What The Celebrity Traitors Taught Us About Dressing for a Funeral

There are few television moments more surreal than watching a line-up of British celebrities attend their own funerals, yet somehow looking immaculate while doing it. The Celebrity Traitors managed to turn mourning into a masterclass in formalwear, proving that even the darkest setting can draw out the very best in tailoring.

For all the absurdity of the task, the styling was exquisite. Mark Bonnar, always one to carry quiet gravitas, appeared in Highland wear that struck the perfect balance between heritage and modern precision. His look wasn’t costume, it was culture. The cut of his jacket, the depth of the kilt, the way the ensemble spoke of both pride and restraint. It reminded us that Scottish tailoring, when done well, never needs embellishment. It simply is authority.

Then came Joe Marler, whose jacket could have stolen the scene at any red carpet. At first look, it was a gorgeous short-pile velvet, but upon closer inspection, I believe it’s actually a beautiful cashmere. Un-structured, and confident, with that slight drama that makes a man look like he’s about to walk into history. Jonathan Ross followed suit, quite literally, his outerwear cut to flatter without shouting. A fur collar adding to the warmth that the heavy wool already brings. Both understood something essential about formality, that the strength of a coat lies not just in its fabric, but in how it frames the person inside it.

Among the women, Celia Imrie and Clare Balding were studies in composure. Each chose an outfit that read as respectful yet quietly self-assured. They didn’t dress to disappear into grief, but to show that dignity can exist comfortably alongside individuality. And then there was Kate Garraway. Her full-length black pinstripe coat was nothing short of spectacular. Heavy wool, strong silhouette, a statement of presence that never crossed into performance. It was exactly what one should hope to see at a real funeral: clothing that honours the occasion, while carrying the wearer upright through it.

It’s fascinating how rarely we talk about funerals as moments for sartorial care. Most people think of “dressing up” as an act reserved for celebration. Yet what is a funeral if not the final celebration of a life lived? To take the time to choose the right jacket, to press a collar, to stand straight in polished shoes — these are gestures of respect, not vanity. Clothes can’t soften grief, but they can help contain it. They offer structure when emotion leaves us in tatters.

At Edinburgh Tailoring Company, it’s something we speak about often. The quiet power of appropriate dress. Not to show off, but to show up. Whether it’s a wedding, a boardroom, or the final goodbye, the principle is the same: dressing well is an act of consideration, for yourself and for those around you.

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How to Dress Well for a Funeral

1. Keep it dark, but not dour. Black is traditional, but charcoal, navy, and deep brown can be equally appropriate. Avoid too much shine or high contrast. Texture (like flannel, serge, or heavy wool) adds depth without distraction.
2. Respect the climate and the setting. A funeral in the wintry Highlands calls for heavier cloth and outerwear, while a summer service might require lighter wool or linen blends. The key is looking composed, not uncomfortable.
3. Fit matters more than fashion. This isn’t the moment for trends or loud statements. A perfectly fitted coat or suit in a modest cut will always read as tasteful.
4. Mind the details. Polished shoes, clean lines, and a pressed shirt convey care. Accessories should be minimal. A simple tie, plain cufflinks, perhaps a pocket square in subdued tones.
5. For women: elegant tailoring, coats, or simple dresses in dark shades work beautifully. Avoid sparkle or bold prints (unless someone’s final wishes are for just that). Structured pieces, like Kate Garraway’s pinstripe coat, communicate both poise and empathy.
6. And above all, remember the purpose. The goal isn’t to be noticed. It’s to stand present and composed, to show respect through attention and restraint. Good tailoring helps you do exactly that.

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A funeral, at its heart, is a moment of collective reverence. The Celebrity Traitors may have exaggerated it for television, but their wardrobe choices quietly reminded us of something timeless: that what we wear still speaks volumes, even when words fail us.