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Tips For Selecting Funeral Dress Attire
At one time, mourning a loved one meant dressing completely in black, including veils, hats and gloves. The rules of expected funeral attire have been altered over the years. The basics will remain the same though there are certain influences and circumstances that will require some occasional adjustments in style.
Black is still the go to color and a traditional suit and basic dress remain the staple fare. The difference now is that the styling has relaxed to a more semi-formal level. This means slightly more casual yet staying with the darker colors including gray and dark blue.
Men may continue to wear the traditional suit and tie, or they have the option to go with casual slacks paired with a collard shirt and sports coat. Black dress shoes are expected for all options. The primary rule is to keep things conservative, foregoing bold patterns, wearing light colored shirts with dark ties, jackets and pants.
Women are expected to dress conservatively in slacks or office worthy dresses and skirts in dark colors. The outfit should not draw attention because of a high hemline, a low neckline, bare shoulders or flashy patterns and design elements. While heels are acceptable, flats may be more fitting for graveside services.
The rules for children are far less rigid. Generally speaking, their style should be an age appropriate version of what adult's clothing with boys in suits or a collared shirt and tie, and girls in dresses. Though the little ones are not expected to wear black, their colors should be dark or neutral with patterns and ruffles kept to a minimum.
Though the basics of appropriate funeral attire are a safe guideline, there are exceptions to the rules. Some cultures or religions have specific ways that mourners are expected to dress and those should be followed out of respect. Occasionally the deceased will have left behind special requests as to the type of clothing they would like guests to wear and final wishes always take precedence over tradition.
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