What is polite to wear to a Catholic mass and memorial lunch these days?

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What is polite to wear to a Catholic mass and memorial lunch these days?

karymk

Veteran

Is it still black? It will be warm that day. I have this black Ted Baker. Is it ok?

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10 years ago

Urgent

12 replies

Latest reply was from April

kkards

Veteran

I think you can never go wrong with black.

10 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I think it looks good. I'd prob add a blazer for in church at least.

10 years ago

retailgirl

Veteran

I agree with Diana. That looks good! I would wear anything I might wear to work, ( business attire) in black, navy, or gray. So, a suit, a tailored dress, or a sheath and jacket. If you are going to the cemetery, you may want to make sure you can walk on grass in your shoes.

10 years ago

JenA

Veteran

The dress is beautiful. I think you need a jacket or light sweater to cover your arms. FWIW, in the last year I've been to three catholic funerals and I wore a grey pants suit with a black blouse each time. I did find there was a lot of standing after the service, if that helps with shoe choice.

10 years ago

Zibbets

Veteran

Looks great! I agree that you might want a jacket or sweater. On warm days, our church really cranks the a/c.

10 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I was going to say something dark (esp. black) and knee length, so it looks like you have that covered. I would also add a topper since the dress is sleeveless. And as others pointed out, if you're going to go to the cemetery afterward, you will want to wear shoes that you feel comfortable walking in on grass.

10 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

I agree with a topper, even a large scarf is good. The truth is that women often go to church sleeveless. In my area at least. I can also tell you many priests don't really like it here. And fairly they feel the same about men in tanks.

You look lovely and respectful.

10 years ago

jackiec

Veteran

You look beautiful. As others mentioned, as did you, I'd add a topper for the church. Perfectly appropriate.

10 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

In LA (and IIRC you're in LA) many women go sleeveless to regular Sunday Mass, including Communion Ministers (people who help the priest pass out communion). But for a Funeral Mass, I'd bring a topper and then if it turns out lots of people are sleeveless, you can shed it. My condolences on your loss!

10 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Don't know about what is right for the occasion but you look appropriate (and terrific).

10 years ago

karymk

Veteran

Thank you for the idea of a topper. It never even occurred to me but you are right! I thought bare shoulders wasnt good form; i would think bare arms were ok, but a pashmina will do the trick, even though they arent really in rigjt now.

10 years ago

April

Veteran

Okay, full disclosure here -- my dad is a Catholic deacon and my mother is a go-to-mass-every-day church lady. Honestly, I've never heard her say anything negative about bare arms in church. Short skirts, yes, low-cut tops, yes, anything super-tight, yes, jeans in church, yes, but bare arms? Nope.

And I grew up in the era when women were still expected to put something on their heads in church, and when crossing your legs in church was frowned upon.

I think you're okay with doing what feels comfortable temperature-wise.

10 years ago

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