A visitation, also known as calling hours, is a time when family and friends can gather to pay their respects to a deceased person and offer condolences to the family. It is typically held in the days leading up to a funeral or memorial service.
During visitation, the body of the deceased may be on display in an open casket or urn, allowing visitors to say their final goodbyes. However, some visitations may not include the body and instead focus on providing an opportunity for loved ones to come together to share memories and offer support to one another.
Visitation hours and customs can vary depending on the culture, religion, and personal preferences of the family. Generally, it is a time for mourning, reflection, and honoring the memory of the deceased.
Visitation is typically a solemn and respectful event, often held to pay respects to someone who has passed away. As such, it’s appropriate to dress in a manner that shows respect for the occasion and those in attendance. Here are some general guidelines for what to wear to a visitation:
1. White Shirt And Black Trousers
Yes, a white shirt and black trousers would be an appropriate choice of attire for a visitation. This combination is both formal and respectful, and it follows the general guidelines for visitation attire. Wearing a white shirt shows that you’re dressed in a formal and respectful manner, while black trousers are a classic and understated choice that won’t draw attention away from the solemnity of the occasion.
2. Suits
One option for both men and women is a black suit. However, any color suit will do. A dress shirt can be layered below a pantsuit. A necktie or bowtie can be used with either a long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt on men. Additionally, women can dress in a skirt, suit, or slacks. In place of a blouse, women might choose to wear a simple shell.
Need help finding the perfect suit jacket size? Check out our suit jacket size charts for men to ensure a flawless fit. From sportcoats to blazers, we have you covered.
3. T-shirt With Blazer And Beige Pants
A blazer and beige pants can be appropriate for visitation; adding a T-shirt may be the best choice for the occasion. It’s better to choose a more formal and conservative shirt, such as a dress shirt or blouse, to wear underneath the blazer. Dark colors like black, neutral, navy blue or gray are appropriate for the occasion.
4. White Shirt With Blazer And Hight Waist Pants
A decent and respectable outfit for visitation would be a white shirt with a blazer and high-waist pants. This outfit is perfect for the occasion because it is formal and conservative. When worn with a jacket, white shirts elevate their already-formal status as a traditional and dignified option for formal occasions. High-waisted pants go nicely with a jacket and are a classy and conventional choice.
For a sophisticated and formal look like a white shirt with blazer and high waist pants, try pairing it with chic and stylish outfits suitable for a rehearsal dinner to achieve a classy vibe.
5. White Shirt And Dress Pants
Men typically dress in button-down shirts at funerals. A polo shirt can be more suited if the setting is really casual. When choosing, it would be beneficial if you always left t-shirts behind. Dress pants come in a variety of hues. Consider wearing deeper hues instead of black, such as navy blue or dark grey. Khaki is one of the neutral hues you can potentially encounter for a casual visitation.
6. White Blouse And Black Skirts
For ladies, a multipurpose dress or pencil skirt with a good top will work just well. Attempt to evaluate the issue in light of your intended audience. For each event, some families go all out in their attire, while others are content in jeans. For a funeral or visitation, it is customary to dress formally and conservatively.
7. Black Outfit
It is generally appropriate to dress conservatively and respectfully for a visitation or funeral. Black is a traditional color of mourning and is commonly worn as a sign of respect for the deceased and their family. While wearing a black outfit to a visitation is a common and appropriate choice, it’s also acceptable to wear other conservative and subdued colors, such as gray, navy, or dark blue.
Accessorize your black outfit with a pair of black shoes to complete your look. From heels to sneakers, there are various options to choose from. For a casual look, match it with a pair of black leggings or try Balenciaga sock shoes for a more fashion-forward outfit.
8. White Outfit
The decision to wear a white outfit to a visitation ultimately depends on the cultural and religious customs of the deceased’s family and community. In some cultures and religions, white is considered an appropriate color to wear to funerals and visitations as it symbolizes purity, peace, and innocence. However, in other cultures, white is associated with celebration and is not appropriate to wear to funerals or mourning events.
