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But it is definitely ok to ask someone who is arranging the event. Pair deep reds with dark colors for a seamless and respectful look. Choose black or dark gray if you want to dress head-to-toe in a solid color. Otherwise, it’s okay to use burgundy as a portion of your outfit.

The umbrella will preferably be black, but most styles and designs should ultimately be acceptable if needed. This guide on what to wear at a funeral is ideal for contemporary Western culture; other cultures may differ and vary considerably. A loose shift dress is modern and stylish without being too showy.
Here are a few ideas for women:
Again, wear this dress and sweater combo with dark tights and dress shoes. Instead, wear dress shoes that you feel comfortable wearing to the office or church service. Nowadays, in much of the western world, wearing black to a funeral is the most common color and is considered a sign of respect. However, the tradition actually dates back to the ancient Romans, when mourners would adopt a darker colored Toga to show they were in mourning.
If you need to attend an outdoor funeral service, wear flats because heels will sink into grassy grounds or mud. Avoid bright colors like red, yellow, orange at all costs you are not there to put ‘fun’ in the word funeral. A small gold locket in a color similar to the dress’ buttons makes a simple accessory, and it also helps draw the viewer’s attention to your face and your simple hair design.
How to Wear Color to a Funeral
These suits made from multiple layers of wool have a very open weave, which can help you stay cooler in the summer. A wake, also known as a viewing, refers to a gathering for close friends and family. It’s called like this because it’s an open-casket viewing of the body. In fact, a viewing is a traditional Catholic celebration to express your condolences and share grief.

If you are unsure or not quite as familiar with the family or location, you should play it safe and go with the more conservative options. It is better to dress in more traditional funeral attire than to arrive underdressed. This color, while less somber, still falls in an appropriate range. Black pumps will add a greater sense of sobriety to the outfit, but nude heels are also acceptable. If in colder weather, you could add a coat and stockings to this outfit for added warmth. Make sure you keep jewelry minimal, and if you do wear some, opt for pearls or diamonds, something understated.
What to wear to a funeral that isn’t black
A dress with a slit at the front or with a long slit might actually be an indecent choice for a funeral. If you want to stay comfortable in your denim, you can always wear a chic dress with a slit or any other chic detailing with them. This way you wouldn’t be restricting your movement with a smart slit at the waist and no one will find this choice offensive for a funeral service. If you want to present yourself in the most elegant and chic style possible, wearing a cape dress is a magnificent choice.
You may want to put on some sunscreen before attending a funeral in the summer. In the early spring, you may want to wear or bring along a heavier wrap coat to wear at the cemetery. Even if the weather does not predict rain, you may want to bring along a dress raincoat for popup showers. There are many types of services worldwide, so this is not an exhaustive list.
Lace and stripes ~ A collection of outfit ideas for a 'celebration of life' service. Curated by Memory Press, creators of beautiful and uplifting funeral programs. A collection of outfit ideas for a 'celebration of life' service. Men can wear small amounts of dark red to a funeral, as in a burgundy tie or pocket square with a dark or black suit. A suit jacket is appropriate for most funerals unless the family prefers a more casual atmosphere. Some religions have different mourning colors and traditional funeral attire, and you should always keep that in mind.
A maxi dress with sleeves that you roll up or down depending on the weather can also be an outstanding choice. Another great option is a tea-length dress to adjust the sleeve length. We will give you specifics for both men and women for each season. Understanding how the weather affects your funeral clothing choice allows you to be comfortable and fashionable at any funeral service. A dress worn to a wake should cover their knees, and you may want to wear a dress with a blazer in the cooler months.
Don’t choose colorful footwear for funeral and instead try to opt for black or dark-colored shoes. Funeral headdresses, hats, and dramatic veils were all part of funeral attire for women for a long time. Though now, with modernity women usually are not seen with them on funerals. Funeral guests today are barely wearing these hats but that does not mean you can not.
Check with the family if you are unsure and keep the culture in mind. This guide specifically deals with what is traditional in Western culture. While we tend to think of darker colors as more appropriate for the majority of funerals, wearing red is not necessarily disrespectful. Be aware of the deceased’s religious and cultural preferences and use that as your guide.
You can match your blazer to your skirt to complete the outfit. It is wise to keep your arms covered unless you are facing hot weather and it will be difficult to do so. You can take a shawl, scarf, blazer or kimono with you to cover your arms as a gesture of respect. Respecting the person who has passed faith often may put you out of your comfort zone. For instance, white is worn to many Chinese funerals and those held by families of the Hindu faith.
In most cases, you will also want to wear a long-sleeved top. Families can choose from many different types of services. Generally, if the service is formal, you need to choose dressier clothes. Yet, most of us will have times in our life when attending one is almost mandatory.
That’s why it’s so important to understand the family’s desires. Again, as the formal traditions begin to become more relaxed, then smart casual clothing is more acceptable. In terms of shoes, you should avoid sneakers or athletic shoes and opt for more formal options.
If you are already familiar with the family you will be aware of their style and sensibilities, so dress accordingly. When in doubt – especially if you are unfamiliar with the family or service location – you should opt for the more conservative and more traditional options. Of all occasions in life, it is best to come to a funeral overdressed rather than underdressed. Simply pair a black dress with a lightweight shawl or cardigan and pop on some neutral colored heels. Sunglasses and stud earrings are great accessories for this look.
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