Funeral Attire for Women: The Right and Wrong Ways to Dress

Attending a funeral is a solemn and respectful occasion, and how you dress plays an important role in honoring the deceased and supporting their loved ones. For women, selecting the appropriate funeral attire involves understanding traditional norms, cultural considerations, and maintaining a respectful appearance. In this article, we will cover the right and wrong ways to dress for a funeral, including appropriate clothing choices, accessories, and considerations for different types of services.

The Importance of Appropriate Funeral Attire

Funerals are a time for mourning and remembrance, and dressing appropriately demonstrates respect for the deceased and the grieving family. Your attire should reflect the seriousness of the occasion while ensuring comfort, particularly for long ceremonies. Wearing the right outfit helps you blend into the environment and avoid drawing attention to yourself in such a somber setting.

The Right Ways to Dress

Here are some considerations on how women can dress for a funeral.

Classic Black or Dark-Colored Dresses and Outfits

Black is traditionally associated with mourning and is the safest color choice for funeral attire. Other dark and neutral colors like navy, gray, or deep green are also acceptable and respectful alternatives to black.

Attire Options:

A simple black dress, skirt, or pantsuit is ideal for most funeral services. The dress or skirt should be of a modest length, preferably knee-length or longer. If you choose pants, they should be tailored and formal.
Wrap dresses, sheath dresses, or A-line styles are appropriate, as long as they are understated and free from excessive detailing.

Conservative and Modest Outfits

A funeral is not the place for revealing or overly casual clothing. Modesty is key to showing respect, so it’s important to choose outfits that cover the shoulders, chest, and knees.

Blouses and Tops: Opt for simple, modest tops with sleeves. If you wear a sleeveless dress, consider pairing it with a cardigan or blazer. Avoid low-cut tops or anything too tight or form-fitting.
Skirts and Dresses: A conservative, knee-length or longer skirt is ideal. Flowing or pencil skirts in dark colors work well, provided they are not too tight.

Dark or Subtle Accessories

Accessorizing should be kept minimal and subtle at funerals. Choose items that complement your outfit without drawing too much attention.

Shoes: Closed-toe shoes in dark colors like black or navy are the best choice. Simple black flats or low heels are appropriate. Avoid stilettos or flashy shoes with bright embellishments.
Handbags: A small, simple handbag or clutch is the best option. Stick to black or neutral tones without excessive hardware or branding.
Jewelry: Minimalist jewelry, such as a small pair of earrings, a simple necklace, or a wedding ring, is appropriate. Avoid large, statement pieces or anything overly shiny.

Appropriate Outerwear

If the funeral takes place in cold or rainy weather, your outerwear should also reflect the tone of the occasion. Choose a dark, simple coat or jacket that complements your outfit.

Options: A black or dark wool coat, a trench coat, or a conservative wrap are all suitable options for a funeral.
Scarves and Gloves: Dark-colored scarves or pashminas can be worn for warmth or modesty. Gloves in neutral tones, such as black or gray, are appropriate for winter funerals.

Head Coverings (If Applicable)

In some religious traditions, women are expected to cover their heads during a funeral service. If you are attending a funeral where head coverings are customary, bring a simple scarf, shawl, or hat in a dark color.

The Wrong Ways to Dress

While dressing conservatively and respectfully is key, there are also certain styles and choices to avoid when attending a funeral.

Bright Colors and Patterns

Avoid wearing bright, bold colors such as red, yellow, or hot pink, as these are often considered inappropriate for a funeral. Loud patterns or prints, such as floral designs or polka dots, should also be avoided unless explicitly requested by the family (for example, in a Celebration of Life ceremony where they may encourage more celebratory attire).

Revealing or Inappropriate Clothing

Funerals are not the place for revealing or overly casual clothing. Stay away from outfits that expose too much skin or are too tight, such as:

Short Dresses and Skirts: Skirts and dresses should be knee-length or longer. Mini skirts or short dresses are inappropriate for most funeral settings.
Low-Cut or Strapless Tops: Avoid plunging necklines or strapless tops. If you wear a sleeveless or spaghetti-strap dress, always pair it with a cardigan or wrap for modesty.
Sheer Fabrics: While some dresses may feature sheer fabrics, be cautious to ensure that sheer elements are minimal and that the outfit as a whole is conservative.

Casual Clothing

Jeans, t-shirts, and overly casual clothing should be avoided. Even if the family requests a more relaxed dress code, you should still dress with respect for the occasion. Casual attire such as:

Denim: Avoid wearing jeans or anything made from denim.
T-shirts and Sweatshirts: These are far too casual for a funeral and should never be worn, even at less formal services.

Flashy Accessories

Avoid wearing anything too flashy or attention-grabbing. This includes:

Large Jewelry: Statement necklaces, oversized earrings, or bangles should be avoided. Stick to minimalist, understated pieces.
Bright Handbags or Shoes: Neon-colored or metallic shoes and handbags are inappropriate for a funeral setting.

Inappropriate Footwear

Footwear should be comfortable but also respectful. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or anything overly casual. High stilettos can be uncomfortable and distracting, so it’s best to stick to low-heeled or flat shoes. See also: Women’s funeral shoes.

Wearing Something New

Some cultures are superstitious about wearing new clothing to a funeral. They consider it bad luck. But it may be that this belief came from the idea that new clothes were reserved for joyous occasions, not funerals. Learn more about this

Cultural and Religious Considerations

Certain cultures and religions have specific customs regarding funeral attire for women. It’s essential to be mindful of these practices if attending a funeral within a particular cultural or religious community.

Catholic Funerals

Catholic funerals generally follow a traditional, conservative tone, and black attire is expected. Women should wear dresses, skirts, or pantsuits in dark colors, along with a simple scarf or shawl to cover the shoulders if needed. See also: What to expect at

Jewish Funerals

At a Jewish funeral, modesty is emphasized. Women should wear conservative clothing that covers the arms and legs, and a dark skirt or dress is appropriate. In some Orthodox traditions, women may be required to cover their heads with a scarf or hat. See also: What to expect at a Jewish funeral

Muslim Funerals

Modesty is paramount at Muslim funerals. Women should wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the body completely. A long dress or abaya is common, and wearing a headscarf is required. See also: What to expect at a Muslim funeral

Hindu Funerals

In Hindu funerals, women are typically expected to wear white or light-colored clothing. Black is considered inauspicious, and traditional attire such as a sari or salwar kameez is ideal. Modesty is important, so clothing should cover the arms and legs. See also: What to expect at a Hindu funeral

Special Considerations for Summer and Outdoor Funerals

Here are a few other considerations.

Summer Funerals

Funerals held during the summer can pose challenges when it comes to balancing modesty with comfort. In such cases, women should opt for lightweight fabrics while maintaining a conservative appearance.

Light Fabrics: Choose dresses or blouses made of breathable materials like cotton or linen. Stick to darker colors, even if the fabric is light.
Sun Protection: If the service is outdoors, bring a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses, but ensure they are simple and not overly fashionable.

Outdoor Funerals

For outdoor or graveside funerals, women should consider practical footwear, such as flats or low-heeled shoes, as these events may involve standing on uneven terrain. You may also want to bring an umbrella or scarf if the weather is unpredictable.

Respectul and modest

When attending a funeral, your attire should be respectful, modest, and aligned with the tone of the event. Stick to dark, neutral colors and avoid flashy accessories or revealing clothing. By dressing appropriately, you show respect to the deceased and their family during this solemn time.