Growing up, dressing for family holidays was a bit of a drag. If you weren’t stuck matching with your siblings for photo opps, you were probably given some serious guidelines for making a good impression on the relatives.
One of the best parts of being a grown-up is the flexibility to choose your own Mother’s Day outfits, birthday outfits, Easter outfits, and so on. But with that great power comes great responsibility. That holds true whether you’re just out of the nest or running a family of your own.
How to dress for Mother’s Day
When it comes to Mother’s Day, the stakes are high. You know Mom loves to show you off on Facebook to all her friends and extended fam. So you need an outfit that’ll make her proud. This doesn’t mean you must leave your own personal style at the door, though. You can still be you and appeal to a broader audience — like Mom’s caddy friends — at the same time. Here are some guidelines:
- Leave your current casual favorites at home. Those trendier pieces are better suited for your more jovial, off-duty hours.
- Dress pretty. Soft colors, lightweight fabrics, and looser silhouettes are all mom-friendly choices.
- Stay true. You don’t need to overhaul your entire look. If your go-to outfit involves ripped denim, leather, and chains, try adding a pretty neck scarf to the mix.
Now, check out the suggestions below for three outfit ideas she’s sure to love. And, bonus, you’ll also look flawless in her likeness in those grams and snaps.
3 Mother’s Day outfits
1. Casual family fun
This Mother’s Day outfit is for the fam who celebrates special days casually, with backyard BBQs and picnics. The elements are:
- Pretty feminine blouse
- Trendy jean
- Slide sandal (or go closed-toe mule if you don’t have a fresh pedicure)
Lulu’s pretty print, Boho-inspired blouse is the perfect match for a skinny jean that’s upgraded with a split hem at the ankle. The blouse also invites you to wear that pendant mom gave you ages ago — a gesture she’ll notice and appreciate.
Anchor the look with a slide in a corresponding color. The result is a polished outfit that’s perfect for casual hangouts.
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The slides and jeans shown above are both on sale now (April, 2023). Grab the slides for $35, marked down from $79 and the jeans for $35, marked down from $49.
2. Girls’ day
If you’re treating mom to a day at the movies or maybe a stop-in at spa for manis and pedis, something flirty and fun helps you live out your Girls’ Day to the fullest. Team a culotte romper with a sassy spring wedge, then let the spoiling begin.
You can dress your romper up or down to suit your venue. Add a necklace and pretty wrap over your shoulders to dress things up. Or, swap out the wedges for flats and don a cropped denim jacket to keep things casual.
3. The big brunch
When you need a solid brunch outfit, reach for the tried-and-true belted wrap dress. The piece shown here balances structure and freedom so beautifully — Mom won’t be able to take her eyes off you. That fitted bodice and wide belt matched with the full skirt is a stunning combo. Add in the floral pattern with bright green and white elements and you have a dress that’ll impress again and again.
And the best part? This dress is on sale. Act fast and you can get it in your closet for $70, marked down from $100.
Mother’s Day outfit FAQs
In case you’re still unsure about what to wear this Mother’s Day, here are some Mother’s Day outfit FAQs to help.
Is there a specific color I should wear on Mother’s Day?
There’s no specific color you should wear on Mother’s Day, but soft pastels are a good choice for spring. You could also wear your mom’s favorite color as a tribute to her.
Should I dress up for Mother’s Day?
Well, you shouldn’t dress down. Mom will certainly appreciate if you arrive looking polished, like you chose your outfit carefully. But you can do that and stay casual if that’s appropriate to the itinerary.
Can I wear jeans on Mother’s Day?
Yes, you can wear jeans on Mother’s Day. Opt for dressier jeans vs. the heavily distressed, faded-wash variety.
Is it okay to wear a hat on Mother’s Day?
Yes, you can wear a hat on Mother’s Day. If you’re spending time outside, reach for a cute sun hat or a tidy baseball cap.
Should I match my outfit with my mom’s?
Mom would probably love to wear matching outfits with you. But since you’re a grown-up, that may feel awkward for you. An easier alternative is to coordinate your outfits. You could wear complementary colors or accessories, for example.
Feeling inspired? Fabulous. Now it’s time to shop!
