A funeral is a ritual that honors and commemorates the life of the person who passed away. Family and friends need to gather together and offer tributes before the body is buried or cremated. It follows some traditional rituals with traditional dresses for this mournful occasion.
But if you have never attended a funeral, you might have the obvious questions—what to wear to a funeral? What are the funeral attires? Generally, black dresses are considered the most respectful attire for a funeral, but what to wear to a funeral is not black. In this article, we will explore the various other options for outfits for men and women at a funeral.
The History: Black is the Traditional Attire for a Funeral
Wearing black to a funeral is not a new tradition but its roots date back to ancient times. According to historians, Romans dressed in black when someone lost his/her loved one, and this dark dress was known as a toga pulla. This special dressing style is still part of Western culture and people prefer to wear that black attire at the funeral.
Not only Roman culture, but Christian culture also adopted it frequently in history. This trend was consistent with rising Christian beliefs that black symbolized death and the unknown. In Western culture, this trend also continued to the Victorian era, and due to popularity throughout the decades, black became the common attire for funerals.
So, when we look back in history, we can find a large number of reasons why black is the most acceptable funeral attire. Black, fundamentally the absence of color, symbolizes the deep void created by death. It expresses the feeling of loss and shows compassion for that emptiness.
What to Wear to a Funeral Woman
A black dress is the most appropriate dress for women to wear to a funeral that symbolizes respect for a deceased person. Avoid bright colors, flashy accessories, or anything too casual, as the focus should be on honoring the deceased. Closed-toe shoes are also recommended to maintain a respectful and formal appearance.
Generally, a long dress like a black maxi is styled at the funeral by a woman, however, you can consider the following options for the funeral –
Dress
Select a respectful and casual dress to wear for a funeral. A skirt, plain blouse or top, a cardigan, jumper, a pair of trousers, casual or sensible shoes. Dress in a full-sleeved dress, long trousers, and a cardigan or light black jacket from outside for the most appropriate outfit for a funeral.
Color
Even though black is the widely accepted dress color for funerals, it is commonly asked what to wear to a funeral, not black. Dark navy and chocolate colors can also be styled in the funeral as they approximately resemble black colors. In African countries like South Africa and Ghana, red color is often dressed at a funeral or at the time when someone is deceased. Dark purple and grey colors are also part of funerals in some countries like Thailand and Brazil.
Also read: From Casual to Glam: What To Wear With A Leather Skirt
Accessories
Highly shiny pieces of jewelry are not recommended at a funeral instead try something casual that provides a respected look while attending such an occasion. A black dress or suit, a piece of simple jewelry, or a light golden necklace (that must not be bright) is recommended for a funeral that also symbolizes peace.
What to Wear to a Funeral Men
For a funeral, men should wear dark, formal clothing as a sign of respect. A black or dark suit paired with a white shirt, black tie, and polished shoes is the most appropriate choice. With a shirt and tie, styling a black coat or blazer is also a wise option, however, avoid bright colors or flashy accessories to maintain a solemn and respectful appearance.
Men Attire for Funeral –
- Dark-colored suit – Black, navy, or dark gray
- White or dark-colored dress shirt
- Dark tie – Avoid pattern tie, instead use plain dark one
- Closed-toe dress shoes – Black preferred
- Avoid casual wear or bright colors
- A dark overcoat or blazer – It can be styled especially if the weather is cold
- Avoid – Do not use strong perfumes to maintain a respectful atmosphere
What to Wear to a Funeral Not Black
Black is the most appropriate dress color to wear at a funeral to show your respect for a deceased person. However, if you don’t want to attend the funeral in black attire, the other color options are navy dark, burgundy, or dark grey. Any attendee whether man or woman, should avoid wearing bright colors like red, pink, green, yellow, etc.
When a person is deceased, attendees must maintain a respectful manner whether it is about outfit or behavioral manners. Also, avoid tight-fitting attire and unnecessary accessories like large earrings or necklaces. Maintain a simple and respectful outfit.
Conclusion
What to wear to a funeral is indeed a critical question – But remember, black should be the first choice without any argument. However, you aren’t bonded with black only especially if you don’t have one. You can go with dark blue and grey which is also fine as a funeral attire. Avoid dressing colors as already discussed and ultimately your comfort is the primary while maintaining a respectful environment.
Related Post:
- Dressing to Impress: What to Wear to a Quinceanera
- Stylish and Respectful: What to Wear for Rosh Hashanah
- Bridal Shower Outfits: What to wear to a bridal shower
- What to Wear in Sauna? Dressing and Etiquettes Guide for Sauna
- What to Wear to a Comedy Show: Dress for Laughs
- What to Wear for Niagara Falls? A Guide for All Seasons
- What To Wear To A Baseball Game? Try These Outfit Ideas
