Do you consider it okay to not wear black to a funeral?

Question

It seems like now a days, other colors are acceptable. This being said, I have a funeral to go to, and no black clothes. I have brown capri, plaid dress pants, a brown shirt, and brown heels. Is that "acceptable" for a funeral, or at least the viewing?

Answer 1

Yes, dark colors in general are acceptable, they indicate mourning.

Answer 2

This comes up at least once per week. It has never been "acceptable" to wear bright or bold colors to a funeral..why would you? If you wear bright vivd colors to a somber, sad event like a funeral...you won't have anything exciting to wear to a party! The reason people wear black or dark colors is that they are dressing quiiet and somber in memory of the loss. If you see someone who refuses to respect this code of etiquette, that doesn't make them right...they just don't care.

If you don't have plain, dark clothing for this event, it is time to buy something black, gray or navy. You WILL wear it again since there will be more somber events down the road.

These 3 shades will become the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe.

Answer 3

when it comes to funerals I am so old fashioned that it would be black all the way BUT going on what you have to offer by way of your wardrobe, I would go with the dress pants.

For my self I would under no circumstances ever attend a funeral in any colour but black but do accept that times change and in many ways the fact that you care enough to go and show your respects is enough, yes I know that rather contradicts my self but I hope you see what I mean.

I have always taught my kids to have at least one suit [funerals and interviews] one smart outfit, one classic dress a funeral tie etc etc........but like I said I am old fashioned and from a strong military back ground where certain things where just expected.

regards

Answer 4

I'd try to find pants that were a little longer or a skirt that was no shorter than just above the knee. I don't know that I would wear capri pants to a funeral.

But other than that, dark, somber colors are fine--navy, gray, brown, black.

Answer 5

First, it depends upon the culture. In some cultures white is the color of mourning.

Let's assume that you are talking Western culture. Then I think the key is to wear clothing that is somber and respectful.

Often, clothing we would wear at an important business function will be appropriate. There's irony for you...

Answer 6

You no longere have to wear black to a funeral. Simple casual dress is fine. I'd stay away from jeans or anythng that shows to much skin.

Answer 7

If you wear nice, neat and understated clothes, you should be fine. Excessive amounts of white (unless you're at a Chinese or Asian funeral) should be avoided, and avoid any loud colors.

Avoid wearing jewelry, and go for neutrals. Just try to look presentable.

Answer 8

wellI guess u can wear it since brown isnt actually a very happy color you might be able to pull it off but see if you could find something a tiny bit darker like navy but if u cant brown will be fine just stand around looking sad and keep your head down alot lol

Answer 9

An aunt of mine wore a pink and blue polka-dot skirt and lime green sweater to her mother's funeral, and nobody cared. My family isn't too "traditional" about things like that. It depends on how your family or other guests might react.

Answer 10

Of coarse colors are acceptable, it seems the traditional black is out dated. My daughter's funeral was just April 2007. I wore a pretty dress of pastel turquoise and sage, she would have loved it. Some of her friends wore very casual clothes and even jeans are acceptable if they look nice.

Answer 11

i say black is better, and send flowers to the funeral home, and even better send a donation to the deceased favorite charity. Funerals are really for the living.