Photo: Dani Leigh Photography
Raquel Kelley, E! Fashion Police producer and the creative force behind the wedding blog, I Guess I Do, is revealing the three things she learned about mother-of-the-bride dress shopping.
They've birthed you, clothed you, and put up with all of your Alanis Morissette-teenage angst. Which means they've earned the right to look just as good as you on your wedding day! And while their options may be limited, here are three styling tips to get them looking their very best on the big day.
Don't Let Trouble Zones Deter You
Ever since the dawn of women, from ages 10 to a 100, we've had issues with our bodies. Do you think guys sit around on a Friday night discussing their cellulite over wine? Doubtful. Most of the issues we have are just that — issues only we can see; yet no one else seems to notice. So even if you consider your stomach to be a trouble zone, opt for a tight fitting rouched dress rather than a tent. Tighter dresses that cinch the waist give the illusion of having lost 10 pounds, rather than a dress with tons of fabric, which only adds them.
See More: Browse Hundreds of Stylish Mother-of-the-Bride Dress Options
Don't Hedge Your Bets on Weight Loss
My mom can attest to this one: We found a dress for her, only one slight problem — the only one left was two sizes too small. The zipper would totally go up once she lost 10 pounds and she even had a year to do it! No problem right?
In the months leading up to the wedding, she realized that it didn't matter even if she pulled a Jared from Subway, this dress wasn't going to fit. She ended up buying another dress that fit better, and more importantly she was comfortable in. So when it comes to dress buying, choose one that fits on the day you pick it out. Better to have to take it in, rather than have to live on diet shakes for the next six months.
See More: 7 Things Every Mother-of-the-Bride Should Do
Motherly Doesn't Have to Equal Matronly
If 50 is the new 30, then there is no reason our mothers should have to be stuffy and matronly. This is a tough feat though, especially with the limited options. If you are having trouble finding more modern dresses, check the major department stores like Macy's, Bloomingdales, or Nordstrom — many of their occasion gowns often work for mother of the brides.
After all, if our moms listen to Pharell as well, they should be able to dress like the hip, cool women that they are!