What not to wear to a funeral

Hi everyone,

Today, July 23rd, 2021, is a very sad day and as I am typing this post, I can’t help but wonder what will be next for us as a nation. I meant to write a post on what to wear to a funeral for quite some time now but it never seemed appropriate until today. I always feel frustrated when I see someone attending a funeral in denim or in a too provocative outfit. From an all-red look to a completely black one, let’s take a look into the funeral dress code.

Because a funeral is a somber occasion, it is best to dress in conservative colors and styles. You don’t have to wear all black, but it is acceptable to do so. You will probably want to avoid a bright floral dress or wild print or neon necktie unless the family of the deceased asks you to. If you’re getting ready to attend a funeral, you might be wondering what you should or shouldn’t wear. It’s important to dress in a manner that respects the occasion.

Avoid miniskirts, low-cut blouses or dresses, denim, and spandex. You don’t want to draw attention to yourself. Women may wear skirts and blouses, dresses, or pantsuits that don’t emphasize their curves, cleavage, or too much leg.

So here are a few ideas of what you can wear to a funeral:

1. Skirt or pantsuit.
2. Dress: Think LBD or navy or cream (white is fine too);
3. Skirt and blouse or sweater;
4. Pantsuit or skirt suit;
5. Top with long sleeves (short sleeves are also ok);
6. Top with a cardigan;
7. Low-heeled shoes or flats (you may be walking in the cemetery);
8. Close-toes shoes;
9. Keep your accessories simple: I always go with my gold jewelry or pearls. Dainty jewelry is very appropriate for the occasion. Leave the noisy bangle bracelets and sparkling necklaces at home.
10. It’s OK to wear a hat to a funeral as long as the hat is clean and formal. No baseball caps or knitted caps should be worn to funerals. The hat should be a dress hat, such as one that is part of a military uniform, or a more formal style such as a fedora (for men) or Derby (women). I usually went for a Derby hat but lately, I wore this fascinator (not appropriate but I fixed it as a pillbox).

There are quite a few myths about funerals that you don’t need to worry about. The most important thing to remember is that you should never call attention to yourself with your attire. The whole focus should be on what you’re there for.

Generally speaking, black is still the proper attire for funeral clothing. However, if you are not related to the deceased, you can wear navy blue, grey, white, or off-white (cream) as well. However, you should still wear something subdued and conservative. In my culture, people also wear violet (the darkest shade of purple) to funerals. However, I am glad to notice that it tends to disappear. I have mixed feelings about this color choice.

What Men Should Not Wear to a Funeral

Men shouldn’t wear sports caps or anything with writing on them. Leave your graphic and printed T-shirts, your denim, and overly slim fit pants in the drawer, and opt for something more subtle and conservative. Don’t add a vibrantly printed tie, unless there is a reason to do otherwise. A conservative suit or tailored pants and a blazer are appropriate for most funerals.

Exceptions

There are exceptions to the above. It is acceptable to dress in a military uniform for the funeral of a veteran. If your religion or the religion of the deceased calls for a specific style of dress, follow the rules.

Many people consider funerals a celebration of life rather than a sad end-of-life occasion. If this is the case, the family of the deceased may ask people to dress in a more upbeat manner. Heed their request. If you’re unsure about what to wear, don’t be afraid to ask. That’s better than showing up in inappropriate attire.

What is proper funeral etiquette?

In light of this, the general advice for how to act at a funeral or memorial service is to be respectful, courteous, and generous to others. Remember that the simple presence of a friend, a hug, or a kind word can go a long way towards making someone feel comforted.

Outfit Details:

Suit & Top @AttitudebyLory | Fascinator @Mycloset |

Shoes @Khiani | Clutch @LaSirene

Thanks for stopping by.

 

XoXo,

 

Moumous

Photo Credit @MJPhotography

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