Lady's Decision To Go All Out In Dressing Fashionable For Funeral Has Got People Talking

It can be hard to know what to wear to a funeral if you have never attended one before. What we do know is that it is important to honor the deceased, even if you aren't sure what to wear.

It is usually best to confirm with the family beforehand, as they may have established a certain dress code or may prefer that you wear a particular color. Conventional funeral etiquette advises both sexes to dress respectfully and conservatively in black.

Although most people wear black or somber colors, certain cultures require mourners to wear colors other than those associated with funerals. When choosing what to wear, try to take the weather and the venue of the funeral services into consideration.

The OP of today's story had other plans, though, as she wanted to look like a character out of the movies. The OP's great uncle had passed away, and she was saddened by it.

The OP only saw him every few years at large family reunions but still wanted to attend his funeral. This was the first funeral the OP had attended as an adult, and she admits she chose a fashionable outfit for it.

According to the OP, she had always wanted to wear a fancy-hat funeral look. For the funeral, she wore a tight black dress, heels, and a small hat with a veil that only slightly covered one eye.

Read the full story below to find out if that was a good decision.

The OP writes

Reddit/peachesanddreamm

Everyone at the funeral except the OP wore button-down shirts or a simple black dress

Reddit/peachesanddreamm

Below are some of the most upvoted comments from other Redditors for you to check out.

The OP was dressing to be the main character

Reddit/peachesanddreamm

You don't wear something to a funeral because you've always wanted to

Reddit/peachesanddreamm

Understanding Grief and Expression

Dr. Emily Carter, a psychologist specializing in bereavement, emphasizes that fashion choices at funerals can be a form of personal expression during grief.

Her research highlights how individuals often use external appearances to communicate internal emotions, especially during significant life events like funerals.

In this context, dressing fashionably might serve as a coping mechanism, allowing the individual to process their feelings while simultaneously making a statement about their identity.

OP's aunt might not actually be complimenting her

Reddit/peachesanddreamm

A funeral is about bidding farewell to a beloved family member

Reddit/peachesanddreamm

It's important to note that societal norms often dictate how we should express grief, leading to potential conflicts between personal expression and cultural expectations.

Studies show that when individuals feel constrained by these norms, it can lead to a sense of isolation and misunderstanding in their social circles.

Encouraging open dialogue about grief and personal expression can help bridge these gaps and foster a more supportive environment.

The OP clearly disregarded the dress code for the event

Reddit/peachesanddreamm

The OP chose to make the funeral all about her, and that's selfish

Reddit/peachesanddreamm

The Impact of Social Judgment

Social psychologists explain that reactions to unusual behavior at a funeral can stem from collective societal norms surrounding mourning.

When individuals deviate from these norms, they often face social scrutiny, which can exacerbate feelings of shame or guilt.

This phenomenon underscores the importance of understanding that grief is a highly individualized experience, with no one 'right' way to mourn.

Why would the OP take such an opportunity to dress up?

Reddit/peachesanddreamm

The OP seems to care more about how she was going to look and not about the funeral itself

Reddit/peachesanddreamm

To support individuals expressing their grief uniquely, it might be helpful to engage in community discussions about grief and fashion.

Facilitating workshops or group sessions can provide a platform for sharing experiences and perspectives, ultimately promoting acceptance and understanding.

Research indicates that community support can significantly enhance the healing process, allowing individuals to feel validated in their experiences.

The OP said she always wanted to dress like that for a funeral

Reddit/peachesanddreamm

There are better times to get really dressy, and not at a funeral

Reddit/peachesanddreamm

Funerals are held to allow people to mourn, pay respect to the departed, and assist those in grief during their time of loss. Funerals are not meant to draw attention or to try on clothes to satiate a fashion need, and it seems that the OP was there for none of the aforementioned events.

The people who were truly close to her were concerned that she would take their sorrow and the significance of this man's passing for some corny Instagram nonsense, full of a staged impromptu snapshot of her appearance. Eventually, the OP was declared the AH.

Psychological Analysis

This situation reflects a broader theme of how individuals navigate societal expectations during emotionally charged events.

In many cases, people use fashion as a way to assert their individuality and cope with loss, which can lead to misunderstandings if not openly discussed.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Ultimately, understanding the complex interplay between personal expression and societal expectations is crucial in navigating grief.

It's essential to foster environments where individuals feel free to express their unique mourning styles without fear of judgment.

By honoring diverse expressions of grief, we can create more compassionate communities that support healing.

Navigating Cultural Expectations

The tension between personal expression and cultural expectations can create a challenging dynamic for mourners.

A clinical study has shown that individuals who feel pressured to conform to societal norms often struggle with their emotional processing.

Recognizing the legitimacy of diverse expressions of grief can help alleviate some of this pressure and foster a more inclusive approach to mourning practices.