Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is best for a funeral. You can bring a wrap, jacket or blazer to wear during the service if you need an extra layer. It is usually best to dress in dark colours like black, grey, navy or taupe for a funeral.
All things considered, black or any other dark-coloured dress is always appropriate. Make sure to consider the location and weather of the funeral service and consult with the family member of the deceased if you need some specific advice.
Most common funeral etiquette practices for women to wear include a dark or black skirt suit or pantsuit; a skirt of appropriate length or pants and a top with sleeves, a blouse, or a sweater; flats or pumps. In some cultures, and religions women wear hats to funerals.
Buttoned white or light-coloured shirt. Dark-coloured suit jackets. Dark dress trousers. Brown or black shoes, preferably leather dress shoes.
In short, no. When it comes to knowing what to wear to a funeral that's not black, there are an array of alternatives that men and women can wear. Although black is the most traditional of colors, smart and dark clothing is also acceptable.
You Don't Have To Wear Black
However, colors like dark grey, dark blue, darker green, white, and beige can be appropriate. If you don't own any black clothing, you may always opt for a subtle hue that is appropriate for formal settings. In addition, stay away from anything with distracting patterns or prints.
Women should avoid wearing overly casual or festive clothing. Appropriate outfits for women to wear to a funeral include a skirt suit or pantsuit; a skirt of appropriate length (not a mini skirt) or pants (not jeans) and a top with sleeves, a blouse, or a sweater; flats or pumps (not sneakers).
A suit with a skirt or pants in a dark, solid color is a safe choice. You do not have to wear black unless the specific culture dictates it. A skirt of appropriate length and blouse or sweater is normally appropriate. Flat shoes or pumps are your best choice for shoes.
When attending a funeral, wear attire that would be appropriate for a church service. Nice pants and a collared shirt, a suit and tie, a dress or other attire that is a step above casual is acceptable.
Not owning traditional funeral attire is no reason to skip a funeral. In fact, we discourage it. You won't be kicked out of a funeral for not wearing a suit, but we suggest wearing an outfit that will blend in rather than start a conversation. (I.e. no shorts, tees and flip flops.)
Opt for a conservative, closed-toed pair of heels or flats. The same rule applies for both men's and women's sandals. If your funeral will be taking place in a warm climate, you might be tempted to throw on a pair of fancier sandals or open-toed shoes.
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. Like with all aspects of your outfit, your hair should be respectful and not distracting from the memorial event.
While you don't need to feel pressured to strictly wear black, especially with hot weather, it's best to be respectful. Wearing neutral colors like gray, navy, white, and beige is always a good idea. However, pay attention to any cultural expectations, as some cultures use different colors in funeral services.
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.
Dress Pants and Dress Shirt
You don't need to wear a suit to a funeral. This is a common misconception, but you can actually wear a variety of formal clothing as a man. Wearing dark dress pants or slacks is very appropriate. Pair your dress pants with a dress shirt, preferably a button-down.
A funeral is also not the place to turn up a mini LBD or sheer top, so hemlines should remain around or below the knee, and spaghetti straps are often a no-go. Instead, opt for a sleeveless, shoulder-length or long-sleeved dress, or pair a turtle neck with a pair of black flared trousers.
A funeral is a time to show your respect as you honor the life of the deceased, and your clothing should reflect that. For men, dark suits or slacks and a dress shirt is preferred. For women, a dress, business suit, or dress pants and nice sweater. Stick to colors like black, navy, grey, or red-violet.
To stay cool, choose for light natural textiles like cotton or linen. Dress, Skirt and Blouse, and Skirt and Sweater. Also, bring a warm shawl or scarf to keep you warm as the day progresses.
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.
While you might be able to pair the tight clothing with something more professional, it isn't the best choice. What to wear instead: Wear a less revealing fabric that is more appropriate for a formal function. A good rule of thumb is that if you wouldn't wear it to a job interview, you shouldn't wear it to a funeral.
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.
Can you wear jeans to a funeral? Bottom line: jeans are not appropriate for a funeral. Unless the family requests them, you should avoid wearing denim to a funeral. However, if it's a casual, outdoor service, you can consider a dark (almost black denim) paired with a button-down shirt and blazer.
Funeral etiquette says that wearing dark colors to a funeral, including the color navy, is considered a sign of respect for the deceased. Whereas, and in the case of children, some families may request that the guests wear bright colors to celebrations of life—or memorial ceremonies.
A funeral is where we go to pay our respects and say goodbye to someone we cared for, so it is worth being respectful and turning up looking the part, with clean and tidy hair and nails (including scruffy nail polish – none is better than 2-week old chipped nail varnish) and ironed clean clothes.