Mother’s Day, one of the best days of the year! The day when we celebrate our own mothers and grandmothers, be celebrated by our children, AND that one day when we don’t have to cook, make plans for dinner or do the dishes (hopefully!). But what to wear on mother’s day? Let’s take a look…

Whether your day is a casual BBQ or picnic with the family or a dressier brunch with loved ones, we’ve put together some outfit ideas to help you feel stylish and pulled together on your special day this year.

I’ve grouped outfit ideas into 2 categories, casual outfits, and dressier styles. You’ll find two different ways to wear the same dress, skirt or pair of pants to suit how you are celebrating.

A midi dress worn two ways

What to wear on Mother's Day, stylish spring outfit ideas to try | 40plusstyle.com

A midi dress is ot only on-trend but is also incredibly versatile. You can wear your midi dress with heels or flats. You could wear with sneakers and dress it down, or you could wear a midi dress at any formal event you have coming up this year.

Beth @styleatacertainage above (read her style interview here) looks beautiful in her yellow and white outfit.

Get her look with this similar pencil dress (another option here), heels, handbag and sunglasses.

casual look

First, let’s look at a casual way to style your midi dress. If you’re heading for a Mother’s Day lunch, brunch or picnic, this could be a good option. Wear your midi dress with sneakers and a denim jacket to add casual flair. You can still keep your look dressy enough for the occasion by choosing statement jewelry.

What to wear on mother's day - midi dress outfit | 40plusstyle.com

KUT from the Kloth Helena Denim JacketReformation Hilltop Wrap Dress – Longchamp Large Le Pliage TotePUMA Carina SneakerRF Rizir Fashion Long Handmade Boho Necklace

dressy

For a more formal evening look, you could switch your denim jacket for a blazer and change the sneakers for heels. Add a clutch bag and drop earrings and You have a look that will work for Mother’s Day, summer events, and evenings out on vacation.

What to wear on mother's day - dress and blazer | 40plusstyle.com

Urban CoCo Open Front BlazerReformation Hilltop Wrap DressAmazon Essentials Two Strap Heeled SandalAmaze Fashion Women Envelope Clutch Crossbody BagRF Rizir Fashion Long Handmade Boho NecklaceCALORVIA Boho Long Tassel Earrings

jeans worn two ways

What to wear on mother's day - Nora wears jeans and a leather blazer | 40plusstyle.com

Of course, you don’t have to opt for a dress for Mother’s Day when thinking about what to wear on mother’s day, particularly if you have something planned like a walk after lunch. Instead, you could style your favorite denim. Nora @jacketsociety above chooses jeans, sneakers and a leather jacket (read her style interview here).

Check out this similar leather blazer, jeans, sneakers, handbag, scarf and sunglasses.

casual

I’ve chosen more of a smart casual look below, as jeans already add a casual look to your outfit. An all-neutral look can give your outfit a classy vibe. Add a trench coat in case you need extra warmth or you are expecting showers.

Jeans and trench coat outfit | 40plusstyle.com

COS Oversized Trench CoatCOS Relaxed-Fit Panel T-ShirtPAIGE Cindy High Waist Raw Hem Ankle JeansLongchamp Large Le Pliage TotePUMA Carina SneakerRF Rizir Fashion Long Handmade Boho Necklace

dressy

Adding a blazer to your jeans is an effortlessway to dress up your jeans. Choose a flattering, ruched top and add heels and a clutch bag to your outfit.

Jeans and blazer outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Urban CoCo Open Front BlazerHalogen Asymmetric Shirred Sleeveless TopPAIGE Cindy High Waist Raw Hem Ankle JeansAmazon Essentials Two Strap Heeled SandalAmaze Fashion Envelope Clutch Crossbody BagOpen Edit Beaded Fringe Clip Earrings

Wide leg pants

Rita wears wide leg pants and a trench coat | 40plusstyle.com

Wide leg pants are definitely having a style moment at the moment. They manage to look effortless and stylish at the same time. Rita @ritapalazzi above (read her style interview here) chooses a timeless outfit of wide leg pants and a trench coat.

