What to Wear to a Funeral

Traditional dress code for funerals

Funerals are formal affairs. To honor the memory of your loved that passed away, it’s important to be respectful to the deceased, the loved ones, but also to show up in your own personal style. It is customary to wear a black or dark-colored suit with a white or light-colored dress shirt and a conservatively patterned tie.

Though not all funerals have a strict dress code, consulting with family or a funeral home will help you ensure that your attire conveys reverence and seriousness because many families choose to wear bright colors in memory of the deceased who in life liked to be remembered with joy and not in mourning.

Appropriate colors and patterns to wear at a funeral

As you prepare to attend a funeral, it’s vital to consider the cultural customs and traditions that may dictate what clothing options are appropriate. Each culture has its own mourning practices when it comes to funerals, so sensitivity towards these beliefs should be a top priority.

For instance, as a sign of purity and humility towards the deceased, some cultures require people to dress exclusively in white for funerals. On the other hand, different societies dictate that those attending should wear black.

While dark clothing is traditionally accepted for funerals in western cultures, it's not mandatory to wear all black. Can you wear navy to a funeral? Absolutely. Navy, charcoal, gray, or brown are also suitable alternatives. Simple patterns like pinstripes are acceptable while bright hues should be avoided as they can seem disrespectful in such a setting.

To match the look, try selecting a tie in a classic color – black, gray, or navy. Black or Navy show

In any case, to demonstrate respect for the family and culture, it is wise to research their customs prior to your visit. When in doubt about what you should wear, opting for more conservative apparel is always recommended as a safe bet.

What to wear to a funeral if you don’t have a black suit or dress?

For a more sophisticated and polished look, you can wear a blazer. Navy blue or black works well. Add a touch of formality by wearing a neat dress shirt under your blazer along with a tie in either solid colors or subtle patterns that match well with the rest of your attire. Don't forget to ensure everything is clean-pressed.

Funerals call for a certain level of dress, and no outfit would be complete without the right type of shoes. Men should opt for closed-toe leather footwear that is cleanly shined in either black, dark brown, or navy colors. To finish off your look – it's best practice to select socks that correspond to your shoe color choice as well!

In case you don't have a suit, sweaters, and cardigans are ideal options to provide comfort as well as style. Choose a dark color for a more formal appearance, and consider wearing a sweater vest over your dress shirt along with a tie – just be sure to avoid any overly bold designs that attract too much attention.

Things to avoid

When selecting an outfit, stay away from bright colors and loud prints (unless required). Furthermore, it's best to avoid very revealing or overly casual garments like ripped jeans, sheer tops, or items with inappropriate cut-out details.

When it comes to jewelry, opt for a classic and subtle approach. Take out your timeless silver and gold pieces from the box such as elegant chains or hoop earrings. As for sunglasses, you can keep them in your bag or pocket so that if grief hits unexpectedly, you have something to quickly throw on without having people stare at you.

But a funeral is not a fashion show anyway!

At the end of the day, when it comes to attending a funeral, what you wear isn't important. This is your chance to show respect and honor for the deceased and their family – not an opportunity for showing off. Most people won’t remember what attire you chose anyway; so don’t let any insecurities stop you from paying your respects on this solemn occasion.

Unlike other formal events such as weddings or celebrations, funerals don't usually give a lot of time for preparation. Your family will understand if you're not able to be perfectly attired – there's no need to worry about finding the perfect suit! What matters is that you are present to pay your respects and share in the sorrow.

Respectfully choose your clothing whether it’s dress pants and a shirt or something borrowed from someone else – the choice of clothes won't determine your degree of reverence.