Mumsnet Talk

I need some help regarding an outfit for a funeral I have next week for a very close relative.

I'm not used to these type of events but I've bought just a plain black shift linen dress from M&S and
these shoes.

As I've said I'm not used to these type of events and rarely wear dresses and as I'm also performing the eulogy I want to look my best. My question is, what type of tights would be best and also I was thinking of some sort of wrap for my shoulders but would that be appropriate and suit the dress?? I was thinking along the lines of this?

Any advice would be gratefully received and anything you can recommend which can be bought on the high st due to time constraints also much appreciated

I would wear a black shift dress and the shoes, then an overcoat of some type - which can be left ont he seat when you get up to preform the reading.

I hope things go ok for you and you make a lovely reading as a last goodbye...

Yes, I don't think the wrap would flatter. A neat fitted jacket or coat might be better IMO.

Thank you, I thought as much but not sure. Would opaque black tights be the way to go with this then? See I said I was useless

I think it depends on the sleeves on the shift - if they are very short or non existent and you are reading a eulogy it is a must that you wear a jacket or a cardigan over it that will be kept on in the church.

It doesn't matter whether you wear opaques or not you will look smart regardless it is more a fashion thing I think but as a churchgoer I would say having your shoulders and upper arms covered down to mid lower arm is far more important.

Is it a church funeral? I didn't think the Op said and it could be another type of funeral service?

I would still think that covered arms would be more appropriate.

The wrap is not a good look

I'd go for an elbow or bracelet length sleeved smart cardigan or jacket

I personally don't think it matters what tights you wear although I would wear nude tights or a very fine black pair of 10 denier or so as I think they look considerably smarter than opaques.

You don't have to wear black. Dark purple is a 'traditional mourning colour' so if you already had by chance a dark purple smart cardigan, that could work. I wore a light blue silk top under a black suit for the last funeral I went to.

A wrap in a different fabric, finer, without the dangly bits may be OK if it is a warm day, but I imagine you'll look distracted fiddling with it all the time to make sure it doesn't slip off..

and sorry for your loss, OP

not quite right, but an idea and here
and ditto

expensive but could use as inspiration cardigan

wrap here

I think no to the wrap as you might be too conscious of it slipping.

I think also fine black or nude.
Opaque would be too much black with dress & shoes imo.

Thanks again for the suggestions. No it's not a church funeral, I didn't even think to mention that. Service at the crematorium and as my family is not particularly religious then that is why I'm doing the eulogy but need to look appropriate.

Oh yes - dress is this

That is a nice dress and there are some quite nice jackets on the M&S website at a good price in black or grey...If you are the right proportions for them, (looking at the more fitted, waist length ones) it could look really smart.

Sorry for your loss and for not saying anything earlier.