Dress Code: What To Wear To A Funeral

I know, it seems obvious, right? Or at least it did until this week, when I actually had to attend one.

I have a lot of clothes, the fruit of ten years of thrift-shopping and bargain-hunting. And yet, when a family member died this week, I found that literally nothing I owned was appropriate. I didn’t want to wear a vintage suit, or an ironic dress, or fashionably high-waisted pants and embellished heels…I just wanted, well, classics. And apparently, these are hard to find on short notice: three hours of listless shopping convinced me I was better off faking something with an evening dress, a slip and a jacket. By the second shivah call, I was totally out of options. So learn from my mistakes! In future, here’s what I’m going to do.

Have Something On Hand.
Seriously, thinking about clothes is the last thing you want to worry about when a loved one has died. Have something appropriate ready to go — after all, you may be attending a funeral the very next day, or hopping on a plane. Make sure it’s clean and good to go: I was gnashing my teeth with jealousy when my boyfriend just reached into his closet and pulled out a dark suit.
What’s Appropriate?
Black always works, obviously. Some funerals will specify all black — otherwise anything dark and respectful should do. (Obviously, if color is specified or it’s totally non-traditional, don’t sweat this.) I’ve read that you can dress as you would for a job interview — not that helpful for those of us in the “creative professions,” but you get the picture: suits, trousers, skirts all work. Basically, there’s no occasion when you want to be more conservative, even if we’re not talking about a religious house of worship; the crowd will be varied enough that if there’s anyone in the world who could conceivably find your choice inappropriate, they’ll probably be there. And you don’t want to be worrying about it.
Think Basic.
A few years ago, I decided I didn’t need “classics” — the basic pencil skirt, trouser, suit I’d owned in an office job. Like a fool, I gave them away. If no other time, this is when you need them.
The jacket is your savior.
Thank goodness for my one tailored jacket: I threw it over party dresses and was suddenly funeral-ready. A good thing to own in any case, it can really be a lifesaver for occasions when you need to look pulled-together and adult.
A Piece of Advice.
When I was fretting over what to wear, someone told me something wise: she suggested not buying something especially if it can be avoided. Instead, she said, “wear something with good associations.” A nice gesture to the occasion — and you’ll be able to wear it again.
It Doesn’t Really Matter.
At the end of the day, your being there is all that really counts, as I learned. Unless you’re in, like, a belly shirt and shredded jeans, you’re probably okay. More importantly, this is no time for people to be judgmental. But for your own peace of mind, it’s nice to not have to think about it, to know you’re ready to go, and that you can devote your energies to grieving — or celebrating — a life.