9. Pantsuit
A pantsuit is an excellent choice for visitation because they are both professional and trendy. Wearing a pantsuit to a visitation is generally acceptable as long as the outfit is appropriate and respectful. Black, navy, and other dark colors are typically considered appropriate for mourning events, but it’s always best to check with the family or the funeral director to see if there are any specific dress codes or guidelines.
If you’re looking for a classic and professional attire to wear to a visitation, a pantsuit is a great option. A pantsuit can make you look polished and put together while still respectful. Opt for neutral colors like black, navy, or gray, and pair it with comfortable and simple shoes.
10. Black Wrap Dress
A wrap dress can be a good choice for visitation as it is comfortable and easy to wear while still being dressy and appropriate for the occasion. Just make sure the dress is not too short or revealing, and consider pairing it with modest accessories such as a shawl or a cardigan. Choose a simple, elegant style that is appropriate for the occasion, and pair it with understated accessories and black shoes.
11. Puff Sleeves Blouse And Wide Leg Pants
Nearly two centuries have passed since the first day of appearance, and wide pants have always occupied an important position in the wardrobe of fashion followers. Although only small details, the pleated lines along the waist must have been the “Declaration” of sophistication. Not only shout straight legs, but they also keep the pants always standing, grooming while moving and leaving fewer marks, suitable for solemn events like a visitation.
12. Black Knitted Cotton Dress On Buttons Style
In general, when it comes to dressing codes for funerals or visitations, it’s important to consider the tone and formality of the event, as well as cultural and religious traditions, if applicable. That being said, a black knitted cotton dress with buttons can be a suitable choice for visitation, especially if it is modest and respectful in style.
13. Black Long Sleeves Split Midi Dress
Maintain simplicity. A visitation is a ceremony created to let friends, family, and the community say their final goodbyes and remember the departed. The best option is a split midi dress in black with long sleeves. You won’t want to wear ornamentation jewelry, showy apparel, or other accessories. Black long sleeves split midi dress will be the right choice. It is both discreet but not too monotonous, both showing respect to the deceased and bringing a certain elegance.
14. Blouse, Oversized Blazer, And Pleated Skirts
If the short pleated skirt is suitable for girls with personality, the long skirt version will be a more classic choice for girls when attending a visitation. First appearing in the 16th century, the pleated skirt is still a familiar item in the fashion world. As a symbol of elegance and femininity, this item still has the ability to transform to create diverse style accents. Combined with a blouse and blazer will complete your style.
15. Blazer, Turtleneck, Scarf, And Dress Pants
With a few hints for pairing with a blazer, anybody may channel the chic appearance of a French girl without having to wear designer clothing. One of the various ways to look sharp in a blazer for visitation is to pair it with a turtleneck and formal slacks. To change your appearance every day, you may cycle this color scheme across various accessories and clothing pieces.
Pair this classic look with stylish and comfortable wide leg pants for a chic and sophisticated outfit suitable for a visitation. The loose, flowing silhouette of wide leg pants helps to create a balance with the sharp lines of the blazer and dress pants, while the scarf and turtleneck add warmth and texture to the look.
16. Pattern Shirt And Black Flare Skirts
Both possess a feminine and professional look is a combination of a flared skirt and a patterned shirt. If you love the casual style, pleated skirts will be the tool to help you refresh your outfit, thanks to the straight folds. In order not to waste time wondering, flared skirts combined with floral shirts of the same color are often the first choice of fashionistas.
17. Mint Silk Blouse, Black A-shape Skirt, And Beret
With a delicate waistline and slightly flared skirt body, the A-line skirt design is not only a perfect height improvement therapy but also creates a visual effect that helps to hide body flaws. Especially for girls with apple bodies, A-line skirts will help balance the body proportions and create a slim waist. Combined with a mint silk blouse, it will bring harmony without being too gloomy for the outfit.
A mint silk blouse paired with a black A-shape skirt and beret can be a chic and stylish option for a visitation. Looking for more outfit inspiration? Check out these Korean girl outfit ideas for 2022, which offer a variety of trendy and fashionable looks to try. Whether you prefer a cute and girly style or a more edgy and modern vibe, these outfits can provide some great inspiration for your visitation attire.
