Do you need ideas for what to wear to a funeral? Look classy and respectful, but completely stylish, with these perfect funeral outfits!
If you’re like me, I’m always looking for ways to be stylish, even especially with what to wear to a funeral.
Funerals are a time to pay your respects and honor the deceased and their family. Your funeral outfit speaks volumes in a somber atmosphere when most people are at a loss for words.
The best funeral outfits are smart and sophisticated over bland and boring. You will learn the most appropriate funeral attire, what colors to wear at a funeral, funeral outfit ideas, and what shoes to wear to a funeral, and what not to wear to a funeral.
This post is all about what to wear to a funeral.
BEST FUNERAL ATTIRE
What Is Appropriate To Wear To A Funeral?
Dress to impress is the best advice for what to wear to a funeral. The goal is to look your best without causing a distraction. Casual and flashy looks should be avoided. Remember, it’s not about you it’s about honoring the deceased.
The one caveat is if you are one of the immediate family members of the deceased (the family hosting the funeral or memorial service, that is) you need not worry about distractions and can wear something flashy if that feels right for you. I wore a bold floral dress for my stepdad’s memorial service because he loved nature and it made me feel best honoring him that way.
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BEST TYPES OF FUNERAL ATTIRE
The following items are perfectly acceptable for the funeral dress code:
- Pantsuits
- Skirt suits
- Dress pants or nice trousers; cropped is okay
- Dresses that fall at the knee or longer
- Skirts that fall at the knee or longer
- Cardigans
- Collared shirts
- Knit tops
- Blouses
- Blazers
- Upscale jackets (e.g. Tweed jacket)
- Wool coats
- Trench coats
- Leather or suede boots (and vegan counterparts)
- Pumps
- Flats
- Loafers
- Oxfords
- Derbys
- Dressy mules
- Dressy sandals
- Black stockings or sheer pantyhose
- Watches
- Pearls
- Modest jewelry (high or low-end)
- Handbags that aren’t oversized
- Clutches
Comfortable shoes are important if you’ll be standing for a while, and definitely if outside in the grass. Block heels and flats are best for outdoor funeral services and burials.
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Pro-Tip: Sandals can go casual pretty easily. Opt for pointed-toe slingbacks or pointed-toe mules instead. Don’t attempt to wear these if your heels are dry and calloused. Open-toed shoes require an at-home pedicure and fresh nail polish (at the very least). My rule, but it’s a good one.
Opt for clothing in the following fabrics and knits for chic funeral outfits:
- Cotton Poplin
- Cotton Twill
- Linen (good for summer funerals, but clothing style must be dressy and iron/steaming is non-negotiable)
- Wool
- Cashmere
- Tweed
- Suede
- Leather
- Brocade
- Silk
- Satin
- Chiffon
- Crepe
- Ponte knit
- Lace
- Engineered fabrics made to resemble any of the above (e.g. Tencel)
- Acrylic
- Polyester or poly blends
Pay attention to details when getting dressed. Ensure clothing fits correctly, is clean, ironed or steamed, and is in good shape. Check for deodorant stains. Do a lint roll before leaving the house. Take an umbrella if it’s raining outside (and use it!).
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What Not To Wear To A Funeral
Here is a long list of funeral outfit dont’s:
- Denim (some recommend dark denim, but only in special circumstances where casual attire is requested)
- Tight leather pants
- Moto jackets
- Bomber jackets
- Puffer vests
- Leggings (opt for tights instead and definitely do not wear leggings as pants!)
