Question - Boots with a suit for a funeral?

JulieinMI

After rereading Angie's blog entry about what to wear to a funeral, I was able to shop my closet and put together a skirt, jacket and blouse for a funeral tomorrow. (Thanks Angie!) However, shoes are a problem. I put on my tall, Circa Joan & David, somewhat pointy toe black boots with it and I liked it. But, are boots like that appropriate for a funeral? Or, should I use about a two hour time window I have today and go out and buy some black pumps? This will not be a casual funeral. I read how some of you smart ladies have a funeral capsule, and I guess this may be the start of mine. We just have such extremes in weather that I would constantly be changing something about it! It makes sense though, so you are not forced to shop in a hurry like I am.

14 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Freckles

JennyAnne

(website)

Veteran

My thoughts on funeral dressing are that the closer you are to the deceased, the more license you have to wear whatever you want. Going to my grandmother's funeral, I wore crazy shoes I knew she would like. I'd wear boots to a family member's funeral or a close friend, but I wouldnt' wear them to the funeral of an aquaintance or work colleague. Just my thoughts.

14 years ago

Velma

Veteran

I agree with JennyAnne: if in doubt, I would wear something else (even flats--you don't necessarily need to buy pumps). You definitely want to avoid a witchy/sexy vibe, unless you're really sure.

If you decide you want pumps, and they are pretty much exclusively for this funeral or funerals in general, there's no reason to spend a lot of money. It's a perfect time for Kohl's, TJ Maxx, or even thrift/consignment.

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

you know, I was thinking no until I read the description. I would imagine that in your region, women wear dressy boots to funerals during the dead of winter, no?
I'd say if they aren't trendy or funky, and a classic pair of dressy black boots that you would wear in an office setting, they should be fine.
But don't take my word for it.

14 years ago

missvee

Veteran

I can't see why your boots wouldn't be suitable for this occasion. Keep your accessories simple and you'll look just fine.

14 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I agree with Kim - if you'd wear it to work in a fairly conservative office, I think you can wear it to a funeral - but if you want to play it safe, I'd say black pumps or even nice black flats would be very appropriate. If the funeral has an outdoor component (like in the cemetery) you need to make sure the shoes are appropriate for walking around on grass.

Although I (thankfully) have not been to many funerals, my cold-weather funeral outfit is usually black slacks with dressy-looking boots or booties underneath.

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I think you can wear them so long as they aren't casual, or patent leather with spikes. Boots can be just as respectful as pumps. Also, it's winter, and keeping your legs warm is a smart move.

14 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I agree. It depends entirely on the boots. If they are simple black boots, I don't see a problem, and can't imagine anyone else would. Just no turquoise cowboy boots or red stillettos!

14 years ago

kimlee

Veteran

I agree with the other ladies, as long as you would wear the boots to other conservative events, they will be fine for a funeral.

14 years ago

Anonymous

They seem perfectly appropriate to me!

14 years ago

JulieinMI

Active Member

Thanks for your help ladies! I did end up finding some suitable pumps at DSW and should be able to wear them for other occasions also. Also decided to look at the black dresses while I was at it. I remembered that Angie did that great post about the availability of sleeved dresses this year. Could not find one black long sleeve dress at Macy's, AT or the Rack. Granted our stores here are not huge, but it's freezing and I want to wear sleeves without having to layer!

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I rely upon Eileen Fisher for Long-sleeved dresses.

14 years ago

Freckles

Veteran

Sorry for your loss and glad you found something you would feel comfortable in to wear.

14 years ago

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