Dallas Buyers Club co-star collected a Best Supporting Actor trophy for his role, but not before stepping out on the red carpet with his beautiful mother, Constance, and his brother, Shannon. Constance grabbed our attention immediately with her flowing gray hair and bold red lip, but it's her dress—a stunning black gown with a sheer neckline and sleeves—that we really loved. The pattern of black leaves and silk waist ribbon were sophisticated and flattering, a dream style for an Oscars dress or a black tie wedding.
Sally Field
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Field, a nominee for Best Supporting Actress for Lincoln last year, presented this year in this short-sleeved, sequined Randi Rahm gown. And we must say, we liked it. We really, really liked it! The dress itself is pure black-tie perfection, with its flowery detailing and nude underlay.
Leonardo DiCaprio's Mother
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DiCaprio is a known ladies' man, but he has been particularly loyal to one for as long as we can remember—his mother, Irmelin! She dazzles us with her flattering, age-appropriate gowns at every event, and this ensemble is no exception. Her ruched knee-length gold dress, smartly paired with a gold pendant necklace, is made for a formal daytime wedding in a historic landmark. If her son ever ties the knot, she should go for a look exactly like this one!
Jonah Hill's Mother
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Two-time nominee Hill made a smart move bringing his mother, Sharon, as his date. She looked like a movie star in her own right, in her navy blue strapless dress. This look is so gorgeous that some brides may hesitate if their mothers go for it—the bridal silhouette is a dramatic one, but it is ideal for a black-tie affair.
Matthew McConaughey's Mother
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Best Actor winner McConaughey brought both his wife, Camila, and his mother, Mary Kay, to his golden Oscars night—and both got heart-warming shout outs during the acceptance speech he gave for his winning role in Dallas Buyers Club. Both of his lucky ladies looked radiant on the red carpet: While Camila was regal in her long-sleeved, pale pink gown, Mary Kay was the picture of youthful glamour! We love how her daring keyhole silver and white knee-length dress with strappy silver sandals defy her years. Her entire look is perfect for a young-at-heart mom at a SoCal wedding!