Mother-Of-The-Groom Style: Outdated Jewelry & Accessory Trends To Ditch Right Now

Whenever an outfit needs something special, accessories are usually the first thing we turn to. However, for a mother of the groom, navigating the fine line between elevated and overly traditional can get tricky. For years, wedding style guidelines pushed mothers into a strict, uniform-like formula with boleros, rigid jewelry suites, and hyper-coordinated shoes and bags. But that's all changing, and it's thanks to the many celeb women over 50 who have nailed mother-of-the-groom styles that prove you don't have to sacrifice personal style for your son's special day. 

Today, mothers of the groom are dressing up in modern silhouettes and expressing their own individuality, with jewelry and accessories being no exception. The right finishing touches can either elevate an outfit into fresh, contemporary sophistication or instantly drag it back into stiff, matronly territory. And if you've been thinking about what jewelry and accessories to wear for your son's big day, Women is here to help. We spoke with three industry experts: Catherine Geewax, bridal fashion expert and founder of The Weddit, Elena Kawa of Ethereal Bridal, and award-winning fashion stylist Derek Warburton.

As Geewax points out, the modern approach to wedding-day dressing as mother-of-the-groom is less about conforming to strict rules and more about staying true to yourself. "The biggest shift we're seeing is that the old expectation of looking overly formal, conservative, or 'matronly' is disappearing," she explains. "Mothers of the bride and groom are increasingly dressing like themselves, just in an elevated way for the occasion."

There was a time when every mother-of-the-groom and -bride wore matching boleros, shawls, and jewelry sets in the same hue as their gown. But according to award-winning fashion stylist Derek Warburton, wearing an all-in-one suite can instantly make a look feel dated or overly rehearsed. Warburton exclusively tells Women, "I think matching and coordinated sets that include a necklace, earrings, bracelet, brooch, rings, and more feel tacky, and quite uninspired." 

Instead, he suggests picking a single focal point and letting the rest of your accessories play a subtle, supporting role. "A mother-of-the-groom might try on a pair of intricate earrings, a detailed necklace, a bright bracelet, etc. This keeps the focus on accessories to one statement piece, while still not looking too gaudy and out-of-place," he explains. That single hero piece, whether it's a pair of dramatic drop earrings or a bold cuff, allows your personality to shine through without overwhelming your look.

Not only will a standout element elevate your ensemble into fresh, modern territory, but it also ensures your overall aesthetic feels intentional and individually curated. Plus, this shift isn't just about ditching rigid rules; it's about embracing a broader movement toward personal expression on such an important day. As Elena Kawa of Ethereal Bridal highlights, "Mother-of-the-groom fashion trends are moving toward self-expression and individuality ... mother-of-the-groom and mother-of-the-bride want to feel confident and beautiful as well, while expressing their own style."

For decades, traditional wedding etiquette suggested that a mother-of-the-groom's dress, shoes, clutch, and cover-up should all be the same color. But according to expert Catherine Geewax, that rigid formula is quickly being retired. "The coordinated dress, bolero, shoes, bag, and jewelry look feels less current," Geewax explains. "Women are styling these outfits more like any other great look, with modern accessories and pieces that feel more personal." 

So, take our expert's advice and don't hunt down exact color matches when it comes to your accessories and jewelry. Instead, focus on building soft dimension through complementary tones. Fashion expert and media personality Derek Warburton notes that introducing subtle contrast adds immediate warmth and depth to formalwear. "Colors and styles can be much more varied so that you can match complementary colors to the dress," Warburton shares with Women. "For example, for a predominantly cream or light orange dress, an accessory with yellow or champagne colored diamonds or zircons can bring out an elegant feel." 

A look at Viola Davis' 2025 Golden Globe outfit proves just how elevated that approach can be. Rather than opting for a flat, dye-matched ensemble, Davis paired her pleated dusty rose gown with warm, yellow-gold statement earrings with soft champagne undertones. Layering warm, multi-dimensional metals and jewel tones against her gown made her ensemble feel rich and contemporary. 

Whether it's Grace Kelly's legendary 10.48-carat engagement ring or something a bit more subtle, a diamond can ground any outfit. And while many pieces of jewelry can fall into the many outdated wedding trends and traditions to skip altogether, natural heirloom diamonds retain their enduring charm when styled with intention. After talking to our expert, Derek Warburton, it's clear that the secret lies in not trying to wear everything that's been passed down to you all at once.

"Natural diamond jewelry can actually be styled in a modern way if you wear it with the intention to improve your overall outfit," Warburton explains to Women. "All you need to do is style it correctly, choosing pieces that are proportionate to your outfit, while keeping visual elements down to a minimum." So, in layperson's terms, don't go crazy and layer every single piece of family jewelry at once. In fact, Warburton says, "Any minimalist dress should fit well with one or two pieces of natural diamond jewelry."

Ultimately, steering clear of heavy, overly conservative looks as a mother of the groom creates room for self-expression. As Elena Kawa of Ethereal Bridal shares, today's mothers are embracing 'rich palettes, textured fabrics, and unique cuts' to stay true to their own style. It's proof that mother-of-the-groom styles have evolved with the times, and modern elegance is about amplifying personality with thoughtful intention.