mother

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As with all your planning, don't wait until the last minute to look for a mother-of-the-quinceañera dress. Start shopping six months prior to la fiesta (the same time you're shopping for your own dress).

COLOR

• I recommend choosing a color that complements that of the damas' dresses. If the damas are wearing midnight blue, for example, maybe she can wear sky blue.
• Lots of moms choose to wear black because it's flattering, easy, and classic, but RESIST! This is a fiesta, after all! Black is too dramatic, and besides, there are plenty of other flattering colors to choose from, like navy.
• Choose solid colors over busy prints. It's more flattering, and prints can be distracting. Spruce up solid colors with sparkling jewelry.

FABRIC

• Winter and fall: Go for heavy fabrics, like velvet and brocades.
• Spring and summer: Go for lighter fabrics, like chiffon and silk.

SHAPE

• If she's hourglass (wide shoulders, full bust, narrow waist, and wide hips - curvy!): Go for A-line silhouettes, tailored jackets, straight skirts, and slim pants.
• If she's pear-shaped (narrow shoulders, small bust, wider hips): Focus on the upper body. Go for designs with accents at the neck and shoulders, big jewelry, or wide collars. Draw the attention upward by keeping dark colors below and lighter colors or glitter on top.
• If she's rectangle-shaped (shoulders and hips similar in width, not curvy): Give the illusion of curves to define the waist -- wear details on the bust and on the hips, or wear contrasting colors on the top and bottom. Go for tailored jackets with wide shoulders and wide lapels, or wear tops with flared skirts.

MONEY-SAVING TIPS

• Visit designers' Websites. They usually list outlets, where their dresses are sold for cheaper.
• Based on the time of day and season, your mom might be able to pull off a nice pantsuit or separates, like a skirt or pants with a nice top. It might be an outfit she could wear over and over again at the office or to church.

Tell me about your mom. What makes her special?

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