Comments on: Ask the Audience: Appropriate Funeral Attire

By: Timothy Totten

Timothy Totten — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:47:31 +0000

I realize this comes after the funeral you were attending, so this advice is for everyone else.
As a funeral professional, I’ve seen all kinds of funeral atire, from super-formal tuxes to shorts and flipflops.
Black is a simple funeral color, mostly because of the historical use of black for funerals. However, less formal colors can be worn, depending upon the person being commemorated. My grandmother wore blue to her husband’s funeral because it was his favorite color on her.
At the very least, make sure that no matter the color clothing, you wear an outfit that shows the proper respect for the deceased. If light colors do that, go for it. Just stay away from cutoffs and sandals.

By: Fawn

Fawn — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:23:05 +0000

Hi Heather – just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you today. I hope you managed to find something you feel comfortable wearing.

By: Nina

Nina — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 01:33:09 +0000

I’m so sorry for your loss. Between myself and my husband, we’ve had 4 grandparents pass away in the last 2 years, and each time I wore a dark skirt or pants and a white button down blouse…it doesn’t have to be black anymore. Lots of stores are having winter clearances right now…Kohl’s is usually where I go first.

By: Hilary

Hilary — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:43:08 +0000

I always have a backlog of soft black jackets and cardigans. Even if one doesn’t fit well, you can wear it open, over a nice outfit with lighter colors. Khakis and a white shirt, for example.

By: Pam

Pam — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 02:42:55 +0000

My prayers will be with you on Monday…just being there to lend support, love and prayers to her family will be the perfect “outfit” to have on Pam, South Bend

By: Anna

Anna — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 01:58:22 +0000

My sympathies on your loss.

You can never go wrong owning a good pair of black pants. They can be dressed up or down for many occasions. For a funeral, pair it with a simple sweater or button down blouse in a dark or neutral shade.

When you find a nice one on sale somewhere, a charcoal or dark grey blazer is a great piece to have on hand to pair with the black pants for such occasions in the future. It’s a good wardrobe builder that can be mixed and matched with many things. I even wear mine with jeans when I need to look a bit more presentable on errand days.

By: Carol

Carol — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 01:29:03 +0000

I think if you pick up a basic pair of black pants or skirt, or a dark brown bottoeom to go with your nicer shirts you will be fine.

By: Jasi

Jasi — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:52:03 +0000

Target, Old Navy, or Gap Outlet should have inexpensive black pants that fit nicely without costing much. Having good black dress pants is a good investment anyway. Pair with that a dark navy button down, chocolate knit, plain black sweater. Wear little or no jewelry and very subdued makeup. Especially if it’s a Jewish funeral as vanity is inappropriate. I think.

Very sorry for your loss.

By: Angela

Angela — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:14:13 +0000

Where I was raised in LDS community and in Houston, it never felt like you had to wear black. Sure you might not wear hot pink but at the same time you didn’t have to wear black.

I think its about taking into consideration the feelings of the mourning family and if this funeral is being pictured as a horrible, dreadful event or if rather its sad but a celebration of life. Does that make any sense?

Anyway I’m so frugal that the idea of buying an outfit for one occasion when I’m at an odd size, that I won’t be at long, hopefully, kills me. Go with the khaki or the camel and don’t stress. Just pay your respects.

My thought, would just be to wear something you have, that is muted in tone. You can add dark accessories if needed.

By: Meredith from Merchant Ships

Meredith from Merchant Ships — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:03:05 +0000

I think white/light clothes are perfectly appropriate here in the South. Just not dark shoes!

Add pearls to pull it all together.