While funerals can be viewed as a celebration of life, they are still occasions that require formal attire as a sign of respect. For this occasion, you should always
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.
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.
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.
Dark or muted dresses are traditional and don't take attention away from the service. Shoulders should be covered in most cases. Skirts and dresses should reach the knee. Suits are also considered respectful and appropriate.
Avoid beach-ready wear, bright prints or party outfits, unless the obituary has specified a funeral dress code. It's proper to wear hosiery and closed-toe shoes to funerals, but dress sandals may be acceptable for women to wear in summer months, if they conservatively complement the outfit.
Shoes Matter
For a funeral, closed-toe dress shoes are generally thought to be the correct choice for both men and women. Black shoes are usually the best choice, but brown or dark blue shoes are also usually acceptable.
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.
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.
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.
Dressing appropriately for funerals around the world
In the West, showing respect at a funeral typically requires conservative attire in black or dark colors. However, white is the color of mourning in China, and for Sikh, Hindu, and some Muslim services.
As a neutral color, white should not be considered inappropriate at most North American funerals. Though you should ask the family hosting the service when in doubt, plain, neutral colors are generally acceptable for memorials. Wearing white in conjunction with other dark tones is absolutely appropriate.
The appropriate thing to do is to wear a tie to a funeral, even if it's not your norm. If you're wearing a suit, definitely make the effort to wear a tie. However, if time is of the essence and you simply can't get an appropriate tie in time, no one will make you leave a funeral for not wearing a necktie.
If the funeral is being held in a church, be sure to dress modestly. Cover your arms or shoulders, at the very least. Black is not mandatory, but you can never go wrong wearing it. However, anything in a dark color will be just fine.
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.
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.
What do you wear to a casual funeral if the family simply says it's "Casual"? If the family has not specified what they would like attendees to wear, a good rule of thumb is to dress as you would for a nice dinner out. This might mean slacks and a blazer for men, or a sundress for women.
Dresses, skirt-suits, pantsuits, and skirts or pants paired with nice blouses or tops are appropriate for most funeral services. Sleeveless dresses can work, particularly in warmer climates, although you may want to pair them with a wrap, sweater, or tailored blazer.
Pink: admiration, appreciation, elegance, grace, love (often used at the funerals of women or children)
When selecting a shoe for the funeral, it's best to go with one that matches your suit or dress clothes. For example, if you have a light grey suit or brown slacks, it would be best to pair them with brown shoes. However, if you have a black or dark blue suit, black shoes would be more appropriate.
Why you shouldn't wear red to a funeral. Wearing red to a funeral can be a sign of disrespect. It will give others a completely wrong impression if you wear a bright and bold colour to a funeral, as this goes against the dark, muted colours associated with sadness and mourning.
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.
Shoes may be casual but it's best to avoid athletic shoes or sneakers. Flip flops and sandals are probably not appropriate. Avoid jeans (unless the geography or climate dictate them), short-sleeved shirts, and sneakers. Baseball caps are rarely appropriate.
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.