Makeup/Jewelry: 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. Jewelry is fine as long as it is kept to a minimum!
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.
Don't: wear too much makeup.
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.
False Eyelashes are perfect to use for events with emotion involved: Attending an emotional event, a wedding, a funeral or even just to watch a sad movie. False eyelashes are a game changer as they are essentially tear proof makeup.
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.
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.
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.
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara, Fabled
Clinique is renowned for excellent mascaras (bottom lash, anyone?) and their waterproof one also has a brilliant reputation; it's the go-to in my family for funerals, which says it all really.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Makeup doesn't apply the same to the skin of a deceased person as it does to the living. If the person has been embalmed, their skin is very firm. It's hard to blend the makeup into the skin like you would normally. Instead, most makeup is airbrushed on the face.
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..
Can you wear leggings to a wake? 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.
Flat shoes or pumps are your best choice for shoes. Open-toed shoes or sandals may be appropriate depending on the venue and climate. Depending on the culture, a hat may be worn. Unless there are special circumstances, jeans are usually considered too casual.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Opt for a conservative, closed-toed pair of heels or flats. The same rule applies for both men's and women's sandals. If your funeral will be taking place in a warm climate, you might be tempted to throw on a pair of fancier sandals or open-toed shoes.