- Jersey or modal (too casual)
- Fur and faux fur (except if it’s lining the hood of a winter coat)
- Skin-tight outfits
- Provocative and revealing clothing
- Short skirts and dresses
- Triggering political references and statements
- Corduroy
- Neon
- Bright colors
- Fleece
- T-shirts
- Loungewear
- Yoga pants
- Athletic clothes
- Streetwear
The list of funeral outfit don’ts continues:
- Embellishments that stand out (e.g. sequins)
- Casual pants
- Casual shirts and tops
- Casual jackets
- Spaghetti straps (unless covered by a jacket or cardigan)
- Baggy clothing
- Logos all over (except on a handbag or scarf)
- Overly flashy prints and patterns that cause attention
- Oversized, gaudy jewelry
- Shoes you have trouble walking in (e.g. heels that are too high)
- Sneakers and athletic shoes
- Moccasins
- Crocs or similar
- Flip flops
- Shearling boots
- Rugged combat boots
- Casual sandals
- Baseball caps
- Casual hats
- Backpacks
- Large totes
Dress To Impress Is Key
If you wouldn’t wear it to a business dinner with a potential client, then avoid it. Don’t wear clothing that’s worn, stained, ripped, or missing buttons. If you’re in doubt that something is borderline inappropriate as funeral clothes, then put it back in the closet.
Traditional services will require something more formal and conservative (i.e. business casual) over something less traditional. Stick to wearing black (or another dark color) or the traditional color of mourning in that culture. Matching suit separates or a dark business suit is an appropriate choice for funeral attendees. Longer dresses are also your best bet at this type of funeral service.
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Elevated capsule wardrobe pieces make it easy to create an outfit for an event like this.
What Colors To Wear To A Funeral
When in doubt, wear black. Got that style tip out of the way.
What other colors are appropriate funeral attire besides black?
While black clothing is the tradition in Western culture, you don’t need to be limited to wearing to a one-color ensemble. If there is a specific dress code requested, abide by that. Otherwise, you are free to express your emotions through different colors.
Opt for dark colors as your main color:
- Charcoal
- Dark grey
- Navy blue
- Camel
- Dark green
- Dark purple
- Maroon
- Burgundy
- Taupe
- Brown
- Black
Mix and match dark colors or go for a tonal look in different shades or fabrics. If in doubt, remember that black goes with everything, so wear black as your main color and style with a different color.
Style your look with a lighter color in an accent piece like a cardigan, shoe, or accessory:
- White
- Ivory
- Beige
- Pastels
- Slate blue
- Sage green
- Medium purple
- Gray
- Taupe
- Greige (Gray + Beige)
The following patterns and prints are also respectful choices:
- Black watch tartan (ensure the quality of the fabric is good and not pilling everywhere)
- Houndstooth
- Florals (the design should be subtle and not busy; opt for larger patterns)
- Minimalist plaids in subdued colors such as grey and taupe (e.g. Burberry check)
- Pinstripe
- Herringbone (as in trousers or jackets)
- Patterns that are tonal (e.g. navy blue silk blouse with brushed silk polka dots in the same color)
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Funeral Outfit Ideas
1. Sheath Dress
Sheath dresses are perfect for funeral outfits because they’re versatile, feminine, and just the right amount of formal. If you work in an office, you most likely have one of these in your closet or work capsule.
Pair a sheath dress with a blazer or cardigan and tall boots in the cooler months. Wear it with heels in the summer. This style of dress is flattering and appropriate for indoor and outdoor funerals, post-service luncheons, and viewings.
SHOP THE Style:
- White House Black Market Sleeveless Bateau Neck Sheath Dress – The bateau neck is a modern take on a classic sheath dress that works year-round.
- Diane von Furstenberg Valerie Midi Dress – A silky jersey material in a sheath cut, but it’s stretchy, so very forgiving! V-neckline and flowy wide sleeves for comfort. You can definitely wear this dress for a date night, girls’ night, etc!
- J.McLaughlin Catalyst Dress – A classic 3/4 sleeve sheath dress with a keyhole back and pockets. Slimming, versatile, and cute!
2. Cardigan With A Belted Skirt
This is a great funeral outfit for women for the fall and spring seasons when the weather is mild. Cardigans come in heavy and lightweight fabrics, so opt for seasonal comfort. Look for pencil skirts, flowy midi or maxi skirts, and A-line skirt styles.
