When facing the solemn occasion of a funeral, it’s natural to wonder what attire is fitting for the event. While it’s essential to show respect and sensitivity, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. In Western culture, tradition often dictates dressing conservatively in black, but some families or cultures may be more open to alternative colors. The key is to consider the nature of the occasion and the cultural norms involved.
If unsure, it’s always a good idea to check with the family before making your selection. In this guide, we’ll explore what’s considered traditional attire for Western culture, as well as provide some helpful insights on outfit ideas, celebrity-inspired looks, and FAQs. We’ll also touch on how to wear a hat to a funeral, as well as offer guidance on what to wear to a memorial service or a funeral in general.
How to Wear a Hat to a Funeral?
When attending a funeral, dressing modestly and respectfully is crucial when it comes to wearing a hat. Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind: opt for a subdued yet tasteful hat in muted colors like black, navy blue, or gray; ensure your hat harmonizes with your outfit without overpowering it; consider the size and shape of your hat, favoring smaller, less attention-grabbing designs that won’t obstruct views or distract from the service.
Once inside the funeral home or place of worship, remove your hat as a sign of respect and keep it off until you exit. Above all, conduct yourself with dignity and thoughtfulness throughout the occasion.
What to Wear to a Memorial Service?
When planning an outfit for a memorial service or celebration of life, it’s essential to strike a balance between expressing respect and maintaining a sense of dignity. While the occasion may not be as formal as a traditional funeral, there are still certain guidelines to follow to ensure your attire is appropriate.
For instance, avoid anything too flashy, glittery, or overly youthful-looking – think Converse shoes or graphic tees that might seem more suited to a casual gathering than a solemn tribute. Instead, opt for a more subdued approach that still conveys respect and empathy. Here are three potential outfit ideas that strike this balance: two geared towards teen girls and one suitable for mature women.
What to Wear to a Funeral?
When it comes to dressing for a formal event, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid anything too flashy or attention-seeking. Stick to more subdued colors and patterns, and make sure your outfit is modestly covered up. For women, this means keeping shoulders covered and skirts or dresses that fall at least to the knee.
A hat can be a nice touch, but it’s essential to opt for something elegant and understated – think Kate Middleton’s signature style, which favors subtle hats over bold or casual ones.
Outfit Ideas
Add Some Print
While a solid-colored dress can be stunning, you’re also free to incorporate prints into your outfit. Just ensure the design isn’t too bold or overwhelming. To simplify things, consider drawing inspiration from your go-to workwear ensembles – the pieces that make you feel confident and put together.
Ladylike Look
This stunning dress effortlessly combines sophistication with proper etiquette, making it a standout choice. The girlish wide-brimmed hat is the perfect finishing touch, and its classic design pairs beautifully with a pair of white and black heels. To complete the look, consider adding a muted-colored purse and a stylish shawl for a cooler day.
Black, Long-Sleeved Dress & Cheetah Print Heels
While the conservative dress provides a versatile canvas, you can take creative liberties with your shoe choice. If you’re feeling bold, opt for a statement-making heel that adds a touch of personality to the overall look. This approach is perfect for women who want to infuse their style with a dash of their own flair, regardless of the occasion. To balance the dress’s conservativeness, pair it with a simple yet elegant necklace and keep your hair loose or stylishly pulled back in a chignon.
All-Black Conservative Look
To create a chic and sophisticated look, start by pairing a tank top with a sheer button-down blouse. The combination of the two creates a versatile base for your outfit. Add a knee-length a-line skirt and cinch it in at the waist with a thin belt. For added warmth and modesty, throw on a jacket. You can also add some texture to your look by wearing tights or stockings under black pumps.
To finish off the look, add a touch of glamour with oversized sunglasses and a black wide-brimmed hat.
Keep jewelry simple with studs or drop earrings to let the outfit take center stage.
