Do you ever get stuck on what to wear to a funeral? When my dad died in 2015, I had NOTHING to wear to his funeral. Nothing in my closet that fit anyway. So I spent a day at the mall wondering around aimlessly, trying on NEW clothes that ALSO DIDN’T FIT (as if I didn’t already feel bad enough) and went home empty handed.
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Would I just have to wear my Talbots “generously cut” shorts and t-shirt that I had worn all summer as I drove back and forth to the hospital every day? No, that wouldn’t do. In the South, we still “dress” for a funeral. Maybe not quite as formally as we used to, but I wasn’t going to go to my Dad’s funeral looking less than my best.
What To Wear To A Funeral
Thank the Lord for the wonderful ladies at my local Chico’s. I walked into that store after the disastrous trip to the mall, told them “My dad died, his funeral is tomorrow and I don’t have anything to wear.” Those kind ladies helped me figure out my size (because in the world of Chico’s, overweight women in the 50’s can still be a size 2), parked me in a dressing room and started bringing me clothes.
I walked out of there with black pants, a black top with leather details (similar), a really cute and edgy kind of vest (similar) and the jewelry (similar) to go with it. I felt great. And since we were on a roll, they even outfitted me for a shower I had to attend the following weekend. I will be forever grateful to those sales ladies. I would never have been able to figure all that on my own.
So….when Jodie from Jodie’s Touch of Style asked me to partner with her on this style post, I thought, no problem. I’ll just wear what I did to Dad’s funeral. The only problem is, I love the components of that outfit so much that I have worn them to death and am sick of them.
So I went to Macy’s and got a couple of cute new pieces for the post, got them home and hated them.
What to do? My sister-in-law who was visiting and was my photographer was about to go home. I had to figure out something. So I decided to “shop my closet” and here is the outfit I came up with. I’m kinda proud of myself!
I started with a base of black. The Amazing Black Pants from Soft Surroundings and the Simple Comfort Top from Covered Perfectly. I wear both of these all the time. The pants have an elastic waist, but they are tailored in such a way that you’d never know it!
The Covered Perfectly top is so soft. It’s thin enough to layer, thick enough so that everyone doesn’t “see your business” and long enough so that it’s not riding up.
Then I found this Tahari by ASL Textured Crochet Knit Jacket that I bought for formal night on the Alaskan Cruise we took last summer. It’s “lacey” enough that you could wear to a more formal occasion, but casual enough for a daytime event. The pattern is gorgeous and I love the fit of Tahari jackets.
To accessorize, I wore my Kendra Scott Aiden Pendant Necklace. I usually wear a combination of gold and silver, so this necklace is perfect. Funny story – when my husband asked what I wanted for Christmas, I put 3 Kendra Scott necklaces on my list with the idea that he would pick one. He bought all 3! I’m not complaining. I guess he figured if he bought them all, there was no way he could get in trouble.
My Cloisonne Bracelet was a gift from a dear friend that I wear ALL THE TIME. I wear a lot of black and white so that it goes with everything.
And I just have to show you my ring. The diamond in the middle is the diamond from my Mom’s engagement ring. The 4 diamonds on the side are from the 10 diamond ring that Dad gave her on their 10th anniversary. It’s also two-tone. I wear it every day. Feels like I have my Mom close to me all the time.
Now over to Jodie’s Touch of Style to see the outfits that these 3 ladies are wearing.
I love this blog. Each week, Jodie has a fashion theme and shows outfits for ladies in their 50’s (she’s the 50’s model), 60’s (her stepmom, Nancy is the 60’s model), and 70’s (her mom, Charlotte is the 70’s model). They are just lovely.
Here’s a sneak peek. I love that they feature some options besides black. Click here to get the details on their looks!
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It did make me giggle to think that you would wear your shorts to the funeral, Cathy!
And what a heart warming story about the Chico’s associates!! It’s especially at these traumatic times, that you don’t want to have to think about putting outfits together if that isn’t your forte!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie – so enjoyed doing this post for you. I need to stretch myself, and I guess I have a little more fashion sense than I give myself credit for!
Thanks for sharing this <3 I've been to a few funerals in my life and I always struggle with what to wear that's somber enough but also respectful. Appreciate this post and all of your choices are perfect.
XOXO
Charlotte – thanks so much!
Perfect choice. I keep these Chico pieces in my closet.
Thanks, Barbara! What would we do without Chico’s! 🙂
[…] What to Wear to a Funeral […]
That is lovely!
Funerals must be one of the worst things to try and dress for. What to wear is often the last thing on someones mind, but you still need to think about it probably because it’s another sign of respect. You ladies all look beautiful Cathy and I’m so glad the ladies from Chico’s were there for you
This post made the most-clicked list on the Blogger’s Pit Stop. Congratulations and be looking for a feature on Friday. Well done.
Kathleen
Blogger’s Pit Stop
Thanks, Kathleen! Honored to be featured!
[…] WHAT TO WEAR TO A FUNERAL by Cathy […]
You all look lovely and elegant Cathy and I think that is the key. I don’t necessarily believe you need to wear black these days but looking elegant and respectful is a must. Some people of course, ask that a certain colour be worn to their funerals. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us at #overthemoon link party and have a great week.
Quite a timely re-share as I have a memorial service to attend this weekend and I am thinking.. I have nothing to wear.