We cannot talk about what to wear to a funeral when pregnant without mentioning maternity dresses. As shown by Statista, the value of the maternity fashion scene keeps increasing. This translates to more dresses for you to choose from to match your taste. 

Maxi dresses are easy to wear and quite comfortable. They are quite advantageous because they look good on anyone regardless of body type or how far along they are. 

Sweater dresses are much like sweaters, only longer. This means they are elastic and so take your shape into account. They are easy to wear and provide great comfort while also being suitable for all trimesters.

Sheath dresses are form-fitting and can be a bit of a body hug. You can still wear them when pregnant, but you should get one that can stretch and only use them if you’re in the first or second trimester.

Wrap dresses round up the list for being great for any period in your pregnancy. They are pretty stylish and have the advantage of being worn for a while because they grow with you.

• …or trousers 

If dresses aren’t your thing, there are lots of pants to choose from that can give you comfort and style.

Suit dress pants or regular pants are quite stylish. As they tend to have a rigid figure, it’s best not to wear them past the second trimester.

Palazzo pants are wonderfully made and provide more leg space for you to feel free. Tapered pants provide more hip and leg space and are suitable for various body types.

Cropped trousers are great for style but should only be worn if you’re comfortable with your ankles. 

For upper apparel that goes along with the pants, formal shirts with jackets would be a great match with suit pants and their palazzo counterparts.

Shirt dresses are also appropriate because they tend to be oversized and so can provide space for the baby. Chiffon shirts are another great option because they are lightweight and can be used for other occasions as well.

• Consider coats and cardigans 

Coats are a great dress accessory and help with the age-old etiquette of showing little skin at funerals. They are also a big help in case of cold weather as they protect you from the chills while keeping you stylish.

Dark coats are preferable because they go with the theme of funerals and allow you to wear something lighter underneath if you must.

As a sibling to coats, cardigans also come in quite handy when wearing dresses. To ease and comfort, consider those that are elastic or made of cashmere and like materials.

• Leggings are your friend 

Leggings are quite a prominent feature in the fashion styles of pregnant women, and this is no wonder. They can be worn with all sorts of dresses, such as sweaters and sheath dresses, to provide an extra finishing touch to your funeral attire.

Leggings are also simple and comfortable. They are handy in the third trimester when finding many things that fit might be difficult.

• Comfortable footwear 

Footwear should not be glossed over when considering how a pregnant woman should dress for a funeral. 

Your footwear for the funeral should depend firstly on your comfort and then on your attire. It should be flat-footed to support your legs and the humans they are carrying.

Options you can consider include sandals, lounger shoes, and sneakers. Flat pump shoes and slip-on shoes are great options because they are comfortable and easy to wear.

1. Accessories complete the attire 

The right accessories will complete your output and the style you were going for. Dresses would go best with belts that can rest on your baby bump and bring attention to the newest miracle in town.

Bags are necessary, but you should only carry one that is just large enough to take any essentials you might need. That way, you can avoid the extra burden of logging a large bag around for the duration of the funeral.

For jewelry, avoid being extravagant as much as possible. Simple knobs and little hoops would be great earring choices, for instance.

• Consignment stores

If you’re wondering, “how should I dress for a funeral if I am pregnant,” and have little time to come up with a proper outfit, and don’t mind second-hand outfits, try consignment stores.

Maternity dresses have a short lifespan; once the pregnancy is done, some mothers simply sell off their clothes. Consignment stores would therefore have a wide range of maternity outfits available at short notice to ensure that you show up to the funeral dressed appropriately and exquisitely.

If you are in need of gift suggestions for the family of the deceased, here are:

• Sympathy gift ideas for loss of father 
• Sympathy gift ideas for loss of mother. 
• Sympathy gift ideas for loss of grandfather. 
• Gifts for grieving widows. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can pregnant lady go to a funeral?

No law bars pregnant women from funerals, but there are considerations to take into account. Some of them are:

• Medical conditions such as high-risk pregnancies – If the pregnancy is at risk for any number of reasons, it’s probably best to take it as easy as possible, and this might include sitting out the funeral.
• Cultural and religious reasons – some religions and cultures take issue with pregnant women going to burials. Adherents to such doctrine should maybe avoid going to funerals when pregnant.
• Relationship with deceased – if the funeral is for a close relative, pregnant women should be mindful of attending because any emotional stress on the mother would impact the baby.

 What should you not wear while pregnant?

• Avoid wearing clothes too many times as this can lead to skin infections.
• Compression underwear might seem like a good idea, but it can cause discomfort, which is not something you want when pregnant.
• Tight pants are also quite uncomfortable and so should be avoided. Try joggers and leggings, especially in the later stages of your pregnancy.
• Fabrics such as synthetics might lead to you sweating profusely.
• Unsupportive bras can be pretty uncomfortable and even cause pain. With the breasts growing during pregnancy, get more supportive bras with larger cup sizes.
• Avoid high heels as these do not provide adequate support for feet and legs. Instead, opt for flatter shoes like pumps and sandals.

How should a woman dress for a funeral?

• Dark colors such as black, deep gray, and dark blue are most appropriate.
• Dresses and skirts should be of an appropriate length based on the societal norms you adhere to. 
• Etiquette requires that shoulders are covered. 
• Simple jewelry such as knobs and smaller hooped earrings are recommended. 
• Dress suits and long-sleeved shirts to cover the arms. 
• Conservative dressing if unsure of the funeral etiquette required by the deceased’s family.

In conclusion…

Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t look good. In fact, you can look great. You are carrying new life, which is the most beautiful thing. We only hope that these suggestions increase your comfort as you mourn the passing of a loved one.

And remember, being pregnant makes you more delicate, so you don’t have to go to the funeral if you feel strong enough or for any other reason. Protect yourself and the little one. That’s your first priority.