Going Out In Style: What Not To Wear

The deceased should not be the only best dress person at the funeral service.

What does one wear to a funeral?

I am not suggesting that you keep the appropriate clothes in your closet for when you need to go to funeral…okay, maybe I am, and I am sure that most people really don’t give this much thought..until about an hour before they are supposed to attend the service.  I am also aware that I have the “professional”  advantage over most people because I do own about hundred dresses, suits and shoes all in the proper shade of black .

It is easy for me, so let me make it easy for you.

 Have you ever watched the show on the network TLC, “What not to Wear”?

Here are few examples of the outfits that we have seen and  “what not to wear” to a funeral.

  

Just because we live at the beach does not mean you should wear beach clothes to the funeral—flip flops, halter tops, short shorts (although they do get people to think about things other than the funeral), cut off jeans, button down shirts that aren't buttoned down—please remember exposed chest hair is NEVER a good fashion statement, and speaking of exposed chests….ladies, cover those girls up!  It can be dangerous to distract the funeral directors—they might grab the wrong body!

And no matter how excited you are that the deceased is on their way to heaven...leave the bright yellow suit at home in the closet.

Some other things that are not very appropriate are, gym clothes, yoga outfits, sporting attire with the baseball cap worn backwards, and don't forget those fashion forward thongs, peek-a-boo tattoos and excessive facial piercings—please cover them or remove them.

Regardless of what everyone says or what the current fads are, please dress ……..for the funeral.

Do this out of respect for deceased, the family and the fact that other people there can “actually” see you even if the deceased can’t.

There have been a few outfits that could bring back the dead.

You will have your day up front and you will be able to wear anything you like then, but not now.

Remember what the deceased is wearing dictates the dress for the service.

Coat and tie for the men, and dresses, skirts or dress slacks for women. 

Try and keep the colors muted. 

Showers or baths are a must. 

Use a light hand when applying perfume or cologne. 

Comb your hair, brush your teeth, and spit out the gum. 

I know about now you are thinking do I really need to be told this? 

Lord I hope not, but to be perfectly honest about half of the people that attend a funeral these days look and dress like they are going to …..shoot ….I don't know where they are going dressed like that.

Would you wear that if you were going to church? A luncheon? Business meeting? Probably not.

I realize that there are exceptions to this rule; some people are coming straight from work or have traveled in and haven’t had time to change, that is fine.

To be perfectly honest it is always better to attend the service than not to come at all.  But if you have the time PLEASE make the effort.

Do you remember your mother ever saying to you: You're not going out of the house looking like that are you?

So say your prayers, say I love you, trust in God and always try to Go Out in Style.

Dee