Recreate her outfit with this similar trench coat, wide leg pants, pumps, shoulder bag and sunglasses.

casual

A short denim jacket worn over your wide leg pants can look incredibly flattering. Add sneakers to stay comfortable while looking modern. If your pants are quite long – so that you can wear heels underneath – you may want to wear platform sneakers.

What to wear on mother's day - a casual wide leg pants outfit | 40plusstyle.com

KUT from the Kloth Helena Denim JacketCOS Relaxed-Fit Panel T-ShirtCOS Wide Leg Elasticated Waist TrousersLongchamp Large Le Pliage TotePUMA Carina SneakerMadewell Square Huggie Hoop Earrings

dressy

For a dressy look, I would choose a more fitted top. Choosing a shorter top with wide leg pants will make your legs look super long. The styling of the top (below) is designed to look like a moto jacket, which gives a little edge to your outfit.

What to wear on mother's day - wide leg pants and heels | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Ponte Zip Collar Jersey TopCOS Wide Leg Elasticated Waist TrousersDREAM PAIRS Closed Toe PumpAmaze Fashion Envelope Clutch Crossbody BagRF Rizir Fashion Long Handmade Boho Necklace

a shirt dress

Karen wears a shirt dress and sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Karen @styledbykaren above shows off a shirt dress look that would be ideal if you are celebrating somewhere sunny.

Steal her look with this similar shirtdress, sandals, belt and sunglasses.

casual

You can use the same wide leg pants as above for this outfit. To keep your wide leg pants look casual, you could think about layering a shirt or shirt dress over your pants. Choose flat shoes for comfort. Red will add a pop of color to your outfit.

Casual shirtdress and wide leg pants outfit | 40plusstyle.com

MAX MARA LEISURE Rimmel Cotton ShirtdressCOS Wide Leg Elasticated Waist TrousersAmazon Essentials Strappy Elastic SandalTed Baker London Small Jorjina ShopperMadewell Square Huggie Hoop Earrings

dressy

For a more formal look for your shirt dress, you can wear with heels and statement jewelry. Adding a belt will create a different silhouette to your casual look. If you find that your shirt dress looks a little too short for you, you could always add a pair of skinny pants or jeans.

shirt dress and heels outfit | 40plusstyle.com

MAX MARA LEISURE Rimmel Cotton ShirtdressGRACE KARIN Elastic Cinch BeltDREAM PAIRS Closed Toe PumpAmaze Fashion Envelope Clutch Crossbody BagCALORVIA Boho Long Tassel Earrings

a full skirt

Carmen wears a green maxi dress | 40plusstyle.com

Carmen @carmen_gimeno above looks glamorous in her green maxi skirt. You could choose a maxi or midi skirt depending on your preference.

Check out this similar top, skirt, sandals, belt, handbag and sunglasses.

casual

If you live somewhere where the weather is transitional, then mixing a casual sweater with a more formal full skirt is a good way to look great while staying warm enough.

Midi skirt and sweater outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Alice + Olivia Caprice Mock Neck Cashmere PulloverClub Monaco Mixed Print Pleated Midi SkirtVionic Kensley LoaferTed Baker London Small Jorjina ShopperMadewell Square Huggie Hoop Earrings

dressy

To elevate your midi skirt look, add your blazer and a silky top. Play around with tucking in or leaving the hem out of your top to see what looks most flattering for you.

Blazer and midi skirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Urban CoCo Open Front BlazerCOS Relaxed-Fit Panel T-ShirtClub Monaco Mixed Print Pleated Midi SkirtAmazon Essentials Two Strap Heeled SandalHOUSE OF WANT Chill Vegan Leather Frame ClutchMadewell Seed Bead Daisy Necklace SetMadewell Square Huggie Hoop Earrings

Your Mother’s Day outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see the mother’s day outfits from above together in one capsule. You could switch around the tops, bottoms and jackets to create different looks. You could, for example, wear the white shirt dress over the jeans, the sweater with the wide leg pants or the trench coat over the midi dress.

Mother's Day outfits | 40plusstyle.com

What will you wear this mother’s day? I’d love to hear what you are thinking about when you consider what to wear on mother’s day.

No matter what you choose to wear, we hope you enjoy a wonderful, special day with family and friends. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at 40 Plus Style!

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What To Wear On Mother’s Day | 40plpusstyle.com

Feature image by Beth @styleatacertainage

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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