Funerals allow friends and family of the deceased to reflect on their loved one’s memory and say their final goodbyes. Before attending this important occasion, you should consider a few guidelines. What you wear should respect your loved one’s life. The following information will help you decide on the right outfit.

How to Dress Appropriately

Funeral attire should be conservative, like an outfit you would wear to a job interview or business meeting. For women, this includes dresses, pantsuits, skirts, and dress pants. The shoulders and knees should be covered and accessories should be kept to a minimum. Flats and low-heeled shoes are best, especially when attending a graveside service.

It’s acceptable for men to wear a suit or dress pants and a button-down shirt with loafers. Depending on how formal the ceremony is, a tie may also be appropriate.

In the past, mourners were always expected to wear black to funerals. However, this is no longer the case. It’s still best to choose darker or muted colors, such as brown, gray, or navy blue, to honor the solemnity of the occasion. Exceptions to these guidelines should be considered if the deceased’s religion calls for a certain type of clothing or the family asks guests to dress in accordance with a theme.

What Not to Wear

When getting dressed for a funeral, aim to blend in with other mourners rather than draw attention to yourself. Stay away from mini dresses or skirts and blouses that show cleavage.

Unless the family requests specific attire, make sure you aren’t too casual. Don’t wear tank tops, shorts, jeans, athletic shoes, flip flops, sundresses, or baseball hats. Avoid bright colors and distracting patterns, as well as noisy or flashy jewelry.

If you’re in charge of planning a loved one’s funeral, reach out to Adzima Funeral Home for help navigating this difficult time. Their caring and experienced staff is available to assist you with every detail involved in making arrangements. For more than a century, this family-operated business has provided residents across Fairfield County, CT, with personalized solutions that allow for a more meaningful remembrance. Call (203) 375-2200 to discuss your options, or visit their website to learn more about what they do.