Dress for a funeral :(

[JennyWren]

My Gran's funeral is next week and I need to get a dress. I'm looking for something with long or 3-quarter length sleeves, black or black with a sober pattern - something I can wear again, I guess. Just above my knee (I'm 5'4) and I'd prefer something lined. I'm a size 14 and have up to about £80 to spend. Can anyone suggest something? The shops are going to be packed this week and I can't face the thought of heading out there on a random search...

Thanks so much.

Sorry about your gran

Usually you don't need to wear black or a dress. Any smart dark clothes will do

Unless it's a particular requirement in your religion or culture

Don't you have anything suitable already? A skirt or smart trousers and blouse or top. It's a stressful time to go shopping

Commiserations. My grandmother died on Christmas Day fifteen years ago and it was a very strange time for the family.

I agree that generally a black dress wouldn't be required these days.

Do you have a Debenhams near you?

Warehouse black tie-neck dress
Planet Ponteroma black dress
Betty Jackson black cowl neck dress
Kaliko black striped jersey dress

I have a pair of smart black trousers with a black and white thin jumper on top from Next which I have worn to family funerals. I wear them with a pair of black ankle boots and a black jacket and a coloured scarf, otherwise it's all too dark.

Thanks all. I particularly like the Planet dress Santa mentioned, but it's sold out now. I'm probably going to go into town and will try Debenhams, though, as they may still have some in the store. I've fairly recently lost some weight and dropped a dress size, so the things I would have worn I have re-homed. I'm gradually buying new things anyway, so a black/dark dress is something I should probably have in my wardrobe anyway.

Tomorrow is our family 'Christmas' - it will be a strange gathering...

Sorry for your loss.

This dress is lovely and a little bit special whilst remaining sober.

Some other ideas...

Fenn Wright Manson
Kew

try a personal shopper.
john lews, debenhams and most big stores have them.

its a stress full enough time, let someone else trawl through the rails, then you can just get it over and done with.

i went with my mother and sister a few years back, short notice and at a time when no one wanted to spend the time and worry on hours shopping.

I like this dress.

Oh - lots of ideas! I particularly like the FWM one, Santa, and your Phase 8 suggestion, dexter. I have an unexpected day at the shops tomorrow, suggested by my lovely DH, so I'm feeling more upbeat about finding a good solution. Thanks so much - I'll let you know how I get on!

Some extra points to remember. If there is a church service, wear plenty of layers (churches and chapels often v cold) and footwear that is appropriate if in a graveyard. Usually find "do" after funeral is somewhere v hot. Waterproof mascara, and some spare makeup in your handbag. Black gloves. Plenty of tissues, sunglasses if your eyes are v red afterwards, spare brolly and mobile on silent. I'm old fashioned and would still prefer to go with an all black outfit for a funeral, and whatever is worn should be immaculate, cover knees and shoulders and look sober and respectful. Shoes polished within an inch of their life. DH in suit, with black tie worn with plain white shirt, plain black cufflinks, and depending on weather, black overcoat.

Thanks everyone. The funeral went as well as can be expected. I bought a Phase Eight dress in the end - grey with a pattern of different shades of grey. Unfortunately they don't have it on their website, or I'd paste a link. I wore it with my black fitted jacket and a grey overcoat - the weather here was foul. It was church and crematorium, and actually virtually none of the ladies wore all black. 'Sunday best' all round really, with greys and 'black trousers with a dark blouse' predominating. I have my eyelashes tinted, so no mascara for me - a good thing today!

Glad to hear it went well. Your outfit sounds very appropriate.I hope you and your family are coping ok, especially your mum / dad