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Please help with a colourful funeral dress

34 replies

OwletteGecko · 03/07/2026 08:11

Hello, I need help with the hardest brief.
It's my mum's funeral. I need a colourful dress suitable for the crematorium but also afterwards in a bar so more party style but not outrageous. It needs to be size 10 to 12. Not black. I suit v necks and wrap dresses and I'm short, just over 5ft, so just above the knees works best. I also have hips so belted or fit and flare style. I will need some kind of sleeves. I like the flutter ones but don't know what they are called. It's probably going to be hot so nothing polyester-y. Budget is flexible, maybe up to £150. Most of my. Family will be in blues and greens.

OP posts:
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LaliqueSaltGrinder · 03/07/2026 09:05

I'm so sorry about your mum. Funeral dressing is so hard. When you say colourful, do you mean a single block colour, or patterned? If patterned, I like this one from hope and ember : https://www.asos.com/hope-ivy/hope-ivy-flutter-sleeve-wrap-skirt-tie-waist-maxi-dress-in-lilac-floral-print/prd/209860628 if solid colour preferred what about this which comes in lots of different colours https://www.phase-eight.com/product/julissa-wrap-dress-100150460814.html or https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/ax-paris-dark-pink-flutter-sleeve-belted-midi-dress/p/954437274 but maybe a bit boob-y?

Julissa Wrap Dress | Phase Eight UK |

Julissa Wrap Dress

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/julissa-wrap-dress-100150460814.html

OwletteGecko · 03/07/2026 09:15

Thank you so much. I hadn't really thought about plain or patterned but think I'm veering towards patterned. Not least because I spill things down me (just like my mum!)
I love the pattern in the first one but I worry as I'm short they maxi dresses drown me. Is knee length inappropriate?

OP posts:
LaliqueSaltGrinder · 03/07/2026 09:21

No, knee length is not inappropriate! A very short "almost see your knickers" length would be inappropriate. You need to find something you are comfortable in. Try using Chatgpt or another AI of your choice, tell it your criteria, budget and tell it to look in UK shops only and let it do its stuff...

Or there are a few on Next (and in the sale!) https://www.next.co.uk/style/su553530/f04442

poopoobarneymcgrew · 03/07/2026 09:21

Have a look at Popsy a lot of the dresses are polyester but they’ve also quite a few cotton. As for length they will shorten dresses for you when you order (but then not returnable) prices round the £40/50 mark

madaboutpurple · 03/07/2026 09:23

So sorry for your loss, I wonder if your wonderful Mum liked a colour that you also like. Then it could be your tribute honouring the fact that you both like the same colour. Take care, I am in favour of celebrating the life the person led . All the best OP.

LaliqueSaltGrinder · 03/07/2026 09:42

urgh, the Next one is sold out.

This is cotton and patterend https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/botanical-bees-dress-wf516?colour=24. there are a few on Sosandar too but longer length and not all cotton.

Botanical Bees Dress

https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/botanical-bees-dress-wf516?colour=244

purser25 · 03/07/2026 09:59

I would second Popsy although some are polyester I don’t find them that hot lots of colourful dresses.

dinodiva · 03/07/2026 10:08

I wore a Kemi Telford skirt to my mum’s funeral (similar brief on not wearing black). Would a fancy skirt and a top work as an alternative?

KitchenColourandstyle · 03/07/2026 10:16

Sorry for your loss. Did your Mum have any particular favourite flowers? If she loved say poppies or bluebells you could use that with dress as a search term and hopefully turn up something that isn't just colourful but also has an added association for you.

OtterandaRock · 03/07/2026 13:36

Condolences. Be very gentle with yourself 🤍

How about Seasalt? Any of these? https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/clothing/dresses/fit-flare-dresses?size=16345%2C16348

Maybe this? www.seasaltcornwall.com/charlotte-midi-shirt-dress

OneNewEagle · 03/07/2026 14:19

What was your mums favourite colour? Wear that.

my deepest condolences 💐

wigglycactus · 03/07/2026 14:32

My mum gave similar instructions for her funeral and wore this Monki shirt dress. They have lots of different patterns and a large proportion are viscose not polyester (I also can't wear plasticky fabrics). I felt very comfortable all day in it, it has pockets for tissues and it can be worn with sandals or boots/flats. I got mine from Vinted for less than £10 which my mum absolutely would have approved of! (She loved charity shops). I'm really sorry for your loss, it's such a hard time 💛

Please help with a colourful funeral dress
wigglycactus · 03/07/2026 14:33

My image is under review, so if it doesn't appear, I would take a look at Monki retro floral dresses either new or on Vinted. I hope you find something x

Lovemycat2023 · 03/07/2026 16:37

So sorry to hear about you losing your mum. I’ve just got a lovely green maxi dress in petite from Fatface, but I don’t know how you feel about green (some say it’s unlucky?)

https://www.fatface.com/style/su892946/g09211?_br_psugg_q=green+maxi+dress#G09211

OwletteGecko · 03/07/2026 17:27

Thank you so much for the suggestion and the thoughts. Sorry so many of you have been here. It's not easy.

So many brands I hadn't considered. I will spend this evening browsing and maybe brave a physical shopping centre.

OP posts:
KrazyKatty · 03/07/2026 18:06

So sorry for your loss. Apricot has some pretty dresses that might suit?

SoScarletItWas · 03/07/2026 18:07

Green in petite length

https://www.next.co.uk/style/sv127564/y73562

Silverbirchleaf · 03/07/2026 18:11

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-petite-caterina-floral-midi-dress-pink/p114776218

I remember reading on another thread that the dress you buy for a close loved one’s funeral will always be associate with the funeral, so although you want to do your mum proud, don’t go overboard, as you’ll probably never wear dress again.

sorry for your loss.

Phase Eight Petite Caterina Floral Midi Dress, Pink

Buy Phase Eight Petite Caterina Floral Midi Dress, Pink from our Women's Dresses range at John Lewis & Partners. Free Delivery on orders over £50.

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-petite-caterina-floral-midi-dress-pink/p114776218

WyrdHag · 03/07/2026 18:40

Seasalt is a good shout. They've a sale on at the moment and I've just bought this for DD's graduation (with a navy jacket and naice shoes etc), as it's 100% cotton and due to be 27 degrees on the day.

Hope you find something you like and take comfort from giving your mum a good send off.

Please help with a colourful funeral dress
tartyflette · 03/07/2026 19:07

OwletteGecko · 03/07/2026 09:15

Thank you so much. I hadn't really thought about plain or patterned but think I'm veering towards patterned. Not least because I spill things down me (just like my mum!)
I love the pattern in the first one but I worry as I'm short they maxi dresses drown me. Is knee length inappropriate?

Knee length or any length is totally fine — it’s your Mum, would she be bothered?

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