Getting ready for a funeral is often a challenging task. Not only are you sad because of the loss, but your brain is also making it hard for you to concentrate. You’ve chosen the outfit but there’s still one question bothering you. What shoes to wear to a funeral?
Since funeral clothes are mostly simple, you can use shoes to show how much effort you actually put into the whole outfit. That way, you’ll be also showing respect toward the deceased and the rest of the family.
It’s important not to choose something over the top, but it’s also not recommended to wear something that will make you completely dressed down. Therefore, sneakers or your shiny pair of sandals you usually put on when you go clubbing are a big no.
However, we live in times in which we can ask for help on the Internet. That is why we’re here for you today – to help find the perfect shoes to wear to a funeral. We prepared 12 ideas for an appropriate outfit.
And if there are any men reading this, don’t worry, we have some pieces of advice for you too. So, let’s get started.
What color shoes should you wear to a funeral?
Every time someone mentions a funeral, we think of people dressed in all black. From kids to the elderly, everyone searches for a black-colored outfit and decides to pay their respects that way. It’s very common because it represents sadness, loss, darkness, and elegance.
However, even though it’s the most common color to wear to a funeral, it doesn’t mean that it’s the only one. There are actually a few more colors that are appropriate to wear that can also help you show respect towards the deceased and their family.
Some of them include grey, dark green, or navy blue. Darker colors will help you show sympathy in mourning. Not choosing black might also tell the family that you’ve put even more effort into finding an appropriate yet beautiful outfit.
Yes, the color black is the most common color people wear to a funeral. And you can never go wrong with it. However, you don’t have to be afraid to try out some outfits in different dark colors, such as brown or charcoal grey.
What are the best women’s shoes to wear to a funeral?
Now that we’ve discussed colors that are appropriate, it’s time to find the best shoes to wear to a funeral. Shoes are such an important part of an outfit that seeing quotes like “Shoes speak louder than words” are becoming more and more popular.
It’s true that your shoes can tell a lot about you, and on occasion such as this one, it’s very important to pay attention to what your outfit is saying. You definitely want to wear something that will help you show respect.
Since shoes play a big part in that, today, we’re here to help you find the perfect pair to achieve your goal. So with these 8 ideas for women, we hope to help you get rid of at least one of the worries you have at the moment. Let’s check them out.
1. Heels
When it comes to paying respect and looking elegant, heels are definitely the right choice. They can tell the world that you’re taking the occasion seriously and that you put effort into styling an outfit that shows how much that person meant to you.
It’s just important to note the difference between heels that you wear when you go clubbing and heels that can be worn on occasions like this one. Therefore, stay away from shiny and very high, thin heels.
Instead, you should choose simple black pumps that you would usually wear to a business meeting or another formal occasion. That way, your whole outfit will help you show that you respect the deceased and their family and that you’re saddened by the loss.
2. Loafers
Closed-toe shoes are always the best option when you’re trying to style an outfit that will be appropriate for attending a funeral. Therefore, you won’t make a mistake if you choose to wear loafers.
Loafers are one of the most popular shoes when it comes to occasions that require formal attire dress code. However, if you choose to wear them, you need to make sure that they are in good shape and that they are clean.
Luckily, even if they aren’t, you can always take a few minutes to make them presentable again and you’ll be ready to go.
3. Mary Jane
Mary Janes have been around for ages. Yet, you always look fashionable when you wear them. They can be semi-formal or formal, depending on how you style the rest of your outfit.
If you planned on wearing an elegant dress to the funeral, then Mary Jane shoes will definitely help you style a respectful outfit. You will look beautiful, feel comfortable, and be dressed appropriately for such an occasion.
Since you’ll be standing a lot during the funeral ceremony, it’s very important to wear something comfortable so you can be completely focused on the ceremony. That’s one more reason why this pair of shoes is a great option for you.
4. Pilgrim shoes
Even though pilgrim shoes aren’t seen that often, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t one of the best options when you’re looking for shoes to wear to a funeral.
Their design is mostly simple with a touch of unusual vibe, which is perfect for an occasion that requires an outfit that is simple but still shows that you’ve put effort into it.
They are comfortable and people used to wear them on a daily basis, but also when they were getting ready for a formal event. Therefore, if you have a pair of pilgrim shoes hiding in your shoe rack, don’t be afraid to choose them.
