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.
Makeup/Jewelry:
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.
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.
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.
Beyond the basic foundation, bronzing, blush, and highlighter, you probably want to use some kind of eye makeup. Some women simply don't attempt to use any eye makeup when attending a funeral. It's a personal call. Waterproof eye makeup is a good idea, so if you cry, it won't wash away.
Hair should be simple. Those with shorter hair should go for a clean look. Those with longer hair can try out a modest updo or a half-up, half-down hairstyle. Like with all aspects of your outfit, your hair should be respectful and not distracting from the memorial event.
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.
For women, choose a light and comfortable dress, or a knee-length skirt with light blouse. Short sleeved shirts are acceptable, just try to stay away from tops that reveal too much of the shoulders or chest. Avoid spaghetti straps, too-tight clothing, and miniskirts.
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.
At the traditional funeral most Australians are familiar with, it is respectful to wear smart, well-pressed clothes in a dark colour. Black has long been typically worn by mourners at a traditional funeral, but dark shades such as navy or grey are also appropriate. A smart work suit or outfit is usually 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.
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.
Funeral services are formal sad occasions, and the last thing the people gathered there want to see are bare shoulders. It's taboo, but it is one we shouldn't ignore. It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman. Visitors should avoid wearing sleeveless tops during a funeral or any other event requiring a dress code.
It's not only okay to smile at a funeral but it's also encouraged, especially when greeting the bereaved. Seeing someone smile at us can help lift our spirits. It's also a nonverbal way of showing support.
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.
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.
Although perfumes and colognes are not technically clothing, people often wear them when they dress up. Chemical sensitivities (which can cause coughing, sneezing, and severe headaches) to the ingredients that go into these scents is prevalent, so it's best not to wear perfume or cologne to a funeral service..
For women, adding color can be done through patterns and floral designs. Much like with men's funeral attire, color should be used to subtly accent your outfit. Try to make sure that your outfit does not have overly bright colors or wild patterns that draw attention.
All things considered, black or any other dark-coloured dress is always appropriate. Make sure to consider the location and weather of the funeral service and consult with the family member of the deceased if you need some specific advice.
What to Wear to a Visitation. Visitations, or calling hours, are generally more casual than funeral services. They often occur after the regular work day, so it's completely appropriate to attend a visitation in your usual business or business casual clothes.
At some point in history, a solid portion of the population believed: It was bad luck to wear anything new to the funeral, especially shoes. If rain falls during a funeral procession or if there is thunder during a burial, it's a sign the deceased is destined for heaven.