What Bag to Carry to a Funeral (4 Outfit Ideas)

Short answer: Carry a small to medium bag in black, navy, charcoal or deep brown, with a plain look and a zip closure. A crossbody keeps your hands free for hugs, handshakes and a program or tissue.

Funerals are not the day for a bag that sparkles, clanks or needs constant attention. You want something quiet, dark and easy to forget about. Here are four outfit ideas built around bags from our shop, with honest notes on what suits this kind of day and what does not.

Small Card-Slot Crossbody, Navy Dress and Wool Coat

Pair a navy or charcoal knee-length dress with black tights, low heels and a dark wool coat. Our Small Crossbody Bag with Card Slots for Women is compact and holds a phone, cards and little else, which is often all you need. The clear touch-screen window lets you check your phone without digging it out. It comes in greige/taupe and dusty pink. Taupe is the quieter choice for a funeral, and the pink is softer, so think about the family and the service. The gold accents are small.

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Large Dark Hobo, Black Wide-Leg Trousers and Ankle Boots

For a long day with travel, a service and a reception, go with black wide-leg trousers, a black turtleneck, a long dark coat and low ankle boots. Our Large Leather Crossbody Bag for Everyday Women is a soft PU leather hobo-style bag in dark brown or black, with two top handles, a zip top and a detachable crossbody strap. It is roomy and slouchy, so it suits a day when you carry more. Check the size chart to be sure it is the size you want.

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Navy Quilted Crossbody, Gray Trousers and Black Flats

Try charcoal trousers, a soft gray or white blouse, a black blazer and black flats. Our Quilted Crossbody Bag with Wide Guitar Strap is navy, which reads as dark and calm next to gray and black. The diamond quilting is subtle, and the wide, flat strap in matching fabric lies smoothly over a jacket or coat. It has several front zipper pockets with silver pulls and small charms. If the charms feel too lively for the day, tuck them into the pockets.

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How to Choose a Funeral Bag

Look at color first. Black, navy, charcoal and deep brown are the safest choices. Then look at hardware. Small, plain zipper pulls are fine, but big logos, bright metal and loud charms draw the eye. Choose a zip closure over a snap or buckle, since it makes less noise when you open it during a quiet moment. Keep the size modest. You need room for tissues, a phone on silent, keys, a card or two and perhaps a small gift or card for the family.

Plan Ahead Before You Order

Funerals often come with short notice, so keep our timing in mind. Shipping is free to the US and takes 7 to 14 business days. If the service is this week, you may want to wear a bag you already own. All sales are final, with no returns or exchanges for fit or change of mind, so check the size chart and photos before you buy. If an item arrives damaged, defective or wrong, we replace it or refund it within 14 days of delivery.

Want more options? Browse all crossbody bags.

Questions, answered

Is it okay to carry a crossbody bag to a funeral?

Yes. A crossbody keeps your hands free to hold a program, greet people and comfort others. Choose a dark color and a plain style, and wear it close to your body.

What color bag is best for a funeral?

Black is the most traditional, and navy, charcoal and dark brown are also fine. Skip bright colors, metallic finishes and bold prints unless the family has asked for a celebration of life.

Should I bring a large bag or a small one?

A small to medium bag is usually best. If you have a long day with travel and a reception, a larger soft bag can make sense, as long as it looks plain and stays out of the way in a pew.