18. Little Black Dress
Little Black Dress, which Coco Chanel pioneered and became the “uniform” of women in the 1920s, sparked the biggest fashion revolution in recorded history. Black dresses are still a common choice today since they are simple, beautiful, and appropriate for a variety of functions. Include times like visitations when it’s important to dress formally and honor the departed.
19. Vintage Dress
The long dresses are reminiscent of the classic 1960s style with light drapes like chiffon, silk, and feminine pleats. The color of the outfit is also adjusted to be gentle and soft to match the autumn weather. Black color gamut, polka dot detailing, and liberal styling are the elements that represent a bold style innovation of contemporary women. The appropriateness of wearing a vintage dress to a visitation depends on the specific circumstances and cultural norms surrounding the event.
If you’re planning to attend a themed party, such as a 90s party, consider wearing a vintage dress to complete your look. You can take inspiration from our 40 Outfit Ideas for a 90s Party article to create a unique outfit that stands out. Complete your vintage dress look with accessories to enhance the overall look.
20. Long Beige Dress
A long beige dress could be appropriate for a visitation, depending on the specific circumstances. Beige is generally a neutral and respectful color choice, and a long dress can be both modest and elegant. However, it’s important to consider the overall style of the dress, as well as any patterns or accessories that might be inappropriate for a visitation.
21. Black Blouse And Beige Pants
Blouses are a great choice for women in the days of “don’t know what to wear to a visitation.” Every girl owns at least one blouse in her wardrobe, from a white German collar blouse, a denim blouse, or a patterned blouse. Pair with a pair of beige pants to complete the outfit. Not only suitable for an energetic weekend, but beige also possesses a delicate beauty for anyone.
22. Beige Outfit
Although the color is neutral and flexible, the monochrome style beige color scheme is still a challenge for many people. If you have tanned skin, you’re in luck, as all beige tones work well with your skin tone. On the contrary, girls with fair skin should consider choosing darker and darker shades to avoid looking too “pale.” To coordinate in monochrome style, above all, girls should avoid wearing colors that are too close to their skin tone.
For a classic and timeless look, consider pairing your beige outfit with soft pastel shades. Soft pinks and blues can complement your beige ensemble and add a touch of femininity. Alternatively, you could go for a more daring look and pair beige with a statement color like orange.
23. Black And White Patterned Shirt Dress
Black and white in itself is a symbol of elegance, but to wear black and white to perfection is an art. In terms of applicability, this is the most flattering fashion style, creating a contrast to help harmonize and balance the body lines, reduce disadvantages, and enhance the advantages of the body. Black and white patterned shirt dress is always trendy, forever elegant, suitable for everyone, any style, any occasion.
24. Black Silk Top And High Waist Trousers
The best illustration of black’s enduring appeal is a black silk blouse and high-waisted slacks. The secretive, opulent, and haughty elegance of the clothes is what makes them the females’ go-to attire. For all those instances when a lady requires a look that expresses her “classic, timeless,” and “contemporary, fashionable” attributes, this black ensemble is the ideal hue.
Match your black silk blouse and high-waisted trousers with a pair of pointed-toe heels. Here are some shoe ideas for wide-leg pants that can help you dress up or down your outfit. Add some simple jewelry to create a chic and sophisticated look that can take you from a visitation to a dinner date or a night out with the girls.
25. Short Sleeves Silk Top And Straight Leg Pants With Belt
It is generally best to dress in a conservative and respectful manner for visitation, as it is a somber and formal occasion. While a short sleeve silk top and straight-leg pants with a belt can be a classy and elegant outfit. Additionally, it’s important to consider the level of formality of the visitation. If it’s a more formal event, you may want to opt for more conservative and understated clothing, such as a black dress or suit.
26. Bow Tie Neck Python Print Pattern Dress
How to wear animal skin prints to have a unique temperament and feel fresh and interesting, break out of old combinations, and still be suitable for a formal event like a visitation? Unlike other types of textures, animal skin textures always give women an indescribable attraction. However, whether the motifs are small or large, they make women more confident and proud. Combined with discreet bow tie details, create the perfect outfit.
