What to Wear to a Funeral 2025 — How to Dress for a Funeral
Funerals are not always something we can plan for, nor are they events to look forward to. And while tricky, dressing appropriately for them is an important way to pay your respects. There are, of course, traditional ways to approach what to wear to a funeral—wearing black is believed to have originated during the Roman Empire, however, it became more popular after Queen Victoria wore the hue to mourn the death of her husband, Prince Albert. Deep colors remain a common choice for funerals today, although other cultures embrace varying hues (white in East Asia, red in South Africa, and purple in Brazil), so it’s best to make sure you understand the heritage of the person and the family you are commemorating.
Apart from color, there are additional facets of style to keep in mind when attending a funeral so the focal point remains the lost loved one rather than what you are wearing. Don’ts include ripped jeans, graphics tees, loud accessories, anything too revealing, and bold prints. So then, what is left on the list of dos? From a tweed black dress with ballet flats to tailored suiting, there are plenty of ways to show up considerately. Scroll on to see them all.
A Classic Black Dress and Ballet Flats
When in doubt, go the traditional route. Take, for instance, Kendall Jenner’s feminine frock paired with pointed-toe ballet flats and a black leather clutch. The oval sunglasses complete the timeless look while also helping to hide any emotions.
Róhe Silk-Skirt Open-Back Wool-Blend Maxi Dress
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Adrienne Leather Pump
Savette Florence Leather Clutch
Gucci Logo Acetate Oval Sunglasses
A Timeless Tailored Suit
You can never go wrong with fluid, black separates, which is why they are typically dubbed wardrobe MVPs (you will find several of them on this list). In this case, a slightly oversized blazer and wide-leg pants give polished professionalism without sacrificing comfort. And when mourning a loss, that’s even more valuable.
The Frankie Shop Bea Twill Blazer
Zara Wide Leg Pants With Darts
Ray-Ban Classic Wayfarer Sunglasses
Retrofête Francesca Kitten Mule
A Long Black Dress Coat
You can’t go wrong with something chic and simple. Elizabeth Olsen nailed this idea when she stepped out in New York in a long dress coat accessorized with streamlined ivory boots and a bracelet clutch. Take note and recreate this look with ease in the form of a cardigan-style maxi dress the next time a funeral is on your calendar.
Staud Shoko Sweater Maxi Dress
Cult Gaia Asa Top Handle Bag
Spinelli Kilcollin Solarium SG Ring
A Long-Sleeve A-Line Dress and Pointed-Toe Heels
In moments when dressing respectfully is of utmost significance, turning an eye to Catherine, the Duchess of Wales, is always a safe bet. As a woman who consistently lives life in the public eye (and lands best-dressed lists while doing so), the royal has attended the most serious of events as the picture of elegance. So, if you find yourself asking WWKW (What Would Kate Wear), the answer is an A-line black dress, a satin clutch, pointed-toe pumps, and a dash of pearls.
Dorothee Schumacher Off-Shoulder Gown
Stuart Weitzman Stuart Power 85MM Leather Pumps
Jimmy Choo Bonny Ruched Satin Clutch Bag
Gap Wide Brim Straw Hat
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Completedworks Freshwater Pearl CZ Earrings
A Cozy Sweater and Trousers
A turtleneck sweater and black trousers check all the boxes on the dos list. As a pair, the combo is anything but revealing and is likely to be found already hanging in your closet. Consider these staples two things that you can wear on repeat without hesitation, no matter the occasion.
LaPointe Merino Wool Feather-Cuff Sweater
Cos Deconstructed Cotton Barrel-Leg Pants
Quay High Profile Sunglasses
Jia Jia 14K Yellow Gold, Crystal Quartz and Diamond Pendant Necklace
A Fitted Sweater and Pencil Skirt
Paying respects can be done without sacrificing your personal style. A fitted pencil skirt and feminine blouse are completely acceptable, especially when worn with lace tights and polished accessories.
Staud Paige Jersey Contrast-Cuff Top
Mara Hoffman Maeve Organic Cotton Jacquard Midi Skirt
Marc Jacobs The Dual Chain Shoulder Bag
Larroude Deena Pumps
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Celine Acetate Butterfly Sunglasses
A Blazer, Turtleneck, and Maxi Skirt
For funerals during the colder months, it’s best to gravitate towards layering. Start out with a floor-length skirt and turtleneck, and finish off your outfit with an oversized blazer, sunglasses, and a top-handle bag. You will be warm during any outdoor moments and can remove the jacket when you go inside.
Veronica Beard Mylie Gathered Top
Victoria Beckham Victoria Beckham A-Line Maxi Skirt
Zara Oversized Double Breasted Blazer
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Balenciaga Rodeo Small Calfskin Top-Handle Bag
Le Specs Nouveau Vie Sunglasses
A Sleek Tunic and Fitted Pants
Dresses and skirts may require less styling, but pants are also on the list of approvals. With a ruched jersey top, layer fitted pants, like leggings, over tights and accent the look with everyday mules and dainty earrings. There may be more pieces, but less fuss.
Simkhai Casmi Ruched Stretch Jersey Top
Falke Matt Deluxe 20 DEN Women Tights
Want Les Essentiels Holton Smooth Leather Heel Sandal
Dorsey Lucien Lab Sapphire Latchback Earrings
A Pinstripe Suit
Solid suiting (like we called out earlier) is less eye-catching, but if a graphic pattern is your go-to, then make it pinstripes. Naomi Campbell shows us how to do the print to perfection, with a double-breasted blazer and matching pants. With this outfit, wedge sandals will give you the height you need and a stable platform should you have to walk on dirt or concrete.
Favorite Daughter The Favorite Pinstripe Blazer
Favorite Daughter The Favorite Pinstripe Pants
By Far Leather Wedge Sandals
The Attico 8.30 PM Clutch
Shashi Kalista Pave Earrings
A Tie-Neck Blouse and Mini Skirt With Knee-High Boots
While mini skirts fall in the more revealing category, you can make up for this “don’t” with a handful of do’s. Think knee-high boots to cover up some of the remaining leg and a tie-neck satin blouse with long sleeves. A watch will save you from the ultimate don’t—walking in late.
Mango Tie Neck Satin Shirt
ARGENT A-Line Seasonless Wool Mini Skirt
Demellier Tokyo Leather Shoulder Bag
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