Should I wear stockings for a funeral

Dear VienneMilano,
I’m getting ready to attend a funeral. As I am trying to decide what to wear to both the wake and the funeral, can you tell me: Do I need to wear stockings for a funeral?
— Evelyn D.

The purpose of a funeral (or a wake) is to remember, honor, and celebrate the life of the deceased one last time. Therefore, as a sign of respect, it’s best to dress in a presentable manner.

For example:

• Keep jewelry to a minimum
• Avoid vibrant colors and loud patterns
• Wear stockings
• Consider shining your shoes
• Bring a (black) cardigan in case of cold weather

When in doubt, dress conservatively by avoiding ornate accessories and exposed skin. Modesty is the key when deciding what to wear to a funeral, as your attire should reflect the solemn nature of the service. In summary, yes, you should wear stockings for a funeral.

To elaborate on this, we spoke with Ginger Burr of Total Image Consultant for her expert opinion. Ginger shares,

“for many women, wearing comfortable stockings can help us feel more pulled together and elegant.”

So what kind of stockings are appropriate for a funeral? Since black is the color of choice, I’d recommend sheer, matte or opaque stockings (depending on the weather). Alternatively, you can also wear nude stockings as well.

When it comes to fashion, there are no hard-set rules. Whether you decide to wear hosiery to a funeral could depend on many things. Cultural traditions may also come into play, and you will need to find out what the proper protocol is ahead of time.

Originally published at https://www.viennemilano.com.