Elegant, Stylish
For women who prioritize style, this ensemble makes for an excellent choice. A tailored jacket adds a touch of sophistication when paired with a printed blouse, elegantly tucked into a pencil skirt. To complete the look, pair with neutral-hued pumps that exude refinement and polish.
Alternative to the Traditional Black Dress
When seeking a departure from traditional formal wear, consider this understated yet sophisticated alternative. The olive green dress strikes a balance between modesty and elegance, offering a conservative silhouette that avoids revealing or over-emphasizing the body. A well-chosen neckline adds to its timeless appeal. To complete the look, pair with neutral-hued heels that add a touch of sophistication without drawing attention away from the dress.
Classically Traditional
For those seeking a more timeless approach, a classic belted black dress is an excellent choice. Pair it with a matching jacket and complement it with nude heels for a sophisticated ensemble. The long sleeves and modest hemline of this style evoke a sense of tradition and respect, making it a fitting example of the typical attire often seen at funerals.
Modest, Well-Fitting Suit
When dressing for an uncertain occasion, consider adopting a business-meeting-inspired approach. This mindset eliminates outfits that are too casual or revealing, much like you wouldn’t wear a mini-skirt or sundress to a professional meeting. Instead, opt for attire that is polished and conservative. For instance, a light gray suit is an excellent choice when you want to avoid black and prefer something understated yet elegant.
This classic option fits well and falls just above the knee, making it a great foundation for your outfit. To complete the look, pair with a sleek black or nude heel that adds sophistication without overpowering the overall ensemble.
Mid-Length A-line Dress
When faced with uncertainty, consider a high-necked dress of moderate length as a reliable choice. This color palette, while slightly brighter than traditional options, still maintains an air of sophistication. Pair the dress with black pumps for a more formal look or opt for nude heels for a softer, more understated approach. For colder weather, add a coat and stockings to ensure you stay warm and comfortable.
When it comes to accessories, keep jewelry simple and understated by choosing pearls or diamonds. Avoid bold statement pieces like tassel earrings or clattering bangles, which can detract from the overall elegance of the outfit.
Black Suit with a Pop of Color
Layering Your Dress
Elevate the simplicity of a little black dress by pairing it with a form-fitting long cardigan or coat. The added layer not only provides warmth, but also adds a touch of sophistication to the overall ensemble. To complete the outfit, opt for a pair of black ankle boots and a coordinating purse that exudes understated elegance.
A Non-Traditional Funeral Service Look
When attending a funeral service, jeans may be unavoidable. However, if you do decide to wear them, consider a few guidelines to ensure your outfit respects the occasion. Since jeans have a casual nature, pair them with an appropriate blouse and jacket to elevate the look. Dark-wash jeans are generally more suitable than light or ripped/faded ones.
This unconventional yet tasteful combination can work well – think a leather jacket for added sophistication and shoes that introduce a touch of color without being too bold.
Elegant and Stylish Ensemble
Crafting a somber yet dignified appearance for a solemn occasion such as a funeral or memorial service can be achieved by emulating this understated, business-like aesthetic. To replicate this look, simply combine the individual components depicted in the accompanying image.
Chic and Elegant
Elevate your style with this stunning ensemble, where an exquisite dress takes center stage. Its refined length and high neckline exude a sense of understated elegance. The addition of a tasteful brooch and classic bag imbues the look with sophistication, while a pop of lime green courtesy of the heel injects a welcome dose of whimsy. To complete this chic outfit, simply add a pair of sparkling diamond studs for a touch of subtle glamour.
The Little Black Dress
In its versatility, this striking black dress proves that it’s not just about the occasion – it’s about the understated elegance it brings. A classic choice for both funeral and memorial services, it’s a testament to the power of timeless style. When selecting this dress, focus on the quality of fabric, cut, and silhouette. This understated yet sophisticated design is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle approach.