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At a recent funeral I attended, I wore a vintage ivory cardigan with a black asymmetric pleated skirt, a black waist belt, and tall suede boots, also in black. This outfit was perfect for a daytime funeral and was comfortable for long periods of standing indoors and out.
SHOP THE Style:
- Marks & Spencer Crew Neck Button Front Cardigan
- Quince Mongolian Cashmere Botton Front Cardigan
- ba&sh Alicia Pleated Midi Skirt – looks amazing styled with black cardigan and black boots!
- Reiss Dina Pleated Layered Asymmetric Midi Skirt
- Quince Mongolian Cashmere Midi Skirt
- HauteCuir Double Buckle Belt
- BeltBe Suede Square Buckle Belt
- Silent D Comess Knee-High Boots
3. Knit Top With Wide-Leg Pants
Knitwear is great because it comes in several fabrics geared toward different seasons. Silk, cotton, and linen are perfect for warmer months, while cashmere, wool, and synthetic blends will keep you warm in winter. Silk short-sleeved shirts look elegant, while a sleeveless turtleneck isn’t too revealing, and finally, a long-sleeved shirt with a v-neck looks tasteful in winter.
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Wide-leg pants are one of those classic wardrobe essentials that will never go out of style. You should have at least one go-to pair ready for any type of dressy occasion. However, they easily dress up or down, so they would be a great option for a classy funeral outfit or a casual funeral outfit.
Dress this look up with a silk neck scarf and a pair of earrings. If wearing boots, ensure the boot shaft hits above or just at the hem of the pants, to ensure outfit fluidity (skin should be hidden). Cropped pants look best with a low heel. Add a blazer or nice jacket for the evening and you’re set.
SHOP THE Style:
- Lily Silk Seamless Silk Cashmere Blend Turtleneck Sweater
- Reformation Garrett Cashmere Oversized Turtleneck Sweater
- Favorite Daughter The Favorite Pant Pleat Pants
- Reformation The Mason Pant
- Bonheur Jewelry Halé Dome Hoops
- Miranda Frye Freda Hoops
4. Silk Blouse With Trousers
What dressy occasion doesn’t call for a silk blouse these days? This piece looks classy and luxurious without being too tight or stretchy. Trousers come in so many styles and colors, if you don’t have a favorite pair make that a goal for this year. Whether you decide to wear flats or high heels, make sure your pants aren’t dragging on the floor.
Another great look for warmer weather and in-between seasons.
Bring your cardigan or blazer along if it’s cold, or layer a cashmere thermal underneath. Lightweight trousers in cotton, twill, or polyester are perfect for summer.
SHOP THE Style:
- Everlane The Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt
- Current Air Top Stitch Placket Blouse
- The Estela Sheer Printed Blouse
- Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Super Wide Leg Pant
- Maeve The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants: Ponte Edition
- Everlane Draper Pleated Pants
- Bernardo On-The-Go Belted Trench Coat
5. The Classic Pantsuit
Last, but not least is a classic pantsuit for chic funeral looks. While a dark colored suit already has the definitive seal of approval for funeral attire, the fun is pairing the perfect top underneath. Go for a lightweight silk top or lace cami, a timeless collared shirt, or a fitted ribbed turtleneck. Add a scarf, necklace, brooch, or waistcoat to style up your look.
Wool and wool blends are perfect for colder months while cotton, twill, polyester, and linen are great for summer.
SHOP THE Style:
- J. Crew Helena Blazer in Stretch Linen Blend
- Marcella Norah Blazer
- Marcella Archie Pants
- Maeve The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants
- Sam Edelman Lorraine Bit Loafer
- Stuart Weitzman Soho Loafer
- G.H.Bass Lianna Bit Super Lug Weejuns Loafer
You may already own a lot of these pieces already, so it’s time to style. Knowing how to put an outfit together for funeral memorial services is so important. With these style tips, I know your outfit will be on-point for the event.
This post was all about what to wear to a funeral
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