27. Tie Waist Velvet Dress
It would be more appropriate to wear more subdued and conservative attire, such as this tie waist velvet dress. Once upon a time, velvet clothes were always equated with the wardrobe of the untidy man and the image of a difficult science professor. Dark colors such as black, brown, and velvet dress, as well as beret hats, reminiscent of an ancient symphony and enchanting glass of wine under the French sky.
Pair this tie waist velvet dress with simple pumps and minimal jewelry for a look that’s both classic and trendy. The velvet texture adds an extra touch of elegance while the tie waist cinches your silhouette for a flattering fit.
28. Blue Floral Tie Waist Dress
The classic and elegant look is doubled when combining floral print with tie waist detail. Like every year, the most popular item among women is still floral dresses. Completing the mix with a baguette bag or accessories like a wide-brimmed hat is also a tip to show the solemnity of this outfit. Do not underestimate accessories because this is also the factor that makes your outfit more attractive.
29. Linen Dress And Cardigan
Cardigan is a familiar item for fashionistas in cold countries thanks to its versatility and warm, genuine beauty. An oversized cardigan combined with a simple dress or hug is a perfect choice for those who are looking for a casual outfit to go to visitation. They help your outfit become classic and lighter without losing the liberal and dynamic look.
Pair your linen dress with a cozy cardigan for the perfect outfit combination in 70 degree weather. Need more inspiration? Check out these outfit ideas for 70 degree weather to help you put together a stylish and comfortable look.
30. Vest And Dark Green Pencil Skirts
Vests are popular for their comfort and waistline details. A loose-fitting vest combined with dark green pencil skirts is suitable for girls working in creative environments. Conversely, if the job requires a more serious look, you can stay comfortable by teaming up with wide-leg pants to go to visitation. In addition, pointed-toe shoes also help the overall outfit become softer.
31. White Wool Dress
The wool dress is no longer an item that girls have to put away as the weather gradually warms up, thanks to the fashion industry’s remarkable ingenuity and originality. On the contrary, with the appropriate mix-and-match trick, you may entirely “transform” them into stylish ensembles based on the climate features of any place. Appropriate for any event, including a visitation.
Looking for outfit ideas to wear over your white wool dress? Check out 40 outfit ideas to keep you stylish and warm, from chic coats to trendy blazers and everything in between. With the right layering pieces, you can make your white wool dress versatile for any occasion.
32. Outfit With Scarf
Scarves, a seemingly unnecessary and rarely used accessory, have the power to turn a monotonous outfit into many times more interesting, especially for occasions like a visitation! Let’s start with the original way of scarf, gently knotted around the neck or loosely dressed in a cowboy style. In terms of costumes, it is possible to combine towels of the same color and texture with clothes.
33. Beige Sweater, Wide Leg Pant, And Long Coat
Feminine, elegant, and subtly nostalgic, beige sweaters, wide-leg pants, and long coats also conquer women thanks to their versatility and suitability with many different fashion styles. Stylish, eye-catching, and extremely attractive, the visual effects from the series of motifs will help the overall beige outfit become more impressive.
To complete this chic and cozy look, take a look at these trendy outfits with wide-leg pants. You can complete the look with your favorite pair of ankle boots or sleek pumps. These outfits are perfect for the colder months and will keep you stylish and comfortable at the same time.
34. Beige Coat, Beret, Brown Scarf, Pleated Skirt, Green Turtleneck
This color scheme looks lovely when combined with the tones of the neutral palette family while being rather finicky when it comes to pairing with other colors. The safety in your clothing choices may make you appear to have a monotonous sense of style. Instead of appearing “settled,” don a loose trench coat or a boyfriend blazer with pronounced shoulders.
35. Outfit With Wide-brimmed Hat
In addition to classic items such as trench coats, turtlenecks, and blazers that are creatively combined, wide-brimmed hats are also an important part of completing the outfit for a visit. Hats with neutral colors will always be the perfect match for your autumn-winter outfit. However, if you are looking for an attractive highlight for your mix, a black hat will be the right choice for you.