When attending a funeral, every detail of your attire should reflect the solemnity of the occasion. Shoes, often overlooked, play an essential role in completing a respectful and polished look. Below, we delve into the best types of shoes for a funeral and why they are suitable, with detailed guidance on each option.
Black Oxfords
Black Oxfords are the quintessential funeral shoe, combining elegance and formality. Their defining characteristic is the closed lacing system, which offers a sleek and polished appearance.
Why They’re Ideal: Their minimalistic design makes them versatile for all formal settings, including funerals. Black leather Oxfords pair seamlessly with dark suits, ensuring a unified, respectful look.
Key Features: Smooth leather uppers, thin soles, and subtle stitching. Avoid Oxfords with decorative elements like broguing for funerals.
Styling Tip: Match with black or dark gray socks to maintain a cohesive appearance.
Dark loafers can be a suitable alternative if you’re looking for something less formal but still appropriate. Their slip-on design offers ease and comfort without compromising on elegance.
Why They’re Ideal: They provide a balance between formality and comfort, especially for outdoor funerals or those involving extended standing.
Key Features: Choose loafers in black, dark brown, or burgundy leather with a polished finish. Avoid styles with tassels or embellishments.
Styling Tip: Pair with tailored trousers and ensure the loafers are well-polished for a dignified look.
Brogues are characterized by their decorative perforations, adding a touch of personality while remaining formal. Dark-colored brogues can work well for funerals, provided they aren’t overly ornate.
Why They’re Ideal: They strike a balance between formal and semi-formal, suitable for those who prefer a bit of detailing in their footwear.
Key Features: Opt for black or dark brown brogues with minimal perforation patterns. Avoid lighter colors or wingtip designs, as these can appear too casual.
Styling Tip: Ensure your brogues are in excellent condition, as scuffed or worn shoes can detract from your outfit’s overall respectfulness.
Derby shoes, similar to Oxfords but with an open lacing system, are another excellent choice for funerals. They are slightly less formal than Oxfords but still highly appropriate for the occasion.
Why They’re Ideal: Their versatility allows them to transition between formal and semi-formal settings, making them a practical choice.
Key Features: Look for dark leather styles with a simple, clean design. Avoid chunky soles or decorative stitching.
Styling Tip: Pair with a dark suit for indoor services or dress trousers for outdoor gatherings.
Monk strap shoes feature a buckle closure instead of laces, offering a unique yet formal option. While less common, they can be an elegant choice for those who wish to stand out subtly.
Why They’re Ideal: Their sophisticated design adds a modern touch to traditional funeral attire without being flashy.
Key Features: Choose single or double-strap styles in black or dark brown leather. Keep the design simple and avoid excessive hardware.
Styling Tip: Pair with a tailored suit and ensure the buckles are polished to match the shoe’s finish.
Because celebrations of life are less formal, you can select more casual shoes for a celebration of life. In some cases you can get away with clean sneakers or more casual shoes. That said, your appearance at these events is also a sign of respect for the deceased, so dress down is appropriate if it fits the more casual nature of the event.
In some cases the family may hold an outdoor event, such as a barbeque. You should dress appropriately. As always, if in doubt, ask the family what is appropriate.
Footwear to Avoid
While the above styles are all suitable for formal funerals, there are some shoe types to avoid:
Sneakers: Too casual and inappropriate for the formal nature of a funeral.
Bright-Colored Shoes: Distracting and disrespectful in somber settings.
Sandals or Open-Toe Shoes: Not suitable for the occasion, regardless of the venue.
Additional Considerations
Comfort: Funerals often involve standing or walking for extended periods. Choose shoes with cushioned insoles or supportive soles to ensure comfort throughout the service.
Condition: Ensure your shoes are clean, polished, and in good repair. Scuffed or worn shoes can appear disrespectful, detracting from the polished look required for funerals.
Socks: Match your socks to your shoes and trousers, sticking to dark, neutral colors for a seamless appearance.
