How to Dress for a Funeral

It’s inevitable, at some point in your life you will have to attend a funeral. It might be for a family member, friend, or coworker but no matter the funeral or how close you were to the person there are certain tips that will make dressing for a funeral easier. Follow this step-by-step guide on dressing for a funeral to ensure that you are respectful.

Instructions

1. You are not heading out for a night on the town with your friends and you certainly are not dressing for a casual day at home. Women should forget about wearing skirts that are cut too high or tops that are cut to low. If you don’t have a longer skirt, wear a pair of nice slacks that aren’t too tight. Men should avoid wearing jeans or pants that are too short. Always choose muted or darker color tones when choosing the clothing you wear.

2. Dress for the season. At some point during the funeral or the graveside service you will be outside. Choose your clothing appropriately. Don’t wear a wool suit in the middle of the summer. You might love the look of that particular suit but if you are overly hot you could not only be uncomfortable, you could become ill. Choose clothing that is practical for the season.

3. No one likes to drag out the iron and the ironing board but if you are dressing for a funeral at the very least you should iron your shirt. You are going to the funeral to pay your respects to the family of the deceased and it only takes a few minutes to iron your clothes.

4. Pay attention to your socks and shoes. This is especially important for men. If you are going to be wearing black dress shoes find that pair of black dress socks that are hiding in the back of your dresser drawer and wear those instead of your everyday white socks.

5. Less is more. Women love to accessorize but when you are dressing for a funeral the last thing you need is to cover yourself in large amounts of jewelry. Instead pick a few classic pieces of jewelry and let that be enough

Tips & Warnings

• Try to have at least one funeral appropriate outfit in your wardrobe at all times. This will save you a trip to the store to buy something at the last minute.

• Remember that the focus of the funeral is the deceased and their family and not you. Choose clothing that is appropriate for the occasion.