What is the correct etiquette when it comes to choosing what to wear to a funeral? Sadly, it's something many of us have had to consider at one moment or other during the course of our lives. We all know that it's key to dress respectfully and conservatively, and in the cooler you might struggle to know how to strike the balance between staying warm, but also dressing smart.
Is it ok to have bare arms at a funeral? There are several factors to consider - mainly the cultural and religious customs of the deceased's family and how formal the funeral might be. If the funeral is less formal, and the weather is warm, bare arms might be acceptable - but the outfit should still remain modest and respectful.
We all know that attending a funeral isn't necessarily a fashion show, but you still want to look like you've made an effort. If it's a funeral that you've organised, thinking about a funeral outfit is usually the last thing on your mind when you've lost a loved one - and you might have left it all to the last minute.
What's more, deciding what to wear to a funeral isn't easy if you haven't got a collection of funeral-friendly dresses in your wardrobe. It has been a tradition, and a sign of respect, to wear black to a funeral, but while some may wear a black dress, others may opt for a two-piece suit, or a skirt and blouse.
We know funerals are about showing a sign of respect to lost loved ones, and the families of those grieving, so for those looking to follow the right dress code etiquette, we can lend a helping hand by helping you find the perfect black dress for a funeral.
Do you have to wear black to a funeral?
It is a common tradition in the UK to wear black to a funeral, however, you don't have to follow this unwritten rule. Dark colours, including navy blue, or dark grey, are also deemed acceptable, while bright colours or prints are said to be distracting from the event at hand.
© Karwai TangHowever, it is to the discretion of the lost loved one's family, and the guests, as on some occasions families encourage guests to wear bright colours as a celebration of the person’s life. Each case is unique, but we've stuck to dresses for this edit.
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How we chose funeral-appropriate black dresses
- Colour: Ok, this might be an obvious one. We filtered our search to black. Navy is also acceptable but we kept it traditional for this edit.
- Modesty: We looked for dresses that were deemed respectable - no cut-out dresses or backless dresses in this edit.
- Speedy delivery: In times of grief you might have a million and one things to do before the funeral and finding a dress might be a last minute chore. To make things easier all these dresses have speedy delivery options.
Why you should trust me
"I haven't tried any of these dresses on, but I know what styles to show you, and I know from first-hand experience how overwhelming a funeral of a loved one can be. When my mum passed away in February 2021 my whole world fell apart. I remember my two sisters and I discussed what we'd wear to the funeral and I intended to wear a very plain black dress, but the night before I decided I wanted to go for something a bit more glamorous. I felt like my mum would want me to sparkle in some way, and as I was reading her eulogy I felt even more pressure. I ended up choosing a dress from my wardrobe that I had once worn to Magic Mike Live! (yes, really) but it was a velvet shift dress with long sleeves and it featured three sparkly rhinestone buttons at the neckline. It's a lovely dress but I'm not sure I can wear it again. It's worth bearing that in mind when you're choosing your outfit.
"It was a chilly day in early March so I wore the knee-length dress with black tights, black boots and a black cape coat. The service was being recorded for family and friends that couldn't attend due to restrictions so I wore a black bow in my hair as I thought it would look nice on camera. I did feel nice on the day and "dressing up" put me in the mindset of the funeral being a celebration of my mum's life, but everyone grieves differently and ultimately it's about making it through the day in the best way you can. I hope you like my edit below. Sending love to you all."
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M&S Collection Cotton Blend Midi Waisted Dress
© M&S- Sizes available: UK 6-24
M&S will always be a go-to destination when you need a last minute outfit - and if you look online there's a whole host of black dresses to choose from, whether it's their own brands, or other stylish retailers it stocks.
However, it is this cotton-blend classic black dress, which we believe is one of the most suitable for a funeral.
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Hush Isla Sleeveless Maxi Dress
© Hush- Sizes available: UK 4 - 18
For those looking for a stylish, yet formal, dress to wear to a funeral, we have found it. This Hush creation features a sleeveless design (perfect for the warmer temperatures) but it's not too revealing that it’s inappropriate for the formal occasion.
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Karen Millen Structured Crepe Roll Neck Dip Hem Midi Dress
© Karen Millen- Sizes available: UK 6 - 16
Or choose Karen's Millen's belted black dress – Princess Kate owns a similar one in yellow. It's structured and restrained with covered shoulders - an appropriate silhouette for a sombre occasion.
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Boden Ivy Smocked Midi Dress
© Boden- Sizes available: UK 6 - 22 (Petite, Regular, Long)
Boden's long-sleeved smocked dress would look smart and dressy enough if you wanted to wear it again for an evening.
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Finery Jennifer Black Midi Dress
© Finery- Sizes available: UK 8 - 24
This dress is timeless and can be worn for years to come - and I love the sheer sleeves and the tiered hemline.
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LK Bennett 'Sky' Petite Black Viscose Blend Crepe Dress
© LK Bennett- Sizes available: UK 6 - 20 (petite and regular sizes available)
The Sky dress is in the new LK Bennett Perfectly Petite collection, and we think you'll agree, it's beautifully tailored and totally timeless. It's also kind to our planet, thoughtfully-made in Europe from a black LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose blend crepe.
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& Other Stories jersey midaxi dress with extended shoulder in black
© ASOS- Sizes available: UK 4-18
This comfortable & Other Stories jersey midaxi dress is a great funeral option. The design features a crew neck, extended shoulder sleeves and flattering ruched sides.
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New Look Black V Neck Knit Midi Jumper Dress
© New Look- Sizes available: UK S - XL
This knitted jumper dress from New Look ticks a lot of boxes for the colder months. It has a relaxed fit and is shaped with a demure v-neckline.
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Amazon JASAMBAC Women's Bodycon Pencil Dress
© Amazon- Sizes available: UK S - XXL
Amazon has a collection of dresses to shop, including appropriate black dresses for a funeral.
The flared mid-sleeve detail and belt add a little extra touch to a classic black midi dress, but not too much to distract from the sad event.
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Boohoo Petite Floral Jaquard Maxi Dress
© Boohoo- Sizes available: UK 6-16
This is a good option for any petite ladies looking for a black funeral dress. It’s specifically tailored to fit those 5’3” and under - so you know it won't be too long if your height fits within these measurements. It’s a long-sleeved maxi dress which has a pretty delicate floral design embroidered onto the material which you can see if you look closely.
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Jolie Moi Parker 3/4 Sleeve Maxi Dress
© Debenhams- Sizes available: UK 8 - 20
For those who aren't sure what to wear to a funeral, this round-neck black dress with 3/4 length sleeves is a good style to follow. It features a flattering self-tie waistband and subtle pleats and also has two side pockets.
Do you have to wear a hat to a funeral?
Similar to the colour scheme, this option is totally dependent on your preference.
Wearing a hat, veil, or fascinator, is typically deemed a sign of respect, but it is not essential.
The general rule of thumb is subtlety is key so as not to distract from the funeral.
What should you avoid wearing to a funeral?
Funerals are a time you must show your respect, which is why casualwear is deemed inappropriate.
We recommend avoiding short skirts, or dresses, as well as low-cut and revealing garments if possible. Some may also avoid sleeveless, off-the-shoulder dresses, or designs with spaghetti straps, in favour of covering their shoulders in a place of worship.
T-shirts, vest tops, tracksuits, sandals or flip-flops are an absolute no-go.
Some may choose to wear black thick leggings instead of tights under a dress, or jeans instead of trousers, and that is a decision only you can make.
