Funeral outfit - do you have a standby?

[Poppingcandy0]

This is probably a bit strange but I think I need something in my wardrobe suitable for funerals. If you have something you know you can pull out, should you need to, what is it? Skirt/dress/trousers & nice blouse? Any suggestions and links much appreciated. Thanks.

I always have a pair of black trousers/jeans and skirt in black or grey.
I ended up having to buy a black summer top for my uncle's funeral, but I couldn't go and ended up using it for my dad's.

Alternatively, I think it's fine to wear a plain white top or shirt, which you might be able to use more often anyway.

I think it's a good idea to have something on standby. Over the years on MN I've seen several threads along the lines of "Can I wear this to a funeral?" and it turns out the funeral is the very next day and the outfit isn't actually all that suitable.
When my FIL died I remember rushing round in a panic trying to find something, whilst busy organising the funeral itself, it was near Christmas so everything seemed to be sparkly and festive.
I have a black top with a small pattern that I wear with a black suit.

A couple of years ago, I bought a beautiful black coat because I loved it and because I'm getting to that age. And I have only been to one funeral since. It seems to be keeping my ancient friends and rellies alive more successfully than I would have dreamed possible. Although very sadly, it will have its second outing in the next week or 10 days.

Yes, I have a very plain black cotton dress, and a black wool shift dress and jacket.

I had a run of oldies’ funerals a couple of years ago including my mum’s, and needed tidy and suitable for any weather.

I am shopping for my dads as we speak. Generally my family don't wear black so I go down the quiet and fairly smart route.

Problem is, 5 weeks of sitting in the hospital and eating crap means I've put on a good half stone so all of my regular outfits are too tight. I have therefore ordered something smartish which I can chuck on with my smart work shoes and bag.

I've just got back from a friend's funeral.
I have got a shedload of black clothes or black and grey, and a coal black long coat, the majority of which are for colder weather. Most of my summer clothes are lighter in shade or have mad patterns and I had to have something over and above my normal rags, as it was going to be quite formal.
eBay came to my rescue, with a Jaeger cropped black jacket over a midi grey, black and silver dress, total cost £55. I can wear it for formal work occasions, or summer funerals, hopefully not many more of the latter.

Black dress here too
I have sweater dress if really cold
Jersey wrap over style
Linen shift dress
All jaeger and I don’t keep them just for funerals
I wore the linen one for work last week with a bright orangey red merino cardigan and matching heels

for those who are currently shopping or thinking they need to have an outfit very soon.

Sadly yes, as we had a completely unexpected bereavement last year.

Mine is a black ribbed top, matching suit jacket and skirt.

Also to OP and to everyone else who is preparing for funerals or has had to attend one.

I bought a black dress from Jaeger a few years ago with funerals in mind. I could wear it in summer by itself but most of my funerals have been in winter. I’ve borrowed a friends black coat. I’ve got black shoes.

The sad thing is thinking about what children will wear to a funeral. Do you think school uniform is okay, without the logo stuff? Just the skirt/trousers/pinafore and a navy or black t shirt?

I have a black wrap dress that I put a camisole under. I put brighter camis under it to wear for work/interviews etc.
I also have a navy dress which is very comfortable and less formal than my black outfit. Also doubles for when I need to do a work presentation or an interview.
I vividly remember shopping for an outfit for my Grandad's funeral when it was obvious he was about to die. I got the call to advise me of his death while I was in the shopping centre. I was distraught and I will always recall a lovely lady who asked me if I was ok and then got me a cup of tea from Costa. She touched my arm then left me to my grief. Such a lovely lady.

Yes. I have a fairly simple black dress that I can't link to as I've had it about 25years, and have managed to wear when pregnant, and can still wear now that I weigh a good 2 stone more than I did as a young adult
I've also got other things I could wear, and wore a different, simple black dress to each of my parents funerals.
I think a simple funeral outfit in the wardrobe makes a lot of sense for most people.

My father's funeral is on Thursday.
I'm normally prepared and always have a decent black outfit in the wardrobe but I've ended up ordering 12 dresses in the past fortnight.
I'm going with a long sleeved midi dress with tights and lowish courts.

I have a black shift dress that I wore to my DM's funeral, I don't think I could ever bear to wear it to anything fun so I guess that's it. When my aunt (no other immediate family) died a fab lady in Hobbs sorted me out with an olive jersey dress and black cardigan. At DM's funeral my DC wore something they already had DD1 - black jeans, grey shirt, DS school trousers and black jumper & DD2 a navy party dress with flowers on, because granny loved her garden

Dds outfits are tricky actually. They are top end primary and growing like weeds so again lots doesn't fit. Dd2 has a back jumpsuit she wants to wear - she wears a lot of black so it's not a funeral thing.

She'll need some kind of cardi for church which she would never usually agree to but we've struck a deal that we'll get one she and her sister can agree on so dd1 can have it after.

Dd1 usually looks like a cross between daisy duke and an explosion in a smiggle factory. I suggested she wears her darker pink smart dress but she decided it doesn't look 'respectful' enough god bless her so we'll find her a more subdued dress.

My dad would be furious if they didn't dress like normal though. He took immense pleasure in disapproving of dd1s incredibly short skirts and shorts so whilst moderation is needed, they still need to look like them.....

I have black jacket/skirt/trousers for work, so that's what I wear.

Doesn't have to be black, OP, just dark and sober-looking.

I have both navy and black Boden jersey dresses that I wear - either with fitted jackets or cropped cashmere cardigans.

I had bought a print version of same dress and then because it fitted me so well & suited me and didn't crease bought the plain versions when in clearance for

Yes I bought a black dress for my dads funeral (winser London) and it has become my default funeral dress which has actually been incredibly useful. Because I associate it with my dads funeral I am never tempted to wear it anywhere else so it is going to last a very long time.

Afer not having a suitable coat a few years ago I always ensure I have a dark grey or navy wool coat in my wardrobe, that's harder to get at the last minute than a black dress. The last two funerals I've been to I've bought something specific, I don't wear much black and when I've dragged out my previous funeral dress I've decided it's not suitable. I then wear the dress to work afterwards with colourful accessories to lighten it. I suspect the stress of the funeral comes out in the compulsion to shop.

The sad thing is thinking about what children will wear to a funeral. Do you think school uniform is okay, without the logo stuff? Just the skirt/trousers/pinafore and a navy or black t shirt?

At FIL's funeral all the DC wore their black school shoes, DS (5) wore his school trousers with a smart dark shirt and jumper. The DDs (8&10) didn't want to wear uniform so we put together suitable out of their wardrobes plus plain black cardigans from H&M. But yes, uniform is a good basis for a smart outfit.

Another person saying it doesn’t need to be black, just dark and smart.

Navy, grey, dark brown etc are all fine too. I work in an office so have plenty suitable clothing - I usually wear a navy dress and coat, depending on the season. Although it’s always cold at funerals.

If in doubt, dress as if you were going to a job interview as a head teacher. Nothing short or tight or attention seeking.

For children, a white / blue shirt with a dark pinafore / skirt/ trousers is fine, it doesn’t need to be black.

For my dad’s funeral my 4yo daughter wore a sparkly green velvet dress and glittery shoes. My dad would not have liked his granddaughter dressed in black or anything too drab. I wore a beige jumper dress with a charcoal grey coat over.

I bought a black dress from M&S for less than £20 last year as my funeral standby dress. I'm in my 50's and was advised by someone to get an outfit in my wardrobe specifically for funerals due to my age. I've already worn it once sadly.