In general, the etiquette for funeral attire is the same for both men and women: business-type attire that is respectful and conservative. Err on the side of dressing up as opposed to dressing down. Black or another dark color is almost always appropriate.
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.
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).
Shy away from wearing jeans, even black ones, because they are considered too casual for a funeral. But if you only have a pair of black jeans, pair it with a tailored blazer, a nice shirt, and shoes (not sneakers) to make the look more fitting for the occasion.
Women can choose from conservative and polished skirts, dresses, blouses, sweaters, and dresses in dark hues. In hot or humid climates, sleeveless dresses are perfectly okay, though you may want to bring a cardigan to ensure you're dressed appropriately if you're visiting a church, temple, or synagogue.
Funeral services are formal sad occasions, and the last thing the people gathered there want to see are bare shoulders. It's taboo, but it is one we shouldn't ignore. It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman. Visitors should avoid wearing sleeveless tops during a funeral or any other event requiring a dress code.
Button-Down Shirt, Necktie And Dress Pants
Dress like you would if you were wearing a jacket. Dark dress pants, a dress shirt and dark colored tie. Since you're not wearing a jacket, you don't have to stick to a white dress shirt. Still keep the pattern solid, but gray and black shirts are okay, too.
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.
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.
Roses: representing grace, love, and appreciation, pink roses are an excellent choice to honor your loved one. Carnations: one of the most popular funeral flowers because they symbolize grief and sympathy, no matter what color they are.
Unless the family have asked guests to wear casual clothing, leggings may be deemed as inappropriate as they are a casual clothing item. However, they may be appropriate with the right outfit. For example, wearing leggings on a cold winter day with a formal dress and jacket would be acceptable.
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.
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.
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.
For a funeral, keep your dress shirt simple. A clean, white dress shirt is the best choice. A subdued color like gray or black can also work. Again, avoid bright colors.
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.
Typically, a pair of earrings and a necklace are fine. But try not to wear jewellery that is too eye-catching. For this case, simple necklaces and stud earrings are preferred. But if the deceased had gifted you with a piece of jewellery, now would be a good time to wear it, no matter the design.
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.
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.
Many styles of women's shoes feature a peep-toe or open toed design. These shoes are not usually considered appropriate for a funeral service, even during the summer months. Opt for a conservative, closed-toed pair of heels or flats. The same rule applies for both men's and women's sandals.
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.
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.
At some point in history, a solid portion of the population believed: It was bad luck to wear anything new to the funeral, especially shoes. If rain falls during a funeral procession or if there is thunder during a burial, it's a sign the deceased is destined for heaven.
Makeup/Jewelry:
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. Jewelry is fine as long as it is kept to a minimum!
Many people bereaved by a sudden and traumatic death think it is important to see the body of their loved one. However, within a family there will be different attitudes; some bereaved relatives may want to view, but others will not, and some will find viewing helpful, but others may find it distressing.