Funeral outfits are quiet, respectful looks that women wear to a funeral or memorial service, usually a black or navy dress, a tailored blazer, a cashmere layer or a pleated skirt with covered shoulders and a midi length. We found 7 styled funeral outfits, 5 all-black outfit combinations and 8 more classic pieces to shop, each with a link and the price.
Top 10 Stores to Shop for Funeral Outfits
The best stores for funeral outfits are the ones that carry classic black and navy dresses, tailored layers and quiet accessories in sizes that fit. Here are the top 10 stores we shop first, and what each one is best for. Our favorite for finding a polished look quickly is Nordstrom Rack.
- Nordstrom Rack is best for black dresses from designer labels like Calvin Klein and Donna Karan at lower prices, which makes it the first stop when you need a funeral outfit quickly.
- Macy’s is best for tailored sheath dresses from Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein in petite, regular and plus sizes, with easy store pickup when time is short.
- Bloomingdale’s is best for polished separates and Donna Karan skirts, sweaters and dresses that look refined in an old money way.
- Ralph Lauren is best for classic black gowns, blazers and knitwear, the most timeless funeral pieces you will wear again and again.
- Tommy Hilfiger is best for tailored coats and structured layers that keep a funeral outfit warm and put together in cold weather.
- Neiman Marcus is best for designer handbags, shoes and investment pieces when you want a luxe, quiet finish.
- Dillard’s is best for pearls, fine jewelry and Kate Spade accessories that add a soft, respectful touch.
- Michael Kors is best for sharp wool crepe sheath dresses and suiting that look tailored and serious.
- Quince is best for cashmere sweaters and cardigans at friendly prices, ideal for layering over a dress or tucking into a skirt.
- Jomashop is best for designer shoes like Stuart Weitzman pumps that are comfortable enough for a long service.
Why Is Nordstrom Rack a Great Place to Shop for Funeral Outfits?
Nordstrom Rack is a great place to shop for funeral outfits because it stocks designer black dresses, sheaths and cocktail styles at markdown prices, and most cities have a store close by. Funerals are often planned on short notice, so being able to walk in, try on a Calvin Klein or Donna Karan dress and leave with a finished look the same day matters. Many of the readers who find us on Best Outfits Today head straight to Nordstrom Rack first for exactly this reason, so we included two of its best finds below.
Quick Summary
The most appropriate funeral outfit for a woman is a black or navy midi dress with sleeves, a tailored blazer or cardigan, low closed-toe shoes and simple pearl jewelry. Keep the look matte, covered and quiet.
What Should Women Wear to a Funeral?
Women should wear dark, modest and simple clothing to a funeral, such as a black or navy dress at or below the knee, a blazer or cardigan over the shoulders and closed-toe shoes with a low heel. Soft fabrics like crepe, wool and cashmere look respectful and are comfortable for a long day.
Funeral Outfits to Shop
1. Black Blouse and Tailored Black Trousers
Shop This Outfit: Anne Klein Petite Long Sleeve Button Down Blouse, $99 + Anne Klein Compression Pull-On Wide-Leg Trousers, $89
A black blouse with long, tailored black trousers is the classic go-to funeral outfit. It is simple, covered and quiet, and it works for almost every service. Add a black blazer or cardigan, low black closed-toe shoes and small pearl earrings, and keep every piece matte and dark.
2. Black Velvet Maxi Dress
Shop This Outfit: Calvin Klein Long Sleeve Velvet Maxi Dress, $54.97
A long-sleeve black velvet maxi dress is warm, covered and graceful, a good choice for an evening service or a cold day. Add low black pumps, pearl studs and a structured black bag.
3. Navy Sheath Dress with Chiffon Sleeves
Shop This Outfit: Tommy Hilfiger Petite Scuba Crepe Chiffon-Sleeve Sheath Dress, $129
A navy sheath with soft chiffon sleeves looks tailored without feeling harsh. Wear it with a black wool coat in cold weather and simple leather pumps.
4. Black Crepe Long-Sleeve Gown
Shop This Outfit: Lauren Petite Crepe Long-Sleeve Gown, $345
A black crepe long-sleeve gown is the most formal option, ideal for a traditional service. Keep jewelry minimal and add a pashmina or a tailored blazer for extra coverage.
5. Black Cocktail Dress with a Blazer
Shop This Outfit: Donna Karan New York Sleeveless Cocktail Dress, $54.97
A sleeveless black dress becomes funeral-appropriate when you layer a structured black blazer over it, like the Anne Klein blazer below. The blazer covers the shoulders and gives the whole outfit a polished old money finish.
6. Cashmere Sweater and Midi Skirt
Shop This Outfit: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Shrunken Crewneck Sweater, $69.90
A black cashmere sweater tucked into a neutral midi skirt feels soft, quiet and refined. Finish with low pumps and a pearl necklace for a classic look.
7. Wool Crepe Sheath Dress and Coat
Shop This Outfit: Michael Kors Double-Faced Stretch Wool Crepe Sheath Dress, $1,790
A black wool crepe sheath dress is a sharp, tailored base. Layer a wool-blend double-breasted coat over it for a funeral outfit that works in winter and looks like it came from a much older wardrobe.
Shop More Funeral Outfit Pieces
These classic pieces mix into any funeral outfit: tailored black trousers, a sweater skirt and a double-breasted coat.
