What Men and Women Can Wear to a Winter Funeral

What can women wear to a winter funeral?

Women have many options regarding what to wear to a funeral in winter. Before splurging on anything new, consider repurposing a previously worn formal outfit or winterize separates to make them suitable for a winter funeral. Below are some tips to help women choose what to wear to a winter funeral.

1. Pant Suit

   

   Pantsuits are ideal to wear to a funeral any time of the year, especially in winter, because they cover the legs and arms. Women can wear a long wool overcoat over a pantsuit for warmth in winter.

2. Long Dress

   

   Women can wear long-sleeve dresses with tights and winter-friendly dress shoes. If a long-sleeve dress is impossible, layering on a blazer or a cardigan over a sleeveless or short-sleeve dress instantly makes both dresses a winter option.

3. Sweater

   

   A wool sweater in a dark color can add warmth to any outfit. Stick to sweaters that are not bulky. A classic lightweight merino wool sweater adds warmth without the bulk and looks respectful.

   Turtleneck sweaters offer extra warmth around the neck, while a cardigan sweater can cover sleeveless tops and dresses to make them appropriate for winter. Women can easily pair a sweater with dress pants or a skirt in winter.

4. Long Skirt

   

   Skirts in dark colors with hemlines that fall at the knee or longer are the general guideline. In winter, women still have the option of wearing a long skirt. Women can wear skirts with thick tights, lined tights, or boots in the winter for added warmth.

5. Outerwear

   

   An overcoat in black or another muted dark color will complement any formal outfit. Women can wear wool, pea, cape, and puffer coats over formal dresses, skirts, and pants. If the funeral is outside, it will add an extra layer of warmth on a cold winter day.

6. Boots

   

   Funerals take a while and usually involve a lot of walking and standing. So it’s important to choose footwear that is comfortable and appropriate. Clean, closed-toe dress shoes in a dark color are still a good guideline, but women also have the option to wear knee-high boots or ankle boots in winter to stay warm, especially if there is ice or snow on the ground.

7. Scarves

   

   A scarf can make any outfit appear more pulled together. Scarves in a dark solid color or a minimal dark print can spruce up any outfit and provide warmth around the neck. Depending on how large the scarf is, women can wear scarves loosely around the neck or draped over bare shoulders.

8. Layers

   

   Women can dress in layers for added warmth. Blazers, cardigans, leggings, tights, and coats are versatile layering pieces that women can wear to a winter funeral. Some layers, such as coats or blazers, can easily be removed as needed.

What can men wear to a funeral in winter?

Men typically wear suits to funerals, but men should not feel limited to wearing only suits. Men have various options regarding what to wear for a funeral, especially a winter funeral. Sweaters, dress shirts, and dress pants are all appropriate separates. Wearing dark colors and conservative outfits are good traditional guidelines to follow regardless of the season. Below are some tips to help men choose what to wear to a winter funeral.

1. Suit

   

   When it comes to what men can wear to a funeral, men traditionally wear dark-colored suits to year-round funerals. Suits engineered with a touch of stretch are a good choice because they are comfortable to wear. Men who desire a more tailored fit should consider suit separates.

   Regarding colors, a dark-colored suit is a respectful and appropriate choice to wear to a funeral in any season. Men can wear suits with a white dress shirt and a simple conservative tie. An overcoat layered over a suit adds extra warmth in winter.

2. Long Sleeve Shirt

   

   A white shirt is traditionally the go-to, but if a white dress shirt is not possible, a black dress shirt is an acceptable alternative. In modern times, it’s become common to see some men skip the traditional suit and opt for a tucked-in long-sleeve dress shirt and tie with slacks to a funeral. However, in winter, men can wear a long sleeve dress shirt under a blazer, sport coat, or a sweater to keep the chills at bay.

3. Sweater

   

   Men can wear sweaters in dark solid colors such as navy, black, or charcoal alone or over a dress shirt with dress pants. Men can wear a sweater or sweater vest as an extra layer under a complementing blazer for added warmth in winter. Wool sweaters with classic cable knit textures are a great choice for men to wear to a winter funeral.

4. Pants

   Dress pants in dark colors such as black or charcoal gray are acceptable to wear to a funeral. Both pleated and flat-front styles are appropriate and are a matter of personal preference. Men can wear dress pants with a dress shirt and a simple tie. A matching belt is the finishing touch.

5. Boots

   The general guideline for shoes is to be closed-toe, comfortable, clean, polished, and show minimal wear. Oxfords, loafers, and wingtips are all great options. In winter, men can also wear dress boots in a dark color, such as black or brown, to a funeral. Men should wear socks, especially wool blend socks, because they add a layer of warmth.

6. Outerwear

   

   Men can wear various types of outerwear to a winter funeral. Some options include puffer jackets, wool pea coats, trench coats, and leather jackets. It’s best to stick to outerwear in dark colors that are warm and comfortable.

7. Layers

   

   During winter, layering is essential. For example, if the venue is outside, a wool coat worn over a suit with a scarf wrapped around the neck provides additional warmth during outdoor winter funerals. If the funeral service transitions to the indoors, men can easily remove any layers if it gets too warm.

What additional considerations should men and women be aware of when choosing what to wear to a funeral in winter?

1. Consider wearing warmer fabrications.

   

   Fabrics that are too thick or heavy to wear in summer are ideal for winter. Fabrics such as leather, faux leather, fur, faux fur, wool, or cashmere can all withstand winter weather.

2. Consider the venue.

   

   The venue will have a strong influence on outfit choices. Knowing whether the funeral will be held inside or outside can help decide what to wear. Don’t hesitate to contact the funeral director or the deceased’s family to confirm the venue.

3. Determine any cultural requirements.

   

   Some cultures and religions have unique customs and beliefs regarding mourning colors or traditional funeral attire. It is always best to be aware of and observe those requirements.

4. Honor family requests.

   

   The deceased’s family may implement a unique dress code to honor their loved one in a more personalized way. The family may ask those attending the funeral to wear a specific color, a meaningful symbol, or an awareness ribbon. Be guided by the family’s wishes, even if it strays from the norm.

5. Bring along some extras.

   

   If it is a particularly wet winter, bring a compact umbrella in a dark color. If the venue is outdoors, wearing dark sunglasses in a classic style is a good idea in case of bright moments of sunshine. Men and women can wear gloves, hats, and scarves in dark colors to a winter funeral to stay extra warm. To be prepared for any inclement weather, be sure to keep an eye on the forecast.

6. Wear a sentimental item.

   

   Sentimental items that are a reminder of the deceased are appropriate to wear no matter the season. For example, someone mourning a loss might wear a unique accessory, a particular item of clothing, or something handmade or gifted by the deceased that symbolizes the relationship.

Although it is essential to dress respectfully out of consideration for the deceased and their family, the most important thing is to be present and focus on the life being honored.