A black cloud shadowed the weekend with  the sad news that country music singer Kelsea Ballerini‘s grandparents died within 39 hours of each other. If you know her music, Kelsea is no strange to loss. Accepting, healing and moving ahead stronger are themes in her debut album.

Condolences, Kelsea. No one plans ahead to attend a funeral. You just need that black dress waiting when the time comes. With a heavy heart, my dress picks today highlight

5 Classic Black Dresses for Funerals

V back midi black dress

Conservative, elegant and a perfect base layer for wakes and funerals, this black midi dress is comfortable for long days thanks to the spandex jersey. For church settings, the V back may be taboo, but with a jacket or cardi, your knee length black dress would certainly be appropriate. Priced under 100 dollars, this black dress is equally appropriate for cocktail receptions or date nights.

Black lace shift

The short bell sleeves on a black lace shift sets a somber tone with a soft touch. A black keyhole closure makes this A line shift easy to slip on and forgiving if your weight tends to fluctuate. Add a shawl for cooler settings or keep cool in this airy black shift.

Long sleeve black lace dress

Long sleeves and a scalloped hem create an elegant black lace dress. A sophisticated style in mourning attire, the black sweetheart underlining gives sheer lace coverage over the shoulders and arms. With all of these details, it’s fortunate to find a lace funeral dress for less than $100.

Fit and Flare Short Sleeve Dress

Going from work to show your condolences at visiting hours? This black fit and flare dress takes you from the office to the funeral home or Shiva. Short sleeves and jersey knit keep the dress easy to wear and to style. Here is a versatile black dress that fits your under $50 budget.

Bateau neckline jersey dress

A slim silhouette more your style for the office? Then this ¾ sleeve bateau neck dress might be your choice. A center ruched panel adds to the comfortable, flattering fit. For less than $75, this black jersey dress may be your go to dress for festive and somber occasions.

My deepest condolences, Kelsea. Grieving, tears and sorrow make funerals a melancholy time. You search for happy memories, friends and family to support you through the events.

The dress is really just a detail, but having a black dress in your closet means you can focus on the life and good times celebrated with your dear ones.

Looking for a plus size homecoming dress? Love great dresses for less than $100? Then you’ll love the fancy frocks I’ve chosen today!

5 Beautiful Homecoming Dresses under $100

sleeveless lace dress

This classic lace party dress in brilliant blue features a sweetheart matching lining. A satin ribbon tie adds texture to this homecoming dress under $100. Available in a range of colors and of course, in plus sizes, pull this homecoming dress out again for wedding receptions or holiday parties.

Hi Lo turquoise homecoming dress

Want a homecoming dress perfect for dancing? Then take a look at this plus size hi lo dress with a rhinestone beading on the waistline. This sleeveless homecoming dress features a V neck and swishy chiffon for a romantic homecoming style.

Sexy black midi homecoming dress

Then again, there’s always the allure of black semi formal dresses. This black midi dress looks sophisticated and falls gracefully along plus size curves, thanks to center ruched seams and a the V neckline. Spaghetti straps and a front center skirt slit are more details that make you look again. This really is a homecoming dress under $100.

keyhole back on a lace dress

Fabulous details bely the $100 price point in this plus size lace dress for homecoming. Contrasting lining coordinates with a piped hemline on this short sleeveless party dress. The long back keyhole adds a sexy touch to this plus size homecoming statement.

Cap sleeve homecoming dress

The elasticized fabric on this glittery homecoming dress makes it difficult to believe this is a budget friendly choice. Cap sleeves, a notched neckline and a ruched center panel elongate and streamline your body. What a fabulous choice to stand out as best dressed at homecoming.

Ever since Glamour declared fit and flare dresses as the ultimate choice for every body shape, the homecoming dress market jumped on the trend. Fit and flare highlights (or creates) an hourglass shape, evens out shoulders with the lower half and fits much more easily than a pencil or sheath dress. Why wouldn’t you wear one to the homecoming dance? My picks today are:

5 Fit and Flare Dresses for Homecoming

Faviana lace homecoming dress

Faviana’s red lace homecoming dress boasts beautiful lace appliqués on organza. I love the sleeveless style that keeps the focus on your shoulders while still maintaining the fit and flare silhouette.

Black cut out homecoming dress

Black always looks formal, but add lace trimming to this homecoming dress with cut outs and you have a fit and flare dress that is elegant and fun.

Petal pink fit and flare dress

Petal pink accented with a back bow gives this fit and flare homecoming dress a dainty touch. Polyester crepe de chine pair with a halter neckline for a romantic style.

Beaded acqua fit n flare short party dress

An illusion bodice, intricately beaded defines this fit and flare homecoming dress. Layers of organza, a polyester satin lining and a fish tail hem emphasize the full skirt.

Halter 2 piece fit and flare dress

Navy is ever so  trendy this homecoming season. This two piece dress boasts the same fit and flare dress shape…. with just a touch of skin in between! Diagonal textured lines cross the full skirt, which also features a beaded waistband that coordinates with a halter bodice.

Whether you’re a rectangle, triangle or hourglass, definitely shop for fit and flare dresses for homecoming in 2016!