Funeral Attire? Advice needed.

Jul 30, 2015

Rebecca J.

A very close family member has recently passed away and of course I will be attending their funeral. I've got a lot on at the moment (with this and with work) so what to wear and stuff is the last thing on my mind really.

What is appropriate to wear (clothes and makeup) to a funeral?

I know people will say I shouldn't think too much about that with everything else going on but some ideas and suggestions would make the whole thing a bit easier for me so I've got the energy to think about all the other things rather than the trivial bits.

Thanks ladies!

Jul 30, 2015

Lara C.

I'm so sorry for your loss:(

Wear a black dress, skirt/ and top. You can pair it with a blazer. For makeup, I would stick to minimal eye and face makeup. Maybe waterproof mascara?

Jul 30, 2015

Hannah K.

I'm so sorry for your loss Rebecca, my thoughts are with your family.

I agree with Lara. Funerals are generally very conservative in their dress so maybe a black dress, skirt or trousers with a black blouse and black flats. Little makeup, definitely waterproof would be good.

Jul 30, 2015

Lisa S.

I would just go with a basic plain dress or a nice top and some pants or a maxi skirt. As far as makeup goes I would go pretty plain this is not the time to sport a red or hot pink lip. I would just go very simple and definitely waterproof mascara. Sorry for your loss😞

Jul 30, 2015

Alyx T.

I'm sorry for your loss:(

But honestly, you're the family, so nobody is going to care what you wear.
I think it also depends on what your family is like, and what the person was like. When my grandpa passed away, I just wore a long sleeve black dress but my grandmother wore his favorite colors.
Some funerals are very conservative, but sometimes it's a celebration of life not a mourning the loss funeral. Which is a lot more colorful, but I think it's only certain religions or special requests. Where everyone wears a bright color, black is not allowed. I would talk with your family, or just ask what they'll be wearing. You can't go wrong with a black dress and tights or a blouse, black skirt/pants. Or anything in the neutral colors. Think of office work attire, just all neutral toned. Obviously nothing revealing or too short.

For makeup, I would just go with a bit of concealer if needed and maybe waterproof mascara. But if you're not speaking, I wouldn't wear any. I know it can be hard to go bare faced in front of a bunch of people, but they are expecting said faces not perfectly makeup faces. And you'll cry, so you don't want anything running down your face. I would also bring a powder or concealer, funerals usually have a gathering afterwards where everybody comes to say their condolences (which if you're in the close family will be really hard, I know funerals in general are hard, but when I lost my grandpa, the funeral happened and I cried a lot, and I thought it was over, and just wanted to go home, but we were upstairs in the church having snacks, and everyone and people I didn't even know were coming up to me saying they were sorry and stuff. ) But after everybody talks to you, you could go to the bathroom and touch up a bit if needed. But honestly I think just going with no makeup is easier in you, and your skin.

Jul 30, 2015

Emily W.

Alyx hit it on the head. If you don't have all black, dark colors like navy deep dark jewel tones can work too (stay away from red though).

Also, don't feel like you *have* to cry. Everybody grieves differently.

Jul 30, 2015

Rebecca J.

Thanks ladies. This definitely helps. I've got a few dresses that might be appropriate. I'm also planning on speaking too so at least what to wear's nearly sorted so I can concentrate on that.

Thanks Lara, Hannah, Alyx and Emily for your kind words :)

Jul 30, 2015

Rebecca J.

And Lisa, thanks you too. Sorry I must have skipped past your post.