What to wear to a funeral in winter

For Women 

It’s a good idea to dress for every eventuality. The weather in the UK is so unpredictable that you need to be prepared, particularly if it’s an outdoor burial service.  

Dresses and skirts are acceptable for a funeral, but obviously you’ll want to stay warm and comfortable too. Thermal tights could be the answer. Not only are they made from thick, 300 denier material, they are also fleece-lined with the purpose of keeping your legs and feet warm throughout the whole service.  

If you’d prefer to wear trousers, you should consider a material such as wool as it has the best properties to help keep you nice and warm. Wool is able to trap air between its fibres. This trapped air can respond to fluctuations in your body temperature and works to keep your body at a good temperature. Wool trousers also look both smart and stylish, making them a great option. 

A smart coat is the most important part of your ensemble. If it’s raining, it may help to keep you dry. If it’s cold, you may not even take it off, which makes it a big part of your overall outfit. When choosing a coat to wear to a funeral, we’d advise that you keep the colour quite dark. Not only does this mean that your coat will likely go with any outfit, but it can look smarter than a light-coloured jacket.  

Keeping accessories to a minimum is also a good idea - funerals aren’t the time to don your largest pieces of jewellery. A simple handbag is a good idea. Inside it, you should pack a pair of sunglasses and a small, foldable umbrella. You may also want to consider taking a scarf and a pair of gloves.  

For men 

Men should wear a full suit to a winter funeral, but the choice of colour is up to you. Black, navy and grey will all work for the occasion with a white shirt and a tie. Your shirt should be neatly ironed and your tie shouldn’t be too bright or overly patterned.  

Jeans are a no-go, even if they’re relatively smart and of a dark colour. Depending on how formal the funeral service is, you may be able to wear a pair of dark-coloured chinos or corduroy trousers. Corduroy is a particularly good option for a funeral, as it’s a thick material that’s more likely to keep you warm.  

Over your suit jacket, you should wear a smart, formal coat. A wool jacket may be a good idea to ensure you stay nice and toasty. You should also make sure that the jacket goes with the colour of your suit.  

What shoes to wear to a winter funeral 

When it comes to choosing footwear, comfort is key.  

For women, if the forecast isn’t showing rain, a classic court shoe with a low heel is a smart and fashionable choice that will go with a dress, skirt or trousers. Otherwise a pair of black boots are a good option.  For men, whether you choose chinos or a suit, formal shoes are a must. Brown shoes may be a better option if you’re wearing a navy blue suit, otherwise choose black shoes. If your shoes are big enough, it may be worthwhile to wear a pair of extra thick socks to ensure your feet remain warm during the service. 

If you’re at all unsure of how formal or informal the funeral will be, you could get in touch with the family of the deceased. They may be able to advise you on what to wear. Some families are choosing to wear bright colours to celebrate the deceased’s life rather than mourn it. Every funeral is different, which can make choosing an outfit quite difficult. We hope that our guide has given you some ideas on ways to look smart and stylish, while also staying warm and comfortable, when attending a winter funeral.