Summer funeral dress

[MadMaryBoddington]

This feels a bit wrong/flippant posting in Style and Beauty, but I’m at a loose end. I need a dress for a funeral next week and I’m stuck. My black outfits are all winter fabrics and if the weather is like this I’ll be a sweaty mess, so I really need something lighter but can’t find anything appropriate online (not had chance to go into town). It needs to be smart but not evening-ish, so no embellishments or excess frillage, but not too officey either. I’m short so maxi dresses drown me and high necklines look rubbish on me so they are out. Help!

I’m considering this black shift but I’ve never bought anything from Baukjen so don’t know what the sizing is like and Brand Alley returns are a pain.
www.brandalley.co.uk/15760652.html

www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/petite-linen-mix-shift-dress/GL543/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7201&ci_sku=GL54305&ci_src=18615224&promo=6230&cm_mmc=Googlebase--JDWilliams--Product%20Feeds-_-na#colour:Black,size:18&promo=6202&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_9ybm_yY2wIVC90bCh2w4AqKEAkYCSABEgJ1IfD_BwE

This is almost identical to a cotton/linen shift sleeveless dress I wore to a summer funeral a few years ago, coupled with a black shrug.

That’s quite nice. What’s the quality like with JD Williams? I’ve never heard of them. £22 seems very cheap.

www.marksandspencer.com/linen-blend-tunic-dress/p/p60137340

Is this too floral for funeral I wonder?

www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-marie-printed-midi-dress-black/p3314835

The M&S one is navy. I think it needs to be black.

I have no experience of JD I'm afraid - the one I wore was about £12 from the Next outlet! (It's actually very nice despite being extremely cheap).

I don't think the Mint Velvet one is suitable for a funeral.

Love the M&S one - and at least you know what the quality will be like.

Sorry. It looked black to me. They don't do it in black.

Next do a black version of their sleeveless linen dress (£26 I think). I'm short and I buy the regular length ones which are knee length on me.

www.google.co.uk/shopping/product/14856684003011879922?vet=10ahUKEwjszKikgpnbAhVKKcAKHRZLByoQpCsINw..i;0ahUKEwjszKikgpnbAhVKKcAKHRZLByoQpCsINw..s&q=black+linen+dress&prds=paur:ClkAsKraX5zaK2jeAS7m1x-isYNGQQg3PkHbKamdudO7aMkdCEh63kzWmwmL2XhZYxMuxCb_-LkN6tbsub2O6-AKcmm7V7K1wphgizlHUnFB-45DEqLtLHU6BBIZAFPVH73fv0rPd5EDche6KHyD6M5FE2kO_g&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjCjuKogpnbAhXEshQKHZXyBawQq4MBCA8oAA

I'm exactly in the same boat as you currently … I've literally just been looking for a suitable dress (again) having traipsed round god knows how many shops and am getting nowhere.
I'm happy to wear grey, blue, green instead of black, would consider subtle prints, but want to be respectful …. so knee length, short sleeves rather than sleeveless, not too clingy or bosomy. But everything I've found online which might fit the bill is sold out! And not surprisingly the vast majority of dresses around at this time of year are floaty/strappy/short/bright/very casual anyway.
Will watch this thread with interest but am now thinking I might have to go down the tunic/blouse route instead with dark skirt or trousers.

Boden have several that might be suitable.

Uniqlo have a couple of dresses which I'm looking at for the very same reason I'm afraid

You don’t have to wear black to a funeral. Grey, navy, dark green etc are all fine.

Will have a look at Boden, Next and Uniqlo, thanks.

I think you’re right about the Mint Velvet one. Clutching at straws there.

I know other colours are acceptable but personally I only feel right in black for a funeral.

It went nuts at work so I had to step away from the thread but will be back when I can. for those in the same boat.

8 looks nice an could we worn for other occasions too
www.silkfred.com/boutiques/so-dot-nife/clothing/black-3-slash-4-sleeve-dress-1?tcode=GPPC_PLAs&gclid=CjwKCAjw_47YBRBxEiwAYuKdw0NvmkqSYTiYaixh64dQk-8bO40zh5eePdPVh9urQUVYAu45Xy9ZBhoCfeMQAvD_BwE

This!
www.next.co.uk/g6390s3#151885

Button that is very similar to the one I bought from Next a few years ago - even down to the little cut-out detail round the hem! It's a lovely fit and good quality for the price.

I think I’m too short for that Silk Fred one. The Next one might be a bit too informal; it is going to be quite a dressy occasion knowing the people who will be going. I think I’m going to have to rule out sleeveless.

I’ve spotted this in LK Bennet which might do the job. Is us too officey though?

www.lkbennett.com/product/CDELINEPOLYESTERVISCOSEELASTANBlackBlack~Eline-Dress-Black

‘Is it’ that should be.

It’s not exactly a hot weather dress though - I might as well wear one of the winter ones I’ve alreafy got. Argh.