What is the Proper Funeral Attire for Women?

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Sisco Funeral Chapel under Funeral Etiquette
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A group of women in bright-colored clothing stand around a cardboard coffin

Selecting the proper funeral attire for women ensures that you show respect for a viewing, funeral service, or wake. However, it can be challenging to choose the right outfit, and every family has different expectations for formal wear. While there’s no single solution to women’s funeral attire, several guidelines can ensure you show respect for the loved one that’s passed. Read along and see how you can create respectful outfits. 

The Impact of Women’s Funeral Attire

Women need to dress appropriately for a funeral for several reasons:

It Demonstrates Respect

Dressing appropriately in women’s funeral attire is a way to show deep respect for the deceased and their grieving loved ones. It demonstrates understanding and conveys empathy and support. Inappropriate pieces will distract from the occasion and shift the focus away from the grief and support taking place.

It Honors Tradition 

Some women’s funeral attire is crucial in honoring cultural and religious traditions associated with mourning. By following these traditions and wearing appropriate clothing, women can show respect for the customs and practices observed by the grieving family. Before selecting an outfit, you’ll need to make sure that your outfit doesn’t violate any religious beliefs or cultural values.

It Respects the Grieving Family 

By wearing respectful funeral attire for women, individuals show their support and condolences to the grieving family. The traditional black outfits originally signaled solidarity and participation in the mourning process. Today, the right wardrobe signifies that you take the situation seriously and are by the family’s side through the process. It is a way to express solidarity and acknowledge the significant loss experienced by the bereaved while demonstrating sensitivity to their needs.

Tips on Funeral Attire for Women

Not all families are the same. Some people are okay with jeans and a button-down, while others will expect a formal dress. Here are a few tips to help you navigate your closet and get the best results.

Contact the Family

Families will often tell guests what to wear. If you don’t hear from them, you can always contact someone and ask. Try to select someone that isn’t too busy with making the arrangements to prevent overwhelming them. Once you have the answer, pass the info along to anyone demonstrating need. If you don’t have anyone’s contact info or don’t feel like you can disturb the family, opt for something more formal. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Keep Colors Neutral

Women should keep their colors neutral when selecting a funeral outfit to maintain the appropriate tone and convey respect. Neutral colors, such as black, gray, navy, or dark shades of purple or blue, are commonly associated with formal funeral attire for women. By sticking to these subdued colors, women can ensure their clothing aligns with the occasion’s solemnity and demonstrates sensitivity to the grieving family. Neutral colors also help avoid drawing unnecessary attention and allow the focus to remain on honoring the deceased and comforting the mourners. 

Avoid Flashy Accessories

When selecting the proper women’s funeral attire, you should neglect flashy accessories for the same reason. Gaudy hats, jewelry, and more draw attention away from the event and towards yourself. Feel free to wear your wedding band or favorite necklace. Just make sure that you aren’t draped head-to-toe in gold and diamonds.

Select Something Modest and Neat

One final tip for those selecting funeral attire for women is to keep things modest and neat. Immodest and disheveled looks draw attention away from the deceased and their family, so keeping things clean is best.

Keep It Comfortable 

Funeral services can be long and emotionally draining, so make sure what you wear is both comfortable and practical. Emphasizing these two qualities will allow you to focus less on your clothes and more on grieving with the people around you.

Possible Outfits for Any Event

  • Classic Black Dress: A knee-length or long black dress with a modest neckline and sleeves is a timeless and appropriate choice for a funeral. Pair it with black closed-toe shoes and minimal accessories for a polished and respectful look.
  • Tailored Suit: Opt for a tailored suit in a neutral color like black, charcoal gray, or navy. This ensemble exudes professionalism and sophistication while maintaining a somber tone. Pair it with a simple blouse or shirt and closed-toe heels.
  • Subtle Blouse and Slacks: Combine a modest blouse in a neutral shade with tailored slacks for an elegant yet understated funeral outfit. Add a pair of tasteful flats or low-heeled pumps to complete the ensemble.
  • Long Skirt and Blouse: Choose a modest, ankle-length skirt in a dark color and pair it with an elegant blouse. This outfit balances formality and modesty, creating a respectful look for a funeral service.
  • Conservative Dress with Cardigan: Select a traditional dress in a muted color, and layer it with a lightweight cardigan or blazer. This combination adds a layer of formality and provides versatility for different weather conditions.

Avoiding the Worst Offense

You may have noticed a recurring theme with these tips: don’t create an outfit that draws attention to yourself. This advice isn’t just for women’s funeral attire. It goes for men too. Tell your husbands, brothers, and cousins to save their flashy ties, crazy socks, and favorite ballcaps for another time.

Ultimately, the focus of these events should be on honoring the departed person and helping their family through this troublesome time. As long as you are creating your outfit with respect in mind, there’s no way you can go wrong.

Sisco Funeral Chapel

The aim of the staff and management will always be to build and protect the reputation earned by Sisco Funeral Chapel, Inc. We at Sisco Funeral Chapel feel a great sense of pride in belonging to an organization that provides the finest possible services to the people of Northwest Arkansas.