Do you need ideas for what to wear to a funeral? Look classy, respectful and completely stylish with these perfect funeral outfits!
If you’re like me, I’m always looking for ways to be stylish, especially when deciding 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.
This post features affiliate links to products I’ve personally selected. If you purchase through my links I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. Refer to the disclaimer for more details. I appreciate your support!
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.
Related Post: How To Dress Better In 2025
BEST TYPES OF FUNERAL ATTIRE
The following, classic pieces 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.
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!).
Related Post: 11 Simple Style Tips To Always Look Good
What Not To Wear To A Funeral
Here is a long list of funeral outfit don’ts:
- 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.
Related Post: The Secret To Elegant Classy Style
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)
Related Post: How To Put An Outfit Together
Funeral Outfit Ideas
1. An LBD
I can’t think of anything better for a funeral outfit than an LBD. The color is traditional and it’s a great wardrobe staple to dress up or down, depending on the service (and events afterwards or beforehand).
Pair an LBD with a blazer or cardigan and tall boots or chunky loafers in the cooler months. Wear it with heels or flats in the summer. This style of dress is flattering and appropriate for indoor and outdoor funerals, post-service luncheons, and viewings.
Related Post: The Ultimate Guide To Styling A Black Dress
SHOP THE Style:
2. Knit Top + Belted Skirt
This is a great funeral outfit for women for the fall and spring seasons when the weather is mild. Knitwear comes in heavy and lightweight fabrics, so opt for seasonal comfort. Look for pencil skirts, flowy midi or maxi skirts, and A-line skirt styles.
Related Post: What To Wear In 50 Degree Weather | 6 Go-To Looks
At a recent funeral I attended, I wore a vintage ivory cardigan with a black asymmetric pleated skirt, a black waist belt, and over-the-knee 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:
3. Jacket + Sleeveless Top + Wide-Leg Pants
I love a sleeveless top and wide-leg pants to create an effortlessly chic outfit for a funeral. The jacket is the third piece that ties everything together and a great way to make more of a trendy statement, layered over more classic separates.
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.
SHOP THE Style:
4. Feminine Blouse + Trousers
What dressy occasion doesn’t call for a feminine 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.
Whether you go for a sleek, satin button-down or a trendy boho blouse, this funeral outfit is a winning look.
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:
5. The Classic Pantsuit (Or Suit Separates)
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. And suit separates are completely appropriate here as many of us don’t have the need for a two-piece suit!
SHOP THE Style:
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
Related Posts:
Leave a Reply