Funerals are the only type of service you never want to get an invite to. It’s never easy parting ways with a loved one or dearly departed friend. With all the intense feelings death brings, the last thing you want to worry about is your outfit for the emotional event.

What is the Dress Code To A Funeral?

Funerals vary depending on the family and the person who passes away. But, generally there’s a rule of thumb to follow when dressing for the occasion. Most of the time, people lean towards outfits from a darker color palette to evoke the feelings of grief. In addition, since most funerals are held in religious spaces, people adhere to business professional attire.

Layered and Long

When in doubt on what to wear to a funeral, layer up your outfit. Sometimes, you can’t go wrong with a long sleeve maxi dress and a full-length coat overtop. Like the picture above, you can even combine black with other dark colors like grey.

Drop Waist Dresses and Dramatic Hats

If the funeral you’re attending is in a church, chances are you’re allowed to wear a tasteful hat. In the Black community particularly, a church outfit (even for a funeral) isn’t complete without an elegant headpiece. This outfit features a black maxi dress with a waist cinching drop waist and a lace adorned hat

Patterns and Pleated Skirts

For those planning on wearing a dress to a funeral, upgrade the classic look with statement accessories. A pair of stockings, especially in a textured pattern, can add some dimension to your look. Complete your funeral ready outfit with simple accessories, like statement pointed toe heels and simple jewelry.

Classic Trousers and Turtleneck Combo

If wearing skirts and dresses aren’t your thing, there’s no reason why you can’t wear pants to a funeral. After all, it’s ultimately about what makes you comfortable for the emotional event. Pair your favorite high waisted slacks with a matching turtleneck or long sleeve shirt. You can simply wear this, or enhance your outfit with blazers, layered jewelry and more.

Emotional Intelligence and Elegance

Dressing appropriately to a funeral is the most important part of your outfit. You can’t go wrong with a maxi skirt and waist-length blazer combo. If the outfit looks too bulky, especially if you have an oversized jacket, cinch things in with a chunky belt. This outfit looks both stylish and tasteful for the unfortunate event.

Silhouette and Special Shapes

It’s not common to wear anything except black to a funeral unless advised by the immediate family. But black doesn’t always mean boring. Switch up your black looks by investing in gowns with different silhouettes. This can include bell sleeves and cape-like fabric. In this example above Meghan Markle dons a cape dress with bold black gloves to match.

Trendy Mixed with Tradition

Like celebrations of life, funerals often celebrate the culture of the deceased. Fill the difficult occasion with some ounce of joy by embracing a cultural style through your fashion. Perhaps invest in a custom outfit with noticeable features like mesh sleeves, a peplum trim and a mermaid-style skirt. To finish things off, opt for a pleated turban, gele or headwrap.

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