A funeral is also not the place to turn up a mini LBD or sheer top, so hemlines should remain around or below the knee, and spaghetti straps are often a no-go. Instead, opt for a sleeveless, shoulder-length or long-sleeved dress, or pair a turtle neck with a pair of black flared trousers.
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.
Conservative work dress is most appropriate for most funerals. If you think your outfit is too festive or too casual, it probably is. If the funeral is being held in a church, be sure to dress modestly. Cover your arms or shoulders, at the very least.
Long-sleeves are usually the norm unless the funeral is outdoors in the summertime. The slacks should be neutral colored or black, and your dress shirt should be white or another complimentary color.
The general rule is to wear respectful, non-attention-grabbing outfits in darker colours, however tasteful colour accents can be acceptable. It's respectable to keep shoulders covered and avoid wearing tight-fitting, revealing clothing and short hemlines.
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.
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.
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.
It's important to choose clothes that you will comfortable in as some funerals can last a few hours. In the summer, women may wish to wear a smart skirt or dress if it is a hot day. For men, a formal suit is still typically worn but you may be allowed to take your jacket off if you become uncomfortably hot.
While there is no specific dress code to follow, it's always best to err on the side of caution and pick a conservative outfit. Remember, the most important thing is to make sure your outfit does not call unwanted attention to yourself and away from the service.
Considering you're there to honor someone who passed away, funerals should also be a no-phone zone. "Talking or being on your phone during the service is one of the most disrespectful things you could do at a funeral," says Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette founder and etiquette expert.
For others, this can be uncomfortable. It is important to know that the body of the deceased will often look different from how the person looked in life. If you are uncomfortable with an open casket, there is no obligation to view the body. You may enter the room and take a seat without approaching the casket.
It's also important to remember that just because you're a guest in funerals doesn't mean that your clothing will make no difference. You still shouldn't wear low cut shirts, corsets, pants that are too tight around the midsection, or something that show too much skin.
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!
Seasonal Visitation Attire
As a rule, your attire should cover your shoulders, and necklines should be modest. Sleeveless summer dresses or blouses are acceptable fashion wear. You may want to don a business style jacket with your dress.
A sleeveless or short sleeve knee-length black dress is perfect for a summer funeral. While ideally you could opt for a dress that looks more formal than something you'd wear during the day, you can transform any work ensemble matching the description with a belt or other jewelry. Shoes and styling are up to you.
What colors are appropriate to wear to a funeral? 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.
Funeral Attire Colors
In color psychology, black often symbolizes death or mourning. Black is still a safe choice for funerals.
You may be wondering about wearing new clothes to a funeral, but you aren't supposed to do this, especially shoes. Wearing black in mourning goes back to ancient Roman times. It's likely that the Victorian elite ritualized it. Wearing new shoes to a memorial, in particular, would bring great misfortune.
Traditional funeral etiquette dictates that you should introduce yourself, starting with your name and how you knew the deceased. Express your condolences and move on. Don't monopolize the mourners. Give others a chance to share their support.
Trousers, a shirt and a tie are acceptable if the weather is too warm for a suit jacket. At some summer funerals, a short-sleeve shirt may also be appropriate, although this is less formal. Shoes should always be smart, with trainers a no-go.
The atmosphere at a Catholic funeral is typically somber and respectful, so people should dress accordingly. For the Catholic church, that is interpreted as black, semi-formal clothing. Men should wear a suit and tie or at least a sports coat and tie. Women should wear a black skirt or dress or pantsuit.
Funeral attire is typically classic in style and dark in colour. A navy, grey or black business suit couple with a white collared shirt and a subtle tie is perfect for funeral wear. Try to limit your accessories and maintain an understated style when attending a funeral.
An Australian funeral is usually about a week after the death and most people wear black clothing. Like in North America, funeral personalization is a popular funeral trend. Many people want more music, non-traditional funerals such as an outdoor service, and other special requests for unique memorial services.
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.