It's tradition to wear a white shirt at a funeral, but a plain, unpatterned buttoned shirt in a muted colour is okay. Shoes should be dark, clean and polished. Dresses, skirts and trouser suits can be all be worn to a funeral – the focus is on conservatism.
For most funerals' outfits are traditionally black. Still, unless you've had specific instructions on the invite to wear bright colours or one particular colour specifically, it's better to air on the side of caution and stick to dark colours in Australia.
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.
Soft and subtle colours are widely accepted as part of the preferred dress code for a funeral. Unless you have been advised of a specific request for colour, it might be best to wear an outfit of black, grey, navy or taupe.
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.
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).
Resist wearing bright colors or wild prints. 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.
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.
In terms of alternatives, a deep navy blue or dark grey is equally appropriate. If all else fails, lighter grey and brown are also acceptable. If it's a suit you're wearing, make sure the tie is also an appropriate colour, with black the preferred choice. Again, dark blue and grey are also fine if that's all you have.
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 it's true that you don't have to wear black, you should dress in a way that shows respect. That means avoiding bright colors, flashy prints, and glittery fabrics. A good rule of thumb is to dress as if you are attending a serious business meeting.
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.
A funeral is a time to show your respect as you honor the life of the deceased, and your clothing should reflect that. For men, dark suits or slacks and a dress shirt is preferred. For women, a dress, business suit, or dress pants and nice sweater. Stick to colors like black, navy, grey, or red-violet.
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, socks, underwear, singlets, bras, briefs, hosiery and reading glasses are all used if the family so desires, and the deceased is dressed in them as they would be in life. A plastic undergarment will also be placed on the deceased to avoid any leakage.
The general rule for clothing at funerals is to be respectful to the family's wishes. If the family have requested bright colours or a particular theme, this is fine. but in most cases it's best to avoid: ripped jeans.
Pink flowers, including varieties like roses or carnations, represent love, grace, and gratitude. In the setting of a memorial service, they typically express a gentle and everlasting affection for the person who has passed.
Because a funeral is often a somber occasion, it's best to choose clothes that reflect that. Your clothing does not have to be all black. It's common for funeral attendees to wear navy blue, dark grey, violet, and many other colors.
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.
However, you may spot someone within the crowd wearing white pants with a black shirt. But is this proper attire for a funeral service? While it may not be as common for people to wear the color white for such a somber occasion, it can be done. However, it must be done tastefully if you decide to do so.
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.
You should, however, wear conservative attire and subdued colours like navy, grey and brown. For ladies' funeral attire, conservative and appropriate means nothing too short, too sexy, or too revealing.
A nice shirt and skirt in dark colors. Shirts that aren't low-cut and that also have some sort of sleeve are usually considered appropriate for funerals.
Preferably no bare legs. Wear dark stockings or ultra sheer nude hose to show respect. Nothing flashy or bright. If your style is to wear colorful clothes, tone it down for a funeral.
Polo And Khakis
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. A tie will actually make the polo shirt look more casual.