Deciding what to wear to a funeral is a somber task that most of us have had to navigate. We all strive to dress with respect and grace, but unpredictable weather can make things tricky. The goal is to stay comfortable without losing that essential sense of formality.
We all know that attending a funeral isn't necessarily a fashion show, but you still want to look like you've made an effort. If it's a funeral that you've organised, thinking about a funeral outfit is usually the last thing on your mind when you've lost a loved one - and you might have left it all to the last minute.
There are some questions that whirl around - can you wear a short hem line? is it ok to have bare arms at a funeral? Do you really have to wear black? There are several factors to consider - mainly the cultural and religious customs of the deceased's family and how formal the funeral might be. If the funeral is less formal, and the weather isn't too chilly, bare arms might be acceptable - but the outfit should still remain modest and respectful.
What's more, deciding what to wear to a funeral isn't easy if you haven't got a collection of funeral-friendly dresses in your wardrobe. It has been a tradition, and a sign of respect, to wear black to a funeral, but while some may wear a black dress, others may opt for a two-piece suit, or a skirt and blouse.
We know funerals are about showing a sign of respect to lost loved ones, and the families of those grieving, so for those looking to follow the right dress code etiquette, we can lend a helping hand by helping you find the perfect black dress for a funeral.
Do you have to wear black to a funeral?
It is a common tradition in the UK to wear black to a funeral, however, in 2026, you don't have to follow this unwritten rule. Dark colours, including navy blue, or dark grey, are also deemed acceptable, while bright colours or prints are said to be distracting from the event at hand.
© Karwai TangHowever, it is to the discretion of the lost loved one's family, and the guests, as on some occasions families encourage guests to wear bright colours as a celebration of the person’s life. Each case is unique, but we've stuck to dresses for this edit.
- Classic shirt option: Boden 'Marcia' Midi Dress, £99 / $119.20
- Plus size editor's pick: Live Unlimited Shirt Dress, £99 / $190
- Maternity dress editor's pick: New Look Maternity Midi Dress, £26.24
- Wrap dress editor's pick: Phase Eight Julissa Midi Dress, £103.20 / $275
- Demure: Karen Millen Structured Midi Dress, £186.15 / $351.20
- Glamorous: Club L London 'Parina' Black Dress, £95 / $180
How we chose funeral-appropriate black dresses
- Colour: Ok, this might be an obvious one. We filtered our search to black. Navy is also acceptable but we kept it traditional for this edit.
- Modesty: We looked for dresses that were deemed respectable - no cut-out dresses or backless dresses in this edit.
- Speedy delivery: In times of grief you might have a million and one things to do before the funeral and finding a dress might be a last minute chore. To make things easier all these dresses have speedy delivery options.
Why you should trust me
"I haven't tried any of these dresses on, but I know what styles to show you, and I know from first-hand experience how overwhelming a funeral of a loved one can be. When my mum passed away in February 2021 my whole world fell apart. I remember my two sisters and I discussed what we'd wear to the funeral and I intended to wear a very plain black dress, but the night before I decided I wanted to go for something a bit more glamorous. I felt like my mum would want me to sparkle in some way, and as I was reading her eulogy I felt even more pressure. I ended up choosing a dress from my wardrobe that I had once worn to Magic Mike Live! (yes, really) but it was a velvet shift dress with long sleeves and it featured three sparkly rhinestone buttons at the neckline. It's a lovely dress but I'm not sure I can wear it again. It's worth bearing that in mind when you're choosing your outfit.
"It was a chilly day in early March so I wore the knee-length dress with black tights, black boots and a black cape coat. The service was being recorded for family and friends that couldn't attend due to restrictions so I wore a black bow in my hair as I thought it would look nice on camera. I did feel nice on the day and "dressing up" put me in the mindset of the funeral being a celebration of my mum's life, but everyone grieves differently and ultimately it's about making it through the day in the best way you can. I hope you like my edit below. Sending love to you all."