And, if needed, add a layer with a jacket, cardigan, or shawl for added refinement. For accessories, opt for a simple yet elegant purse and pair it with black heels. We recommend pumps over stilettos for a more understated look. For further inspiration, check out our guide on How to Wear the Little Black Dress for expert tips and tricks.
Simple & Modest Look
For those who prefer understated elegance, a loose-shift dress is an excellent choice. Its modern design makes it perfect for dressing up or down without drawing unnecessary attention. To elevate the look, consider pairing this versatile dress with kitten heels and a rich purple clutch. Alternatively, you can add warmth with tights or opt for stockings to create a sophisticated yet effortless ensemble.
Celebrity Inspired Looks
Sarah Jessica Parker
A celebrity-inspired outfit is always a great way to find fresh inspiration for specific occasions and events. Sarah Jessica Parker’s style is particularly noteworthy, as it offers a versatile template that can be easily adapted by anyone. The key elements of this look include an exaggerated bun hairstyle, which can be achieved with the help of some minor tweaks. Adding a white rose to the hair adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
This look also shows us how to incorporate white into our wardrobe without being too ostentatious. The modest length of the skirt and the pair of white gloves ensure that the overall aesthetic is tasteful and respectful, making it suitable for winter or fall events. To complete the look, a smaller pump or heel would be more appropriate, but if you’re confident in your ability to pull off these heels, then go for it.
Victoria Beckham
For those who prefer a more understated yet stylish approach, this celebrity-inspired ensemble is a great option. This outfit’s classic combination of black coat, pants, and ballet flats provides a timeless foundation that can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Pair with a simple long-sleeved top or blouse for a chic look that’s perfect for fall or winter.
The addition of basic sunglasses adds a touch of sophistication without drawing attention away from the outfit’s overall simplicity.
Kate Middleton
During Prince Philip’s funeral, Kate Middleton opted for a somber yet stylish ensemble. A black coat dress was paired with matching pumps and a sleek clutch, while a veiled hat added a touch of elegance to her overall look. Her jewelry choice was equally impressive, featuring a pearl earrings, choker, and bracelet set that held sentimental value – it had been bestowed upon her by the Queen herself.
Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle made a poignant appearance at the Queen’s funeral, donning a striking black cape dress designed by Stella McCartney. The overall ensemble was completed with understated yet elegant touches, including black pantyhose, gloves, and a wide-brimmed hat that subtly framed her features. Adding a touch of personal significance to her outfit, Meghan wore simple diamond and pearl earrings that had been gifted to her by Her Majesty herself – a thoughtful tribute to the Queen’s memory.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian may not be the first celebrity that comes to mind when planning funeral attire, but her simple yet elegant look could actually work well for the occasion. Pair a classic black dress with a lightweight shawl or cardigan, and add some neutral-colored heels to complete the outfit. For added flair, consider adding sunglasses and stud earrings as subtle accessories.
If you’re looking for an extra layer of comfort, a slightly longer dress would be a great option – this could also be particularly suitable for plus-size women who want to prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. While planning funeral attire may not be the most joyful task, we hope that this post can at least provide some inspiration and help alleviate the stress of figuring out what to wear.
FAQs
Q. Is it OK to wear white to a funeral?
While cultural norms around funeral attire can be complex, there’s a general understanding that Western cultures tend towards more subdued dress codes. However, it’s essential to consider the specific family’s expectations before making a decision. In some cases, it may be customary to wear white or another symbolic color in honor of the deceased.
When in doubt, it’s often best to opt for dark and conservative attire, unless you have prior knowledge that the family would appreciate a more formal look.
Q. What are the proper colors to wear to a funeral?
Conservative fashion often favors somber color palettes, which means opting for hues that fall within the dark spectrum. This doesn’t mean you have to completely rule out bright colors, but rather, it’s about striking a balance between bold statements and timeless elegance. Think of rich greens, navy blues, charcoal grays, and black as staples in your wardrobe – they’re versatile, easy to mix-and-match, and exude confidence.
