Makeup should be kept simple. 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.
If you wear makeup, you'll want to keep things minimal for a funeral. Stick to light, natural colors and a nude lipstick. Avoid anything featuring bright colors, glitter, or unnatural hues.
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.
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.
It is generally considered appropriate to wear minimal or natural-looking makeup to a funeral. Wearing heavy or dramatic makeup to a funeral may be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate, as funerals are typically solemn and respectful occasions.
While short heels are appropriate for a funeral, you shouldn't choose shoes with a heel that's too high. Stick to heels at or below an inch tall or choose a pair of dark-colored flats.
It is best to avoid wearing red and other loud colours, according to Diane Gottsman, who is a national etiquette expert, author of Modern Etiquette for a Better Life, and founder of The Protocol School of Texas.
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 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.
Leggings are okay for a wake as long as you pair them with a formal top such as a longer sweater or blouse. Leggings paired with a mid-drift top would not be proper.
A neutral color would be best or a clear or very sheer pink. Now if my nails were already done and a funeral came up that I needed to attend I would not change the color I had as long as my nails look fresh and presentable. That means no broken or chipped nails, no long grow outs or ragged cuticles.
Black is the rule of thumb. 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.
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.
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.
While different cultures have their own mourning colors, you should typically wear black or neutral colors. Avoid wearing bright colors or prints which can be disrespectful and distracting. Black, white, grey, and navy are the best choices.
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.
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.
Can You Wear Jewelry to a Funeral? Yes, you can choose to wear jewelry for a funeral, but in most cases, restraint is the key to accessorizing for a funeral or celebration of life. Wearing funeral jewelry that is subtle and modest shows respect not only to the deceased but to their family.
SkinStore surveyed 2,000 women and found that nude lipstick is what makes them feel "prettier" and "more attractive." While reds, purples, and browns can make for a fun pop of color, it's not actually what most people gravitate to. The top five power shades were nude, light pink, berry red, dark pinks, and bright red.
Stay Conservative
In warmer weather, you may find a simple dress that covers your shoulders and knees is perfect. A shawl or shrug is another option to help cover your shoulders if you just can't resist that off the shoulder dress!