Best black dresses for a funeral in 2026
1/11
Boden 'Marcia' Shirt Dress
© Boden- Sizes available: UK 4 - 22 (Petite, Regular, Long)
2/11
M&S Pure Cotton Tie Neck Midaxi Waisted Dress
© M&S- Sizes available: UK 6 - 24 (Petite, Regular, Tall)
If you're after a lightweight black dress that's not too formal, Marks & Spencer comes to the rescue. Made from breathable fabric, this midaxi dress offers comfortable wear for warmer days.
3/11
Karen Millen Tailored Structured Crepe Forever Pleat Midi Dress
© Karen Millen- Sizes available: UK 6 - 16
Or choose Karen's Millen's belted black dress – Princess Kate owns this but in a different colour. It's structured and restrained with covered shoulders - an appropriate silhouette for a sombre occasion.
4/11
Amazon CEASIKERY Women's Bodycon Dress
© Amazon- Sizes available: UK S - XXL
Amazon has a collection of dresses to shop, including appropriate black dresses for a funeral.
5/11
Nobody's Child 'Niamh' Midi Dress
© Nobody's Child- Sizes available: UK 4 - 18
For those looking for a stylish, yet formal, dress to wear to a funeral, we have found it. This Nobody's Child creation features a short sleeve design but it's not too revealing that it’s inappropriate for the formal occasion.
6/11
John Lewis x Live Unlimited Cotton Poplin Shirt Dress
© Live Unlimited- Sizes available: UK 12-28
John Lewis will always be a go-to destination when you need a last minute outfit - and if you look online there's a whole host of black dresses to choose from, whether it's their own brands, or other stylish retailers it stocks.
This plus-size dress from Live Unlimited looks like a great option for a funeral.
7/11
Finery 'Robyn' Black Midi Dress
© Finery- Sizes available: UK 8 - 24
This dress is timeless and can be worn for years to come - and I love the stylish button detail and the flattering waist seam.
8/11
Phase Eight 'Julissa' Black Wrap Midi Dress
© Phase Eight- Sizes available: UK 6 - 26
The 'Julissa' dress is beautiful and totally timeless. finished with an asymmetric hem and subtle feminine frill. It is a celebration of someone's life, this dress will definitely work for the occasion.
9/11
Club L London 'Parina' Black Fit & Flare Dress
© Club L London- Sizes available: UK 4-18
This is a glamorous option for a funeral dress and perfect if that's how you expect the event to be. It's modern and sophisticated and the flattering A-line skirt skims your silhouette, creating a flowy, feminine shape that feels both polished and effortless.
10/11
New Look Maternity Midi Dress
© New Look- Sizes available: UK 8 - 20
This dress from New Look ticks a lot of boxes for pregnant women. It's lovely and stretchy and its handily designed with a buttoned front.
11/11
Hobbs Rae Dress
© Hobbs- Sizes available: UK 6 - 22
This chic short sleeved dress is an instant classic for a funeral and there's a jacket to match if you want to go for a two-piece.
Do you have to wear a hat to a funeral?
Similar to the colour scheme, this option is totally dependent on your preference.
Wearing a hat, veil, or fascinator, is typically deemed a sign of respect, but it is not essential.
The general rule of thumb is subtlety is key so as not to distract from the funeral.
What should you avoid wearing to a funeral?
Funerals are a time you must show your respect, which is why casualwear is deemed inappropriate.
We recommend avoiding short skirts, or dresses, as well as low-cut and revealing garments if possible. Some may also avoid sleeveless, off-the-shoulder dresses, or designs with spaghetti straps, in favour of covering their shoulders in a place of worship.
T-shirts, vest tops, tracksuits, sandals or flip-flops are an absolute no-go.
Some may choose to wear black thick leggings instead of tights under a dress, or jeans instead of trousers, and that is a decision only you can make.
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