5. Flats
Almost every woman has at least one pair of flats in her collection. They are one of the most popular everyday shoes that women adore, especially during warm spring days. They are cute and delicate, so you can style them however you want.
You will look beautiful and feel comfortable, but they won’t stand out in a distracting way.
Flats are usually very simple, which makes them a great option for occasions such as funerals. So, if you’re looking for shoes to wear to a funeral during one of the warmer seasons of the year, ballet flats are there to help.
6. Oxford shoes
Oxford shoes will always be one of people’s favorites. They first became popular in England and Scotland, and then people from all around the world slowly started falling in love with them.
Nowadays, they are one of the shoes that are worn for many different occasions. People choose them for their everyday outfits, business meetings, weddings, and even funerals. That’s because they can help you dress up but also dress down if styled properly.
Therefore, wearing a pair of clean and well-taken-care-of Oxford shoes will help you achieve an appropriate look for a funeral. You will show respect and mourning, but also that you’ve spent some time thinking through your outfit.
7. Chelsea boots
Other shoes may go in and out of style, however, Chelsea boots will always be at the forefront of fashion. Their classic style will help you combine them with absolutely anything that’s in your closet, and you’ll look like a real fashionista.
So, when you’re getting ready for a funeral, you don’t have to stress about which shoes to wear because Chelsea boots will be a great option to complete your outfit. The best thing is that these shoes are great for both men and women, so they’ll fit both a dress and a suit.
If you’re on the hunt for a new pair of Chelsea boots, we recommend Jeossy women’s ankle boots. They’re versatile and you can easily dress them up or down, depending on the occasion.
8. Ankle boots
Ankle boots are a great option when it comes to getting ready for a funeral that’s happening in the fall or winter. They’ll keep your feet warm and comfortable while you’ll still look appropriate for such an occasion.
It’s best you style them with a long sweater dress and a black coat for a complete outfit. However, ankle boots will look great on almost anything you choose to wear, so you don’t have to stress much about that. Just keep it simple as this pair of shoes will add a touch of style on their own.
What shoes should men wear to a funeral?
Just as we’ve promised, we prepared a few ideas for men too. Getting ready for this event is stressful and difficult for both, men and women. And both struggle to find the right pair of shoes to wear to a funeral that will show the world how heartbroken they are feeling at the moment.
We understand that part, and that’s why we decided to talk about the 4 best types of shoes that men can choose when they want to pay their respects. Luckily, they fit almost any kind of clothes, so pairing them with the rest of the outfit will never be a problem.
So, let’s see what shoes men should wear to a funeral to look stylish but also show how hurt they are because of the passing of their loved one.
1. Brogue shoes
Brogue shoes are low-heeled shoes famous for their leather uppers and decorative broguing. They became popular because of how easily they can dry when they get wet. However, that’s not the only thing that makes them stand out.
They are great for formal occasions and they can make your whole outfit look more professional. Therefore, attending an important funeral will give you a chance to choose this pair of shoes to look respectful and fashionable.
You will show that you know the dress code and how to pay respect to someone who meant so much to you. If you have a pair of brogue shoes at your home, there’s no need to think twice before choosing them.
2. Brogue dress boots
Brogue dress boots are basically like brogue shoes that just got transformed into ankle boots. They still have all the benefits of brogue shoes, but with some extra points, too. They’re much warmer and your feet will feel more secure while walking on rough surfaces such as those on the graveyards.
On top of that, they are amazing for attending outdoor funeral ceremonies. That’s because you won’t have to worry about the weather or getting your shoes dirty. Brogue dress boots will dry quickly, and you’ll easily clean them by simply wiping the dirt away.
3. Wingtip shoes
Wingtip shoes look similar to the ones that we’ve just mentioned. They are one of the men’s favorites, which is not surprising considering you can wear them on many different occasions.
They are recognizable by a leather overlay on the toe that looks like a letter W. Wingtips shoes have been around for ages, but they never seem to go out of style. They look simply amazing when combined with a suit. So, if you’re looking for a complete funeral outfit, that’s our piece of advice for you.
4. Derby shoes
Many people confuse derby shoes with Oxford shoes. However, if you take a look at their lacing, you’ll easily notice the difference. Oxford shoes have closed lacing while the ones we’re talking about now have open lacing. However, the difference is still minor.
Therefore, both of these kinds of shoes will be a great option when looking for shoes to wear to a funeral. They are comfortable, formal and can help you style a look that will be perfectly appropriate for this occasion.
