What to Wear to a Funeral (Not Black) - Ideas for Men & Women | Blog | Stark Funeral Professionals of Ypsilanti (2024)

FAQs

What to Wear to a Funeral (Not Black) - Ideas for Men & Women | Blog | Stark Funeral Professionals of Ypsilanti? ›

Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.

If you're attending a traditional funeral, you might want to stick to formal clothes in dark colours. This doesn't have to be black – it could be grey or burgundy. Dresses or skirts / trousers, jacket and a top, whatever you consider looks smart will be fine.

Slacks, khakis, and collared shirts for men. Dresses, skirts, blouses, and slacks for women. Casual shoes such as loafers, dress sneakers, or dress sandals. Jeans are usually okay as long as they are not ripped or too tight fitting.

First and foremost, dress appropriately. This means no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Instead, opt for dark, conservative clothing. Women should avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy, and men should make sure their clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.

In western cultures, red is often seen as a color of joy, love, and vitality. It's the color of celebrations and positive energy. Wearing red to a funeral would be considered inappropriate because it would clash with the somber atmosphere and be viewed as disrespectful.

You might be asked to wear the favourite colour of the deceased, for instance. Just make sure it's toned down, such as a red shirt or tie rather than a bold red suit jacket or trousers. One exception to this would be if there was a specific request for everyone to wear bright colours.

Darker dresses, suits, pants, jackets and sweaters are appropriate. Flip-flops, tank tops, shorts, sundresses, casual tennis shoes and cleavage are not appropriate. Even though the service may be a celebration of life, many of those attending will be mourning. Your goal is to blend in, not be conspicuous.

While dress codes have relaxed over time, jeans are generally considered too casual for funerals. It's advisable to opt for more formal attire like slacks or dresses to show respect for the occasion.

Keep it corporate-appropriate – think clean, wrinkle-free clothing. A knee-length or longer dark-colored dress is entirely fitting. Alternatively, a skirt suit or dark pants paired with a blouse and cardigan are suitable choices.

What type of shoes should you wear to a funeral? Black, very dark brown (navy), or burgundy dress shoes work best for funerals. These colours will also match the majority of your wardrobe - making them more versatile. If possible I would always opt for dark brown instead of black, as it is less formal.

Why shouldn't you wear new clothes to a funeral? ›

You may be wondering about wearing new clothes to a funeral, but you aren't supposed to do this, especially shoes. Wearing black in mourning goes back to ancient Roman times. It's likely that the Victorian elite ritualized it. Wearing new shoes to a memorial, in particular, would bring great misfortune.

Smart, age-appropriate clothes are the preferred option for a funeral. This includes: Dark coloured trousers, plain top and jumper. Dark coloured skirt, plain top and cardigan.

Try to make sure that your outfit does not have overly bright colors or wild patterns that draw attention. Remember, you are there to mourn the loss and support the family, you outfit should not make you the center of attention.

Understanding the cultural significance and appropriateness of wearing white at a funeral is essential to showing respect and solidarity with the bereaved. While white symbolises purity, innocence, and hope for the afterlife, its acceptance varies significantly across different traditions and religions.

Black. The idea of black as a mourning colour is believed to have emerged during Roman times. The colour has long been associated with death and loss and is still a common mourning colour today.

Purple flowers represent respect, sorrow, sympathy and admiration. Yellow flowers signify friendship, warmth and hope. Pink flowers represent grace, compassion and innocence. Green flowers signify nature, wellness and renewal.

When arranging a colourful funeral, you can ask guests to wear colours of their choice or simply stick to one colour which may have been your loved one's favourite. We suggest giving attendees the option of wearing vibrant colours or dressing in traditional funeral colours, should they feel more comfortable doing so.

A business suit or a simple dress that covers the shoulders and knees should suffice. If you want to wear something different, many women will wear dress pants with a nice sweater or blazer. Try to stick to more subtle colors like black, gray, dark blue, or purple and avoid overly floral patterns or vibrant colours.

Black Is Traditional Funeral Wear

Other colors are fine to use as long as they aren't garish or jarring. Funerals are not the appropriate place for some hues, such as those with primary solid or secondary colors like red, yellow, or pink. Darker shades of grey, blue, emerald, white, and ivory can also work.

Do I Have To Wear Black To A Funeral? Black is the safest bet, but you don't have to wear a solid black outfit. Consider other darker and solid colors when thinking of what to wear at a funeral. Dark gray, navy, and dark blue are other acceptable options for a funeral.