Nowadays smart-casual or business funeral dress is acceptable for men. Pairing slacks with a dark collared shirt is generally sufficient. This can be a business shirt without a tie, or even a polo shirt, but keep the colours subdued.
Smart, age-appropriate clothes are the preferred option for a funeral. This includes: Dark coloured trousers, plain top and jumper. Dark coloured skirt, plain top and cardigan.
Polo And Khakis
Be sure to tuck in your shirt and wear a black or brown belt and matching dress shoes. This is really the most casual you should dress to attend a funeral. You may be tempted to, but don't wear a tie with your polo shirt. A tie will actually make the polo shirt look more casual.
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.
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.
Unless stated otherwise, black is an excellent place to start your funeral outfit quest. A classic cut dress or tailored pants for women and a suit for men is a good idea. Don't worry about trying to make your accessories match. No one will notice if you're wearing red shoes or a red bag.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Can you wear jeans to a funeral? The most common answer is that jeans aren't considered appropriate funeral etiquette unless requested by the family. However, dark, unembellished jeans paired with a shirt, tie, and blazer for men or a blouse and a blazer for women can be appropriate for a casual service.
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.
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. Open-toed shoes or sandals may be appropriate depending on the venue and climate.
No bare legs.
Wear dark stockings or ultra sheer nude hose to show respect. Nothing flashy or bright. If your style is to wear colorful clothes, tone it down for a funeral.
The general rule for clothing at funerals is to be respectful and understated – you don't want to distract anyone from paying their respects to the person who has died. If the family have requested bright colours or a particular theme, then of course this is fine, but in most cases it's best to avoid: Jeans.
Bold patterns are not appropriate for funerals and should be avoided. Keep skirts and dresses to the knee or below and avoid bare legs in general to keep your look formal. Avoid anything sparkly, fringed or sequined – this isn't a party.
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.
The appropriate attire for a funeral or memorial service is simple: dress to show respect for the person whose life you are remembering. This means selecting clothes that are more conservative, not flashy or brightly colored. Darker dresses, suits, pants, jackets and sweaters are appropriate.
It's important to choose clothes that you will comfortable in as some funerals can last a few hours. In the summer, women may wish to wear a smart skirt or dress if it is a hot day. For men, a formal suit is still typically worn but you may be allowed to take your jacket off if you become uncomfortably hot.
First and foremost, dress appropriately. This means no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Instead, opt for dark, conservative clothing. Women should avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy, and men should make sure their clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.