Asking yourself what to wear to a funeral is an outfit dilemma you never want have. So when you actually find yourself in that exact position, it can feel somewhat overwhelming. Preparing to attend a funeral is an emotional experience whether it's for a loved one, immediate family member, friend, mentor or co-worker who has passed away; finding a funeral dress is always the furthest thing from your mind. This guide is designed to make it as simple and stress-free as possible. Show
You also might not have time to buy something new for the day, especially if the funeral is unexpected, and wandering around the shops is not somewhere you want to be when you're grieving. So, instead, your wardrobe is a good place to start. When sifting through your hangers, look for an outfit that is respectful to those who have passed while ensuring you still feel comfortable and yourself. What is appropriate to wear to a funeral?Most funerals have an all-black dress code, with many mourners opting for something smart and considered. A funeral is also not the place to turn up a mini LBD or sheer top, so hemlines should remain around or below the knee, and spaghetti straps are often a no-go. Instead, opt for a sleeveless, shoulder-length or long-sleeved dress, or pair a turtle neck with a pair of black flared trousers. Getty Images Things to considerIt's also always a good idea to bring some sort of jacket or coat with you as it can often get cold at the venue and you can use pockets to keep tissues at the ready without digging into your handbag and missing part of the service. Make sure to wear a pair of smart but comfortable shoes, as there's often some walking throughout the day. This doesn't mean your favourite pair of fashion trainers or strappy sandals - your best bet is a pair of round or pointed-toe heels or a stylish flat. And if you know you might be walking on grass, leave the stilettos at home. Getty Images If it is a very traditional funeral, hats or headbands could be a nice touch, just make sure to keep the proportions to a smaller scale, nobody wants a big hat in front of them at the service. Things to avoidWhile you should generally steer clear of bright colours and loud prints (unless otherwise requested), other things to avoid include very revealing or overly casual clothes, like ripped jeans, sheer tops or pieces with inappropriate cut-out details. Accessory-wise, keep things minimal. Your favourite oversized tote can stay at home this time, try opting for a clutch or smaller handbag instead. Getty Images The same goes for jewellery - keep it classic and understated. Search your jewellery box for some timeless silver and gold pieces, such as a simple chain or simple pair of hoops. One accessory that people are often quite lenient about at funerals is sunglasses. Pack a pair in your bag or jacket pocket just in case. Grief can work in unexpected ways and if things suddenly get too much, or if you don't want to feel watched, you can pull out your glasses and simply put them on. Do you always have to wear black at a funeral?It's custom to wear black to funerals, so that's always a safe option to stick with. If, however, you are usually a flamboyant dresser and wouldn't feel like yourself in an all-black look, make sure to dress in darker tones (like deep brown, navy or dark green) and avoid anything 'over the top' so as to avoid offending other mourners. On rare occasions, some families might ask you to wear colour to celebrate the life of the deceased, which can make an otherwise morbid day and dress code a little more flexible. Black funeral dressesIf you're still struggling with what to wear, we've rounded up a few classic black dresses for any last-minute buys:
Corbetta Cashmere Sweater Dress Reformation, £390
Esme Embellished Button Dress, Black L.K.Bennett johnlewis.com £279.00
Clayten Knit Dress Reformation, £245
70s drape front wrap midi dress in black ASOS Curve asos.com £38.00
Frasier Dress Reformation, £248 thereformation.com
Curve button through waist midi shirt dress in black
Velvet Flare Sleeve Figure Sculpting Dress
Cowl neck midi dress with wrap skirt in black ASOS DESIGN asos.com £44.00
Wrap midi dress in black ASOS Curve asos.com £38.00
Wrap tux midi dress with shoulder pads in black
Premium Lace Top Pencil Skirt Midi Dress coastfashion.com £189.00 £125.00 (34% off)
Ruffled plissé-satin midi dress POLO RALPH LAUREN net-a-porter.com.uk £550.00
V-Neck Button Through Midaxi Tea Dress Ghost marksandspencer.com £159.00 £119.25 (25% off)
Curves Black Wrap Midi Blazer Dress
SLEEVELESS WIDE-LEG JUMPSUIT COS, £99 cos.com
Albaray Ruched Ponte Jersey Midi Dress, Black
Bouclé-knit midi dress PROENZA SCHOULER net-a-porter.com.uk £1,105.00
Gathered Midi Shirt Dress
L.K.Bennett Perdy Midi Dress, Black L.K.Bennett johnlewis.com £329.00
Finery Jaela Midi Satin Back Crepe Dress, Black Finery johnlewis.com £89.00
SLIM-FIT SATIN MINI DRESS COS, £89 cos.com
Curve notch neck flare sleeve crepe dress
BELTED MIDI SHIRT DRESS COS, £79 cos.com
V-Neck Knee Length Swing Dress Jaeger marksandspencer.com £125.00
Voluminous Mini Dress & Other Stories, £38 stories.com.uk What do you wear to a funeral in the summer 2022?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 color is appropriate for a summer funeral?As long as you avoid bright colors and busy patterns, wearing muted colors such as navy, olive, plum or brown is generally acceptable at a funeral. The fabric selection can be just as important as your color choice when trying to find an outfit that will keep you cool during a summer funeral.
What do you wear to a summer funeral that's not black?What to wear to a funeral in the summer? If you are attending a funeral in the summer, women can choose to wear a dark coloured floaty skirt with a plain blouse/top, or a dress. For men, a linen-style suit might be more comfortable in the heat, otherwise you can opt for smart trousers and a lightweight shirt.
What is the proper attire for a woman to wear to a funeral?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. In some cultures, and religions women wear hats to funerals.
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