What To Wear To A Winter Funeral: Suitable Clothing & Footwear

Some of the most common questions about funeral etiquette generally relate to clothing and appearance as, naturally, people want to honour the occasion while showing respect for their loved one who has passed away. This can include dressing formally, following religious or spiritual traditions reflected through attire or accessories, or even following a set dress code depending on the type of funeral. All these elements can be challenging even if it’s not your first time attending a funeral as every service will be unique!

We’ve previously shared a number of other funeral etiquette tips relating to clothing and accessories such as our general funeral attire guide, our summer funeral clothing and footwear guide, and an article on what to bring to a funeral. Other resources you may find useful include our articles on how to write an obituary when someone passes away and how to write tributes and eulogies that may be read out during the funeral or service. 

As always, please note all tips shared in these articles are for general guidance only and if you have specific queries relating to the funeral or service you will be attending, it’s always best to check the obituary for a dress code or ask the Funeral Director organising the funeral for further advice. 

General Guidelines For Winter Funeral Attire

One of the key considerations when choosing appropriate attire will be the weather. In late autumn and into the winter months, daylight hours are reduced significantly and the temperatures are much colder meaning frost and ice can settle and rainwater will take much longer to dry. For this reason, footwear should be a main consideration for any outdoor service to ensure your feet are warm and dry and your shoes should also provide good stability on wet or icy surfaces.

Alongside this, we also recommend layering to make it easier to add warmth when needed but not feel too warm when indoors. One way to achieve this may be to opt for a lighter fabric with a blazer jacket on top and an optional coat; or a cardigan under a blazer and a scarf over the top to build warmth without looking too casual. 

For colours, we recommend dark, matte tones in shades such as black, dark grey / charcoal, navy, or dark purple / plum as the most traditional choices, with black being widely accepted as the most common and versatile option.

Clothing & Footwear Ideas For A Winter Funeral

Beyond the general guidelines above, we wanted to provide some more specific examples of clothing that may be suitable for winter funerals in a way that reflects the solemn and formal nature of the event. 

Ladies

Clothing Styles:

Long trousers or skirts (knee-length or longer) paired with a formal top, blazer, and coat.

Simple dresses (knee-length or longer) with short or long sleeves, paired with a blazer or smart cardigan.

Fabric and Styling:

Looser-fitting clothing for comfort during prolonged sitting or standing.

Modest cuts, avoiding low necklines, short hemlines, or overly tight designs.

Consider tights for added warmth.

Accessories:

Sunglasses for protection from the winter sun.

Compact umbrellas for convenience.

Footwear:

Dark-coloured or black closed shoes.

Polished shoes for a neat appearance.

Lower or chunky heels for comfort and support.

Men

For formal occasions, men and boys can choose single-colour or minimal-print designs, with black, dark brown, navy, or charcoal grey being suitable options. Here are some key points:

Attire:

Men and Teenage Boys: Dark trouser suit with a white or dark collared shirt, paired with a single-colour tie and optional pocket square.

Pre-Teen Boys: Dark polo shirt or button-down shirt, ensuring comfort and minimal restriction. A warm jacket in a neutral or dark colour is recommended.

Scottish Funerals:

Kilts or Trews: Suitable for all ages, but check with the funeral director if unsure.

Footwear:

Formal Shoes: Leather or faux leather shoes like brogues or smart boots. Avoid trainers or sporty shoes, though plain dark-coloured trainers may be acceptable for younger boys.

Best Fabrics For A Winter Funeral 

Even if the sun is out for short periods of time, being outside in the warm air with little wind, or indoors in a venue with poor ventilation can increase the temperature of your surroundings, especially in a more crowded setting. Opting for lightweight, breathable fabrics can help keep you more comfortable in hotter weather, and if the temperature is likely to change between indoor and outdoor climates, it’s best to consider layers such as a shawl or jacket that can be removed if you get too warm. 

Speak to our team at your nearest James Ashton & Son branch in Dundee and St Andrews:

1, 1a Cardean Street, Dundee, Angus, DD4 6PS

188 High Street, Lochee, Dundee, Angus, DD2 3DN

132 – 136 Hilltown, Dundee, Angus, DD3 7BJ

56 Largo Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RP (Macgregors)

Planning a funeral can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Your dedicated James Ashton & Son Funeral Director will be there to help you along every step of the way! They will work with you to create a funeral and lasting tribute that is personal and meaningful, and they will be there to offer support to you and your family during this difficult time.