15 Meryl Streep-Inspired Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

From classic ball gowns to vibrant maxi dresses, here's how to channel the actress's dynamic style.

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meryl streep

Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images

Meryl Streep may be known for her role as a fashion editor in the hit film The Devil Wears Prada, but the actress is just as stylish in real life! Her red carpet looks run the gamut from classic ball gowns to vibrant maxi dresses, which makes her a standout at any high-profile event. With such versatility, Streep also serves as the perfect muse for all mothers of the bride or groom, no matter the dress code, season, or one's personal style.

While Streep has always favored elegant and tailored ensembles, she isn’t afraid to experiment with bolder details. She’ll pair a sleek silhouette with a bright hue or a deep V-neckline for looks that are equal parts classic and modern; and though the garments alone are eye-catching, it’s her accessories that really pull her fashions together. For instance, the actress tends to finish off her outfits with statement jewelry, sunglasses, or an embellished belt, all of which add a cool factor to every getup.

So, for mothers of the bride or groom who need a bit of style inspiration, scroll ahead for five of Meryl Streep’s best red-carpet ensembles—plus, a few shoppable options to get the celeb-worthy looks yourself. 

Meryl Streep

Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

Coincidentally matching her best actress trophy, Streep walked the red carpet at the 2012 Oscars in a stunning gold gown by Lanvin. She accessorized the slinky wrap dress with all gold accessories: a chain-link belt, drop earrings, a box clutch, and peep-toe heels for a masterfully coordinated look. 

Bes Long Sleeve

Mac Duggal Metallic Long-Sleeve Asymmetrical Ruched Gown

gold long sleeve dress
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue.

Size: 0-16 | Length: Floor | Return Policy: Free returns within 14 days of delivery

From the shimmering gold hue to the ruched bodice, this floor-length gown from Mac Duggal is the perfect dupe for Streep’s Lanvin ensemble. Complete with a thigh-high slit, this dress would pair beautifully with gold strappy heels for a chic monochromatic moment. 

Best Sleeveless

Galina Signature Charmeuse Draped Strappy Bridesmaid Dress

gold slip dress
Courtesy of David's Bridal.

Size: 0-30 | Length: Floor | Return Policy: Return within 7 days of delivery

If you’re attending a spring or summer wedding, this sleeveless option from Galina Signature was made for warm weather. The adjustable spaghetti straps, draped bodice, and side slit bring a playful touch to this sophisticated dress and will keep you cool throughout the day.

Best Wrap Dress

Adrianna Papell Metallic Jersey Short Wrap Tuxedo Dress

gold short wrap dress
Courtesy of Adrianna Papell.

Size: 0-30 | Length: Mini | Return Policy: Return within 30 days of delivery

For those who favor minimalist style, opt for this wrap dress from Adrianna Papell that comes in a light shade of gold. While it still has some shine, the tuxedo silhouette and surplice neckline make for an elegant yet trendy ensemble. 

Meryl Streep

Ernesto Ruscio / Getty Images

Streep turned heads at the 2019 Venice Film Festival in this vibrant blue gown by Givenchy, which featured a bold pattern, blouson sleeves, and a mock neck. She added even more color to the ensemble with red pumps, gold-and-blue hoop earrings, and tortoise sunglasses. While this dress is from Givenchy’s Fall 2019 collection, we found a few options that will give you the same playful look at a more affordable price. 

Best Pattern

Saloni Fleur Printed Silk-Satin Midi Dress

blue and floral midi dress
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter.

Size: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Return Policy: Return within 28 days of delivery 

Like Streep’s dress, this true blue midi from Saloni is a daring choice for any semi-formal wedding or welcome brunch. With such a spirited pattern, you’ll want to style yours with simple accessories, such as neutral ankle-strap heels and silver stud earrings.

Most Simple

Mac Duggal Satin Long Blouson Sleeve Evening Gown

long sleeve teal dress
Courtesy of Mac Duggal.

Size: 0-16 | Length: Floor | Return Policy: Return within 14 days of the shipment date

This Mac Duggal gown features blouson sleeves and a sapphire hue for a simpler iteration of Streep’s look. Made of satin, this dress feels glamorous without being too over-the-top and would suit a black-tie wedding.  

Best Halter

Adrianna Papell Floral Mock Neck Midi Dress in Light Blue Multi

baby blue midi dress
Courtesy of Adrianna Papell.

Size: 0-20 | Length: Midi | Return Policy: Return within 30 days of delivery

Embrace the whimsical nature of Streep’s Givenchy ensemble with this light blue dress by Adrianna Papell. The floral print and mock neck resemble her look, but the pastel hues and midi length create a more romantic silhouette. Pair yours with nude heels for a traditional look or add a pop of color with burgundy pumps. 

meryl streep

Samir Hussein / Getty Images

Streep opted for another gorgeous blue frock at the London premiere of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again in July 2018. Here, she wears a royal blue Marni dress, complete with draping, an asymmetrical neckline, and long sleeves. She finished off the playful look with a few glamorous accessories: a studded black belt, black kitten heels, an orange velvet clutch, silver hoop earrings, and black cat-eye sunglasses. 

