What to Wear to a Funeral in Winter
In winter the coat is the outfit, because you will not take it off. Choose it as carefully as what is underneath.
- The coat
- Dark, plain, long enough to cover a jacket or dress. It stays on through the service and it is what everyone sees.
- Underneath
- Warm layers. Chapels are heated; graveside is not, and the gap between them is where people suffer.
- Feet
- Dark boots with grip. Cemetery paths ice over and the grass will be soaked.
- Extras
- Dark gloves, a plain dark scarf, an umbrella. All of it dark and none of it branded.
The coat, specifically
- 1
A wool overcoat is ideal. A plain dark waterproof is entirely acceptable and often more sensible.
- 2
Avoid a bright ski jacket or a technical coat in a signal colour — it is the one thing visible in every photograph.
- 3
If you only own a bright coat, borrow one or wear the darkest thing you have and do not think about it again.
Graveside in cold weather
- 4
Thermal layers under the dress or shirt. Nobody can see them and you will be outside for twenty minutes.
- 5
Boots, not smart shoes. You can change in the car if you want to.
- 6
Gloves you can take off easily — you will be shaking hands.
Questions people actually ask
Can I keep my coat on during a funeral?
Yes. At a winter service most people keep coats on throughout, especially at a graveside. That is exactly why the coat should be dark and plain.