If you wear makeup, you'll want to keep things minimal for a funeral. Stick to light, natural colors and a nude lipstick. Avoid anything featuring bright colors, glitter, or unnatural hues.
Makeup/Jewelry:
Makeup should be kept simple. Foundation, a bit of blush and black eyeliner should suffice. Avoid bright lipstick, if any at all. As with clothing, you're makeup should not make you stand out.
What is appropriate clothing for a funeral? Traditionally, funeral etiquette suggests men and women wear black clothing that's conservative and respectful. Black or dark colours are most common, but some cultures expect mourners to wear a less traditional funeral colour.
Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.
Hair and Makeup
If you are planning to wear makeup, stick with a natural look, and go for waterproof eye makeup. Hair should be simple. Those with shorter hair should go for a clean look. Those with longer hair can try out a modest updo or a half-up, half-down hairstyle.
Stick to light, natural colors and a nude lipstick. Avoid anything featuring bright colors, glitter, or unnatural hues.
At the traditional funeral most Australians are familiar with, it is respectful to wear smart, well-pressed clothes in a dark colour. Black has long been typically worn by mourners at a traditional funeral, but dark shades such as navy or grey are also appropriate. A smart work suit or outfit is usually acceptable.
Brown shades, lighter grays, and other earthy colors are acceptable for most funeral services. Be sure to avoid bright colors including yellow, red, pink, orange, and white.
Pink: admiration, appreciation, elegance, grace, love (often used at the funerals of women or children)
While you should generally steer clear of bright colours and loud prints (unless otherwise requested), other things to avoid include very revealing or overly casual clothes, like ripped jeans, sheer tops or pieces with inappropriate cut-out details. Accessory-wise, keep things minimal.
For women, adding color can be done through patterns and floral designs. Much like with men's funeral attire, color should be used to subtly accent your outfit. Try to make sure that your outfit does not have overly bright colors or wild patterns that draw attention.
Dressing appropriately for funerals around the world
In the West, showing respect at a funeral typically requires conservative attire in black or dark colors. However, white is the color of mourning in China, and for Sikh, Hindu, and some Muslim services.
Yes, it is appropriate to wear sunglasses to a funeral or a memorial service. In fact, there may be several reasons why you would want to do so. The most obvious reason for wearing sunglasses to a funeral or memorial service is if it is sunny, and the event is being held outdoors.
Etiquette usually asks for simple dress and dark colors in quiet designs. Fashion addicts, as well as fragrance addicts alike, may feel robbed of their right to express themselves, but a funeral is about the deceased, not you, or your impeccable sense of style or taste in fragrance. So don't – for the sake of occasion.
There is no reason not to wear makeup to a funeral, as long as you don't look as if you're going on afterwards to a karaoke bar. And of course waterproof mascara is always a sensible precaution. It is generally considered appropriate to wear minimal or natural-looking makeup to a funeral.
Avoid dressing in casual clothing, such as athletic wear, tank tops, or shorts. Skip the flip-flops, tennis shoes, sneakers, or boat shoes. Remove the neon necktie, purse, or accessory. Shy away from wearing jeans, even black ones, because they are considered too casual for a funeral.
At a funeral, the classic deep red rose evokes love and grief. The yellow rose is often given by friends to show their bond. The rarer dark pink roses are used to express thankfulness to the deceased.
Any nude shade, like a very light/blush pink, or beige, light brown, or off-white. I don't think any one would notice or comment on the color of your nails, but I would avoid black and bright/neon colors.
A black, grey, or navy classic-cut suit is representative of appropriate funeral attire. A crisp, white, collared shirt with an understated tie is the perfect choice to complete an appropriate funeral outfit.
For most funerals' outfits are traditionally black. Still, unless you've had specific instructions on the invite to wear bright colours or one particular colour specifically, it's better to air on the side of caution and stick to dark colours in Australia.
For a funeral, closed-toe dress shoes are generally thought to be the correct choice for both men and women. Black shoes are usually the best choice, but brown or dark blue shoes are also usually acceptable.
Wear dark, neutral colors such as black, navy, or dark gray to appear respectful and for the solemn occasion. Avoid too funky, flashy, or revealing attires like mini skirts or deep-necks. Wear clothes that are formal and do not call for unnecessary attention.
Dresses, skirt-suits, pantsuits, and skirts or pants paired with nice blouses or tops are appropriate for most funeral services. Sleeveless dresses can work, particularly in warmer climates, although you may want to pair them with a wrap, sweater, or tailored blazer.
Select Neutral Eye Makeup for a Funeral
Choose a neutral matte color you can blend easily, such as a light brown. Some eyeshadows also have a faint touch of color in them that can give you just the right tint. Use neutral or light brown over the eyeshadow to further lighten it.