What to wear to a funeral
Dark, simple and covered: black, charcoal or navy, with shoulders and knees covered and quiet closed shoes. When the family has asked for colour or for a particular dress, follow their wish.
Three outfits that work
Black dress, blazer, closed flats
- black knee-length dress
- charcoal blazer
- black closed flats
- small black bag
A plain dark dress with a blazer is respectful and easy to wear through a long, emotional day.
Dark suit, white shirt
- dark suit jacket
- dark suit trousers
- white shirt
- black leather shoes
A dark suit with a white shirt and a dark tie is the usual choice and needs no thought on the day.
Long-sleeved midi dress, scarf, coat
- navy long-sleeved midi dress
- black scarf
- charcoal coat
- black closed shoes
Sleeves, a long hem and a scarf meet customs where covering is expected, and the coat keeps you warm at the graveside.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Light dark fabric, a jacket you can take off, and a handkerchief or umbrella for shade or sun. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | The outfit as planned with a coat for the cemetery. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A warm dark coat, gloves, a scarf and shoes with grip on wet ground. |
Do and don’t
- Choose dark, muted colours and simple lines
- Cover shoulders and knees
- Wear shoes you can stand in and walk quietly on
- Follow the family’s wishes if they ask for colour
- Bring tissues and a handkerchief
- Wear bright colours, large logos or slogans
- Wear high heels that sink into the ground
- Wear strong perfume
- Wear jewellery that is loud or clinks
Check the night before
- Check the notice for any dress request
- Check the weather at the cemetery
- Try on and iron the outfit
- Prepare tissues, flowers or a card
- Plan time to arrive early and park
Questions people ask
Do I have to wear black?
No. Dark navy, charcoal, dark green or deep grey are fine. Avoid bright colours unless the family asks for them.
Can I wear white to a funeral?
In some cultures white is the colour of mourning, so it can be right. In most Western settings stick to dark, unless asked.
What if the family asks for colour?
Follow it. Choose a muted version of the requested colour, for example a soft blue or green.
What shoes should I wear?
Closed, polished, comfortable shoes with a low heel, as you may stand and walk on grass.
Pick Funeral in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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