It’s tough enough to find the perfect dress as mother of the bride or groom—then add to it the pressure and politics of being stepmother of the bride or groom!
“Elegance is key,” says Shirley, a two-time step MOB. “Nothing too low-cut in the front or back, and certainly not a dress that’s too short. It’s all about striking the perfect balance between sophistication and celebration while honoring your daughter on her special day.”
Shirley’s stepdaughter wanted the wedding party in pink for her May destination wedding at TradeWinds Resort on Florida’s St. Pete Beach. She found her Amsale off-the-shoulder mermaid gown at Sak’s Fifth Avenue. “The color was gorgeous, the fit was amazing.” She felt great in the fucshia dress, and so did her feet, thanks to the Inez “Sara” sandal. “They were higher than I wanted, but so comfortable, I wore them over 6 hours, standing and dancing. Never took them off!”
See more picks for MOB-approved dressy heels.
For her eldest stepdaughter’s wedding, Shirley went for an embellished Marchesa Notte off-the-shoulder long sleeve gown that remains on of the favorite dresses she’s ever worn. And most importantly, her stepdaughter agreed.
“At the end of the day, a wedding is about the bride. My role was to be present, gracious, and keep Dad on schedule. Because ultimately, our relationship with the girls and their husbands goes far beyond the wedding day.”