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.

yes I have a black shift dress. This one has done 2 funerals, the one before that did a couple.

I'm in my 30's so I'm not sure that the need for one is an age thing.

I don’t wear black to funerals, or ever really. I tend to wear dresses all of the time and have quite a lot so I just choose from what I wear in general when I go to a funeral

I agree with Kimlo - not an age thing. I have a simple grey jersey dress which just happened to become the one I wear to funerals, and I never wear it anywhere else. I think it is rather a good idea to have something ready to wear - particularly as clothes hunting can add extra stress at very sad times. As other posters have suggested, charity shops are definitely worth a look for suitable clothes - black isn't essential, and often bright colours are requested, but something that looks smart in a darker shade will always be fine.

I was thinking a little while ago I would need something on standby for when DGM died (she's 86 but to be fair she might live another 15 years, she's in fine fettle) then just as I was thinking it a uni friend died unexpectedly. So now I have a nice black Boden dress. Except the funeral was in January and I didn't wear my pillar box red coat so I was fucking freezing.

I have a lovely navy (dark navy as I hate black) silky long sleeved top and a dark and light navy striped skirt from Hobbs that I got for my DF's funeral. Before that I had a dark navy dress. I like to keep one thing in reserve as I live in jeans and it is awful to have to shop when you are in mourning - although I did that for my DF funeral but I had a back up so it would not have mattered.

I think a dark navy or a black midi dress is handy to have - Massimo Dutti and Hobbs are good for these. If you are not closely related then dark cigarette trousers and a silky top is good.

I used to work as a restaurant hostess and had to wear a black suit for that. I'm now kicking myself for getting rid of it recently.

I have two black dresses, but they are a bit too casual for a funeral really. Maybe I need to have a look on eBay... Hopefully not obviously!

I've got a black dress and jacket combo that DH bought me to wear at his funeral. I realise that sounds weird but I had the same suit in a different colour and it really suits me, so when he saw it in black he thought I would be comfortable in it, plus it wasn't purely speculative, we knew he was dying. He didn't want me to have to worry about finding something to wear as well as arranging the funeral. I've sadly worn it to the funerals in the last year, but have had compliments.

Three* not the

I have options for every season. Had to attend lots of funerals sadly.

I have a simple black dress and some black trousers with a black blazer jacket. Looking at the weather, I pick between these two very simple outfits. They can also be worn for many other occasions, obviously depending what you pair them with. I've owned them all for well over 10 years and they don't really age. I do need to replace the jacket though as it's far too small now that I've put on a fair bit of weight.

AndNoneForGretchenWieners

Your late husband sounds like a very thoughtful and practical man. I’m sorry for your loss

I have a black shift linen dress without sleeves that I bought for DF's funeral and have worn to a summer funeral since. This can be worn with a plain black M&S shrug cardigan or a tailored lightweight black jacket. Paired with plain black wedge sandals.

I also have a smart black wool tailored coat, plain black skirt and black low heeled shoes for any funerals where something warmer to wear might be needed.

None of these are specifically for funerals but it is good to know that they are there in my wardrobe should the need ever arise again.

I have plenty of black clothes so I just wear some of that. I do have a coat that I've saved for when I'm older to wear specifically for funerals (too frumpy for work)

I have been to 3 funerals in the last 3 years and all specified NOT to wear black/sombre colours. One red. One ocean colours. And one pink. I’m early 40’s.

I have a knee length loose fitting shift dress with 3/4 length sleeves which has done sterling service. It looks quite elegant but not too dressy or fashiony, goes well with all heel heights and in all seasons. It gets draped with a scarf if bright colours have been requested. It accommodates any weight changes so I know it will fit.

Shopping for funeral wear is not something you want to be doing of necessity.
for those of you in this unhappy position.

IM0GEN yes, he was the best.

I've got loads of black clothes.

But you don't have to wear black to funerals these days do you?

I got told off fircwearing dark brow to a funeral. I had slant student black or smart dark brown. I went with the later. Although all these years later I do think I was a problem to focus on. Rather than the deceased.