Best Petit Option

Jessica Howard Petite Size Split Sleeveless High-Low Belted Popover Dress

royal blue dress
Courtesy of Dillard's.

Size: 4P-14P | Length: High-low | Return Policy: Return within 30 days of the purchase date

For a mother of the bride or groom with a petite frame, consider this cobalt blue dress from Jessica Howard. The high-low hemline and popover silhouette will help elongate your fame, while also adding a modern twist to this elegant look. 

For a Formal Wedding

Mac Duggal Satin Draped V-Neck Gown

royal blue gown
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue .

Size: 2-18 | Length: Floor | Return Policy: Free returns within 14 days of delivery

Trading a studded belt for a bow-tie sash, this satin number from Mac Duggal takes a more formal approach to Streep’s look. Add some sparkle to this chic getup with silver hoop earrings and embellished heels. 

Best Pleating

Jason Wu Collection Cap-Sleeve Pleated Midi Dress

royal blue dress
Courtesy of Neiman Marcus.

Size: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Return Policy: Return within 30 days of delivery

We love the versatility of this pleated midi that features an A-line silhouette, a rounded neckline, and cap sleeves. You can dress it down for a welcome party with silver ankle-strap sandals or take a style cue from Streep and pair it with black pumps for a chic ceremony look. 

meryl streep

Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images

For the 2018 Oscars, Streep landed on several best-dressed lists in this bright red gown by Christian Dior with a deep V-neckline and belted waist. As for accessories, the actress kept it simple with gold drop earrings, a matching bracelet, and a pink satin clutch to let her gown take center stage. 

Best Belted Option

Norma Kamali Belted Pleated Maxi Dress

red dress
Courtesy of MYTHERESA.

Size: XXS-XL | Length: Midi | Return Policy: Free returns within 30 days of delivery

Red may seem like a bold choice for a wedding, but we think it makes for a sophisticated and romantic mother-of-the-bride look. Shop this Norma Kamali number for a dress that perfectly replicates Streep’s look with its tailored silhouette, belted waist, and deep V-neckline. 

For a Fall Wedding

Mac Duggal Satin V Neck Long Sleeve Pleated Gown

long sleeve red dress
Courtesy of Mac Duggal.

Size: 2-16 | Length: Floor | Return Policy: Return within 14 days of the shipment date

If your child is hosting a fall wedding, opt for a wine-colored ensemble like this satin gown from Mac Duggal to match the colorful foliage. The pleated skirt and V-neckline make for a flattering fit, while the thigh-high slit brings a sultry touch to the otherwise modest design.

Best Tiered Skirt

Amsale P531 Taffeta Gown

red gown
Courtesy of Amsale.

Size: 00-28 | Length: Floor | Return Policy: Return within 14 days of delivery

This taffeta gown from Amsale elevates the traditional ball gown silhouette with the addition of a tiered skirt and a deep V-neckline. Complement the bright red hue by accessorizing yours with gemstone earrings and a pink clutch for a playful and chic result. 

meryl streep

Gregg DeGuire / Getty Images

Streep went for a more subtle look at the 2014 Oscars in this two-toned gown by Lanvin. Though it featured a more traditional color scheme, the frock also included a cowl neckline, a draped skirt, and a rhinestone belt for a glamorous touch. To pull the dress together, she styled it with pearl stud earrings, two chain-link bracelets, and a black clutch. 

Best Details

Badgley Mischka Collection Two-Tone Asymmetric Bow-Front Gown

black and white dress
Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman.

Size: 0-16 | Length: Floor | Return Policy: Free returns within 15 days of delivery

It’s all about the details with this crepe gown by Badgley Mischka! It features an asymmetrical neckline, a trumpet silhouette, and a bow-shoulder detail for an effortlessly stylish look. Accessorize with dainty jewelry, peep-toe heels, and a black embellished clutch.

Best One-Shoulder

Solace London Selia One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

black and white dress
Courtesy of Farfetch.

Size: XXS-XL | Length: Maxi | Return Policy: Free returns within 14 days of delivery

For a timeless mother-of-the-bride ensemble, we recommend this one-shoulder gown by Solace London. It has a sleeker silhouette than Streep’s Lanvin dress, but the open neckline and two-tone design are a perfect match. Complete the sophisticated look with pearl drop earrings and black pumps.

Most Modern

Sachin & Babi Domenica Gown

black and white dress
Courtesy of Sachin & Babi.

Size: 0-14 | Length: Floor | Return Policy: Return within 14 days of delivery

Crafted from crepe fabric, this Sachin & Babi number is perfect for a mother of the bride or groom with a glamorous sense of style. We especially love the beaded straps and empire waistline, which add some dimension to the column silhouette for a striking yet elegant ensemble.

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