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Jessica Booth is a journalist with over 10 years of experience and a freelance writer whose work has appeared on sites such as Bustle, Insider, and Refinery29.
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What's even better than a dress with pockets? A dress with sleeves. In general, finding an elegant evening gown or cocktail dress that covers your arms is no easy feat. Most dresses, especially more elegant options, tend to be sleeveless or strapless, but if you're not comfortable with showing your arms (or you simply want something that offers a bit more warmth), then you may have to search a little harder to find exactly what you desire. Fortunately for the moms who are currently shopping, mother of the bride or groom dresses with sleeves have become more popular and accessible as of late.
For that classic mother of the bride or groom look, opt for a gown with a matching jacket or capelet attached. These are practical and warm pieces that are ideal for weddings in the fall or winter, not to mention they also add a level of comfort to your look. If you want an ensemble that feels less conservative, lean into features like slits or low necklines that allow any look to appear trendy, modern, and chic.
Ready to start your search? We've put together a selection of the best mother of the bride or groom dresses with sleeves that will stand out in the best way possible.
Size: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
It's hard to beat the sophistication and elegance of a good column gown. This one comes in luxe satin, in several different color options. The slight off-the-shoulder neckline works perfectly with the blousy sleeves.
Size: 14-24 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days
This shimmering capelet offers plenty of coverage for your upper half and is covered in a glittering floral design. Another great feature? The sheath dress underneath has an alluring slit in the front.
Size: 4-20 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund anytime
A ballet neckline, elbow-length sleeves, lace design, and gauzy tulle make this dress extra feminine and delicate. It comes in several different colors and would work for every season aside from summer.
Size: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 15 days
Want to really make a statement? Opt for this patterned design that features bold colors, embroidery, and some sequins. Just be sure the bride is okay with so many eyes being on this gown.
Size: XXS-XXL | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
It doesn't get chicer than this slim-fit black gown with sheer sleeves. This Ralph Lauren Collection look has a touch of Old Hollywood glamour with a hint of modern sex appeal.
Size: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 15 days
Heading to a wedding around the holidays? This red crepe gown is the perfect fit. The glittering embellished sleeves and boatneck top are elegant touches.
Size: 14-24 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
For a softer and more romantic look, opt for a chiffon gown like this Mac Duggal number. Even with the long sleeves, this feels light enough for a spring wedding and would flatter any mother of the bride.
Size: 0-26 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
A dress with sleeves isn't confined to only long sleeves. This gown features flutter short sleeves that offer just enough coverage for any mother of the bride or groom. In several different colors and done in a lovely velvet, this is ideal for a fall wedding.
Size: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days
A more traditional mother-of-the-bride look, this dress features sparkling beading and a flowing capelet top. It has a casual elegance to it and, thanks to the lighter fabric, can work in many different types of climates.
Size: 2-20 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Covered in glittering sequins and featuring scalloped cape sleeves, this Mac Duggal gown has a vintage flair to it. The sequins and beading make it so unique and give it a lot of beautiful detail.
Size: XS - 4XL | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 35 days
For something simple and budget-friendly, opt for this wrap-style maxi dress by Baltic Born. It's beautiful and more minimalist, and it comes in a huge selection of colors, so you're bound to find something that works for you.
Size: 14-24 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 90 days
This lovely metallic dress would look perfect for a fall or winter wedding. Dolman sleeves and gathering at the waist provide a nice design detail to this otherwise minimalist ensemble.
Size: 2-16 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days
Made of light chiffon, this gown has a romantic and feminine bohemian feel to it. The pinks and oranges in the floral design make this an ideal dress for a spring or early summer wedding.
Size: 14-24 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund anytime
This form-fitting black lace gown is a classic look that will never go out of style. An off-the-shoulder neck and full-length trumpet skirt give it a very dressed-up feel.
Size: 2-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
A shirtdress doesn't sound fancy enough for a wedding, especially as the mother of the bride, but when mixed with floral jacquard and an elegant full-length skirt, it works. This Rickie Freeman number feels put together and would look beautiful at formal nuptials.
Size: 0-20 | Length: Tea-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Not looking for a full-length gown? Opt for a midi dress that is still chic enough for a wedding. With elbow-length sleeves and glittering sequins throughout, this Adrianna Papell look would work for fall, winter, or spring.
Size: 2-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
The pleated bodice, sumptuous tiered skirt, soft colors, and blousy sheer sleeves make this dress feel so romantic and whimsical. It's also surprisingly versatile and can work with many dress codes.
Size: 00-20 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Made of a high-shine yarn, this jersey gown has an alluring shimmer to it that is hard to copy. We love the long sleeves, with the off-the-shoulder neckline, for a chic look.
Size: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 15 days
Tulle illusion and an interesting lace design make this dress so unique. We absolutely love the off-the-shoulder neckline which looks so lovely with the chevron piecing.
Size: 2-16 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
Between the lime green color, the metallic sheen, and the cape effect, this gown has such a unique look to it and will be something no one will soon forget. It also has a more modern and trendy feel for fashion-forward mothers of the bride and groom.
Size: 2-16 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days
Both interesting and simple, this off-the-shoulder gown features fun 3D floral blooms on the illusion sleeves—providing the entire ensemble with a youthful flair.
Size: XS-XXL | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
The shawl collar has a distinct mother of the bride look to it, but in this gown by Reem Acra, it appears more elegant than usual. A wrap effect and rippling bow allows this look to flatter almost all body types.
Size: 0-20 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
The blue floral embroidery against the darker navy color is so beautiful, and we love the subtle bow detail of the belt. The lace and floral details also make this an ideal choice for a spring wedding.
Size: 2-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 15 days
Structured sleeves, lace around the bodice, and a slit gives this gown a modern elegance that is hard not to stare at. It also comes in navy if you'd prefer to not wear black.
Lattice beading throughout this entire gown gives it a gorgeous sparkle. The high slit looks perfect with the column style and the belt detail is a nice touch.
Size: XS-XXL | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
The light blue color of this satin gown is so beautiful and elegant. While this is quite conservative, we love the playful detail of the bow in the back.
Looking for the perfect mother of the bride or groom dress with sleeves all comes down to your personal style and preferences. If you want something on the conservative side that provides optimal coverage, look for long sleeves, capelets, or matching jackets. If you want to go for something more modern and trendy, look for details like slits, lower necklines, structural sleeves, or illusion material. Remember to look for a shade that goes well with the rest of the colors for the wedding and the wedding party, and to check with the couple if there are any outfit choices you should stay away from. And while you should pick something that stands out, remember to never outstage the bride.
The mother of the bride or groom should complement the rest of the wedding party, but her look should stand out a bit and not be the same color. She should opt for a different hue (for example, if the bridesmaids are wearing light blue, the mother of the bride could wear navy), or she can wear a pattern with matching elements to the bridesmaid dresses.
Most of the time, you'll find that mother of the bride or groom dress options are floor-length formal gowns. However, there are no steadfast rules, depending on the dress code. If you want to wear something shorter, go ahead. Shorter dresses are especially popular for more casual weddings, but if the event is white-tie, black-tie, or formal, then a long dress should be worn.
The price of any mother of the bride dress will vary widely. It depends on the designer, the materials used, and the length of the dress. If you choose something formal from a popular designer, the price could be thousands of dollars. Of course, it's not necessary to spend that much and there are plenty of options for looks that cost between $100-$500, with budget-friendly choices under $100 too.
Contributing writer Jessica Booth is a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Romper, Insider, Forbes, Redbook, and Refinery29.
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