Q&A for How to Dress For a Funeral

If you don't have anything black or just want to wear another color, go with a solid, dark color. You might wear navy blue or dark grey.

Black is the preferred color for any funeral outfit. If you don't have anything black, wear a solid, dark color. In general, it's important to be respectful by dressing up, so don't wear shorts or flip-flops, and don't show too much skin.

Yes, if the bow tie is of acceptable colors (usually in black, dark red, navy blue, etc), then it is appropriate to wear to a funeral. However, you should check with the deceased's family as they may have requested otherwise.

Yes, that is entirely up to you unless there is some religious aspect that prohibits it.

Yes, it is.

Yes. If you have something black, that would be ideal, but any dark colors would probably be fine.

You should go with something more formal. A leopard print dress is not funeral appropriate.

No. You should be less outlandish, for the family's sake. They will be grateful for you to come, but in a more respectful color.

Your dress sounds appropriate. If it is something that, apart from the color, you'd feel comfortable wearing to church, it should be fine for a funeral. It's okay to look nice, you are paying tribute to the person that passed away by presenting yourself nicely. Black shoes, flat or with a low heel would be appropriate. You shoes should be smart, not flashy or too casual, but if you haven't got a lot of options, any clean, tidy shoes will do.

Wear the black skirt with a dark-colored top. Dark tights or hose, if you have them. Dark colored shoes. And take a dark sweater or jacket, in case it gets chilly during the funeral.

If the joke is offensive, you may be asked to leave the building and will not be allowed back in until you put something more suitable on. More importantly, you may upset the loved ones of the deceased while they are going through a very difficult time. However, the dress standard will depend on the type of funeral.

Yes, as long as you don't wear bright or flashy colors, it should appropriate to wear to a funeral. That said, check with the deceased's family in case they specified what they wanted to be worn at the funeral.

Dark purple is a dark color, so it will probably be acceptable to wear at the service. If the deceased requested that something should/shouldn't be worn, then be sure to respect their wishes.

Stick to the basics with skin coloured, white or black for a funeral. Avoid bright colours if they show through.

Yes. Black and navy blue are both dark colors, so they are appropriate to wear at a funeral. You should check the deceased's will, however, as they might have requested differently.

Navy blue or black flats would complete the outfit. Try putting some black tights on if it gets cold at the send off.

If the deceased gifted you with an piece of clothing prior to their death, then wearing that to their funeral would be a great way to honor the deceased person.

You may wear anything navy, dark brown, gray or perhaps nude. If dresses aren't your thing,try wearing dress pants or a skirt. Also,depending on the kind of weather, make sure to carry a sweater or wrap to cover your shoulders.

Pink is a cheerful and upbeat color; therefore, it should be avoided. However, if the deceased requested that this color be worn at the send off, you should follow their wishes.

Yes, you can, if you want to. It's very appropriate for the sad occasion.

It is considered largely unacceptable to wear a sports hat to a funeral, but posh hats are acceptable for women. For men it is usually frowned upon to wear any type of hat in a church. The one exception would be if the deceased requested that hats be worn at their funeral.

Try a traditional black shift dress and coordinating sweater or blazer, a dark skirt and blouse or skirt and a sweater or dark or muted tone basic short-sleeved dress. Black, charcoal, navy or dark brown are ideal color choices.

You should wear whatever black outfit you have that looks presentable.

It's an uncommon colour at a funeral but that doesn't make it inappropriate. If the deceased requested cream, be respectful and follow their wishes.

If you will feel comfortable wearing trousers, then go ahead and wear trousers. If you think you might wish you'd worn a dress or a skirt, then don't. Trousers are often seen worn by women in formal settings today; there are some people who think trousers for women are informal, and those people can wear skirts and dresses all they like, but nowadays, the majority of people are fine with women wearing trousers at funerals and all other formal occasions, provided, trousers are okay for women to wear at the venue. Some religions forbid some clothing and require other items, e.g. head coverings.

Usually hair does not matter at a funeral service (as long as it is not dyed bright colors). But you should check with the family of the deceased person, just in case they requested a particular hair style.

It would be more appropriate if you did.

Yes, but I would wear a black cardigan with your dress. It's a nice combination for colder weather.

No one expects anyone in financial difficulties to buy or rent a black suit for a funeral. If a smart, dark brown, well-fitted suit is your only option, or, if the attendees of the funeral have been asked not to wear black, then a man can wear a brown suit to a funeral. If you have other options, a white shirt, tie and black dress pants/trousers or a black suit, for example, these are more traditional, and in the eyes of many, more respectful than a brown suit. Dark navy blue is another option if you don't want to, or can't wear black.

Grey, black, a dark red, or navy blue are the usual tie colours for a funeral services but check with the deceased's family as they may have requested differently, be sure to respect their wishes.