The passing of a loved one is challenging, and the day of the funeral is heavy with emotion. Knowing what to wear can help communicate your respect and love for the deceased and those in mourning. The below rules for what to wear will help ensure you dressed appropriately for the memorial service.

Women

What to Wear

Stick to muted tones, such as a black dress or suit. Dark blues and greys are acceptable as well, but be careful not to wear anything flashy. Patterns are fine, as long as they’re softened and blend with the clothing. Most people choose attire with covered shoulders and high necklines, with knee-length skirts or pants. For shoes, 1-3-inch dark-colored heels or dress shoes are best, as they don’t draw attention. When choosing accessories, be modest with natural-looking makeup and simple jewelry.

What Not to Wear

Avoid bright pastels, upbeat colors, and bold patterns. Remember that you’re there to mourn the loss of a loved one, and festive dresses or suits may give the wrong impression. Tight, revealing, and low cut attire also distract from the purpose of the ceremony. Even if it’s warm, don’t wear sandals or sneakers, as these are informal shoes. Finally, bold makeup, jewelry, and too many accessories typically don’t suit the tone of a memorial service.

Men

What to Wear

Dark colors are traditional and fit most funerals. Black suits are best, but dark grey or navy are also acceptable. If you don’t own a suit, wear a white or black dress shirt with dark dress pants. Solid colors are preferable to patterned suits. Make sure your attire is pressed and clean, and your shoes are polished and black. A dark coat, black tie, dark umbrella, hat, and sunglasses can help complete the outfit.

What Not to Wear

Generally, avoid anything that you could wear on an average day. Jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers aren’t appropriate unless you have instruction from the family to be casual. Don’t wear flashy patterns or colors that could distract the eye. If you’re wearing a hat, remove it during the service to show respect for the mourning and deceased. 

Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home from Dayton, OH, is a family-owned and -operated funeral home with a long-standing positive reputation in the community. Our compassionate funeral planning company takes pride in affordable and approachable memorial services. Visit us online for a full list of services. Call (937) 253-1441 to discuss your needs. A member of our friendly team will be happy to speak with you.