Funeral Outfit for Women: What to Wear to a Funeral

A funeral outfit for women is dark, simple and understated: a black or dark grey dress, or dark trousers with a quiet blouse, plus a plain jacket or coat. What matters is that the clothes look covered and that you feel comfortable in them.

A funeral is not an occasion where anyone wants to stand out. Still, many people find it hard to choose the right outfit in this situation. Here you can read which colours work, when trousers or a dress is the better choice and what to wear in winter and in summer.

What to wear to a funeral?

People wear dark, simple and covered clothing to a funeral. It is seen as a sign of respect for the person who has died and for the family. There is no fixed rule, but a few guidelines help with the choice.

• Dark colours. Black is the classic. Charcoal, dark grey and dark brown also work.
• Simple cuts. A quiet neckline and sleeves that cover the shoulders look understated.
• No eye-catching details. Large prints, glitter, sequins and neon colours do not suit the occasion.
• Length. Dresses and skirts end at the knee or below.

You can find pieces in quiet colours in the black clothing for women.

If you are unsure, choose the darker and simpler piece. An understated outfit suits any funeral, whether it is a small family gathering or a larger one.

Which colours suit a funeral?

Black is the safest choice. But it is not the only one. Muted, dark shades are also seen as appropriate.

• Black looks calm and combines well with all other dark shades.
• Charcoal and dark grey are a little softer than black and suit many seasons.
• Dark brown is a warm alternative, especially in autumn and winter.
• Taupe is a muted grey-brown. As a quiet shade it is an alternative, especially together with black or dark brown.

Light and bright colours such as pink, yellow or red are for other occasions. If the family has asked for a particular colour, follow their wish. Which shades go with taupe is explained in the guide how to combine taupe. You can find a selection in the taupe clothing.

Trousers or a dress for a funeral?

Both are common today. What matters is that the outfit looks dark and calm.

• Dress. A black dress at knee length or longer only needs a jacket and suitable shoes. You can find a selection in the black dresses.
• Trousers. Dark trousers with a blouse or fine knit jumper look calm and are practical if you stand or walk for a long time. You can find them in the black trousers.
• Skirt. A dark skirt at knee length or longer goes with a blouse or jumper. Tights go well with it.
• Blouse. A simple blouse in black or in a muted shade such as grey or cream goes with trousers and skirts. More in the blouses.

A two-piece of trousers and top in the same dark shade looks especially put together.

What to wear to a funeral in winter?

In winter you often stand outside for a long time at a funeral. That is why warm layers count, as long as they stay dark and simple.

• Coat or long jacket. Black, charcoal or dark brown look the calmest.
• Fine knit. A plain jumper without a pattern is a warm layer under the coat.
• Tights. They go with a dress or skirt and keep your legs warm.
• Closed shoes. Simple boots or ankle boots in black or dark brown go with trousers and dresses.
• Scarf, gloves, hat. Here too you stay with dark, plain pieces.

How to build layers in winter is explained in the guide winter outfits for women.

What to wear to a funeral in summer?

Even in the heat, clothing stays dark and covered. Light fabrics make the day easier to bear.

• Dress with sleeves. A dress with short sleeves or a thin cardigan over it covers the shoulders.
• Light trousers. Dark, flowing trousers with a simple blouse look calm and are airy.
• No deep necklines. Strappy tops and backless pieces are for other occasions.
• Shoes. Simple, dark shoes without decoration work best.
• Sunglasses. Dark, simple sunglasses are fine in the sun. At the grave or in the church you take them off.

Which accessories suit a funeral?

Jewellery. Small earrings or a simple necklace are usual. Eye-catching or sparkly jewellery looks too loud.

Bag. A small, dark bag is enough. Tissues belong inside.

Make-up and hair. Here too: understated. You can tie your hair back if you find it more comfortable.

Three outfits for a funeral

Black dress. A simple black dress at knee length, plus tights, a dark jacket and closed shoes. Calm and classic. More on this can be found in our guide What to wear with a black dress.

Trousers and blouse. Dark trousers, a plain blouse in black or grey and a long cardigan or coat over it. Practical for long walks.

Black and taupe. A fine black jumper, with trousers in taupe or dark brown and a dark coat. Muted and warm for autumn and winter.

Matching items in the shop: black cardigans and coats for women.

Frequently asked questions

What do women wear to a funeral?

Dark, simple and covered clothing: a black dress or dark trousers with a blouse, plus a jacket or coat. Black, charcoal and dark brown are seen as appropriate.

Do you have to wear black to a funeral?

No, black is usual but not required. Charcoal, dark grey, dark brown and quiet shades such as taupe are also seen as appropriate. If the family has asked for a colour, follow their wish.

Can you wear trousers to a funeral?

Yes, dark trousers are usual today. With a simple blouse or fine jumper and a jacket, the outfit looks calm and appropriate.

How long should a dress for a funeral be?

Knee length or longer is seen as understated. Short skirts and dresses are for other occasions.

What to wear to a funeral in summer?

A dark dress with sleeves or light dark trousers with a blouse, plus a thin cardigan. The shoulders are covered and the colours stay dark.

Which shoes do you wear to a funeral?

Simple, closed shoes in black or dark brown. Boots or ankle boots suit winter, ballet flats or pumps the warmer season.