What Are the Best All-Black Funeral Outfit Combinations?
The best all-black funeral outfit combinations pair two or three matte black pieces so the whole look is quiet, covered and easy to wear. Black on black is always appropriate, because it is respectful and never draws attention. Here are five simple combinations to mix and match.
Black Blouse, Black Trousers and Black Blazer
Start with a black blouse and black wide-leg trousers, then add a black one-button blazer on top. This is the most polished all-black combination, and it works for a church service or a graveside.
Black Blouse, Dark Jeans and Black Jacket
For a casual or informal service, wear a black blouse with dark straight-leg jeans and a black rolled-sleeve jacket. Choose a dark, plain wash with no rips and finish with black kitten pumps.
Black Cashmere Sweater and Black Trousers
A black cashmere sweater tucked into black wide-leg trousers is soft, warm and respectful. It is a good choice for a cold day or a long service.
Black Cocktail Dress, Blazer and Pearls
A black cocktail dress becomes funeral-appropriate with a black one-button blazer over the shoulders and a pearl collar necklace. Keep the hem at the knee or longer.
Black Sweater, Midi Skirt and Long Coat
Pair a black cashmere sweater with a black midi sweater skirt and a double-breasted coat for a winter funeral. The long layers keep the look warm, covered and traditional.
What Are the Best Black Blazers for Funeral Outfits?
The best black blazers for funeral outfits are simple, single-breasted and matte, and they do not need to cost a fortune. A well-cut black blazer for around $100 looks just as respectful as a designer one. Here are two classic options from Macy’s, and the Best Outfits Today homepage has more Nordstrom Rack finds.
Funeral Outfit Accessories
The best accessories for funeral outfits are quiet and classic: low leather pumps, a structured black bag and simple pearls.
What Colors Are Appropriate for a Funeral?
The most appropriate colors for a funeral are black, navy, charcoal and deep gray. Some families ask guests to wear a specific color or to avoid black, so check the invitation or ask a close friend before you choose.
What Fabrics Look Best for Funeral Outfits?
The best fabrics for funeral outfits are matte, soft and structured, such as crepe, wool, cashmere, ponte and fine knit. Shiny satin, sequins and loud prints draw attention and are best avoided.
What Should You Wear to a Funeral in Winter?
A winter funeral outfit is usually a black or navy dress with sleeves, opaque tights, low boots or pumps and a wool coat. A cashmere layer under the coat keeps the look warm and refined.
What Should You Not Wear to a Funeral?
Women should not wear bright colors, very short hemlines, low necklines, sequins, loud prints or casual clothes like jeans and sneakers to a funeral. Anything that draws attention away from the family and the service is best left at home.
Shop More Outfit Ideas on Best Outfits Today
For more classy outfit ideas, visit the Best Outfits Today homepage, or see our guides to church outfits, modest outfits for women, semi formal outfits, business casual outfits, old money outfits, outfits for women over 50, winter outfits and winter wedding guest outfits.
Funeral Outfits FAQs
What Are Funeral Outfits?
Funeral outfits are modest, dark and simple clothes that women wear to a funeral or memorial service, such as a black or navy dress, a blazer, a cashmere layer and low closed-toe shoes.
What Should a Woman Wear to a Funeral?
A woman should wear a black or navy dress or skirt set at or below the knee, with sleeves or a layer over the shoulders, closed-toe shoes with a low heel and simple jewelry.
What Colors Are Appropriate for a Funeral?
Black, navy, charcoal and deep gray are the most appropriate funeral colors. Some families request a different color, so it is worth checking the invitation first.
Can You Wear Navy or Gray to a Funeral?
Yes, navy and gray are appropriate funeral colors for women because they are dark, quiet and respectful, and they work well when a full black outfit feels too heavy.
What Is the Best Length for a Funeral Dress?
The best length for a funeral dress is knee-length to midi, with sleeves or a layer that covers the shoulders. Maxi dresses also work as long as the fabric is matte and the neckline is modest.
What Should You Wear to a Funeral in Winter?
A winter funeral outfit is a dark dress with sleeves, opaque tights, low boots or pumps and a wool coat, with a cashmere sweater or blazer for extra warmth.
Where Is the Best Place to Shop for Funeral Outfits?
Nordstrom Rack is one of the best places to shop for funeral outfits because it carries designer black dresses at markdown prices and has stores in most cities. Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger are also strong choices for classic pieces.
What Should You Not Wear to a Funeral?
You should not wear bright colors, short hemlines, low necklines, sequins, loud prints, jeans or sneakers to a funeral, because they can distract from the service.
Key Takeaways
- A black blouse with tailored black trousers is the most classic funeral outfit for women.
- All-black funeral outfits work because matching black pieces look quiet, covered and respectful.
- Funeral outfits for women work best in black, navy, charcoal and deep gray.
- A midi or knee-length dress with sleeves is the safest funeral outfit.
- A tailored black blazer (many cost around $100), cashmere sweater or wool coat adds coverage and an old money polish.
- Matte fabrics like crepe, wool and cashmere look more respectful than shiny ones.
- Nordstrom Rack is a top place to find designer black dresses quickly and at lower prices.
- Pearls, low pumps and a structured black bag finish a funeral outfit quietly.
- Bright colors, very short hemlines and sequins are best avoided at a funeral.
