I normally live in trousers and I do not attend any social occasions. However, in August the first of my ten grandchildren to get married ties the know it Kent. I have found a lovely trouser suit with a long-line jacket in a silky fabric, in a very pale green (eau de nil?) I had put it away several years ago because it is size 14 and I thought I would never fit into it again. I have lost 2 stone since I moved here and started energetic walking every day, and it now fits perfectly.
I was planning to wear it with a beaded cream top, but a friend on Facebook has sent me a pm to say she has never seen anyone wearing a trouser suit at a formal even in the UK for years.
My family accept that I am a little eccentric, and I will only be the groom's Nan - the suit is unworn - one of those buys you think you can squeeze into and then notice how unflattering it is to your wide bottom! Now is hangs beautifully and feels really comfortable.
The wedding is going to be formal, with the men in tails, numerous bridesmaids (including the couple's own two little girls) and it is being held at a very swanky hotel/spa in St. Margaret's Bay, Kent.
My daughter in NZ thinks the suit will be fine, but I wonder if anybody has any advice for me.

I think it sounds absolutely perfect Greatnan. Try it on, put a pic up and we'll give you some honest advice.!!!...however, I now exactly how you would answer this: 'If you feel good in it, wear it'

The only time I didn't wear a trouser suit of some sort was when I went to the Palace for DH's award!

Otherwise, it's trousers all the way for me, and I do go to lots of "functions" , many public, formal and otherwise. I would have absolutely NO hesitation about wearing what sounds like a lovely outfit, Greatnan And a hat, if you wish to, is also acceptable with a trouser suit.

I only own one day type frock, and am not sure whether I have a skirt somewhere or not.

Am just counting how many pairs of black trousers I have...oh dear!

I am very envious as I am looking for something unusual for DD's wedding in August- either long or trousers and your outfit sounds perfect. I have seen loads of women in trousers at smart weddings - I wore a crushed (deliberately!) metallic linen coat and trousers myself at eldest DD's wedding 3 years ago. Your outfit sounds absolutely lovely. Go for it!

Greatnan my sister wore 'trouser suits' to both daughters' weddings. One was a soft pink which she teamed with a beaded top in very dramatic shades of purple and navy with a matching beaded bag. She looked amazing!
The only suggestion I would make is to go for a (beaded) top in shades of greens and blues (deep 'sea colours') I think cream is too pale with a soft green ( and too traditional for a self-confessed eccentric Granny!!!) xxx

I agree with all the above comments. I don't know what sort of formal events your friend was thinking of, Greatnan, (unless it was a Ball!), but certainly a smart trouser suit will be absolutely fine at your grandchild's wedding. Go for it!

I agree with Ariadne and gracesmum, Greatnan - I bet you will look a million dollars and if you wanted to dress it up for the ceremony you could wear a hat or a fascinator but I bet it doesn't need that. Trousers are so much more comfortable than skirts and dresses and I think we have earned the right to be comfortable!

Wear it! Since when were you concerned with convention, greatnan ?

I have worn trousers to a ball too - admittedly very pretty silk ones. Wonder where they are???

I also have a wedding coming up soon (mother of the groom) and will be wearing silk trousers, that crop at the ankle with a hard to describe top - but I am assured that 'it works'!

I loved wearing trouser suits before my weight bloomed, I wore one for my brother-in-law's wedding. Go for it Greatnan; you're slim enough to carry it off and will feel both comfortable and elegant.
I have two weddings this year; as the mother of a bride and a groom! The latter hasn't actually proposed yet, but he's had a chat with his mummy and dad, asked her mum for permission and it's full steam ahead with wedding preparations. (Hope she says 'yes'. )

Friend obviously moving in royal circles. Sounds like a great outfit to me.

Greatnan I love the description of your trouser suit. Silk is a beautiful fabric and the colour very flattering. Be bold. Wear it with panache. And treat yourself to a stunning hat.

Agree that there is no problem with a trouser suit if it makes you feel a million dollars. Try out some different colours for tops, as suggested.

When I recently needed a 'posh' outfit I booked a session at John Lewis with a Fashion Advisor (it's free and no obligation). Best thing I could have done, had a wonderful time feeling pampered and she had lots of suggestions for things I wouldn't normally have tried. I'm thrilled with the outfit I've bought and I look a lot better than I would have believed I ever could!!!!!

I am so glad I posted my question - you have put my mind at rest. I am not in the least worried about my appearance usually, but my grandson's fiancee is very conventional and as it is her day I wouldn't want to embarrass her.
Oddly enough, my friend does not move in exalted circles at all but she is also very conventional. She is not the friend who is a gransnetter (she is as unconventional as they come, although she always looks very smart when we go out to a posh restaurant).
I won't be wearing any make-up but I have a permanent slight tan because I spend so much time out of doors. My hair is white and I now keep it quite short and it is naturally wavy. I will be treating myself to my bi-annual trip to the hairdressers before I go to England.
I will be taking my camera and will get someone to photograph me, but I have had no luck in loading photos on this site since I got back from Thailand - I think it was that shot of me on the elephant that did it. I will be posting photos on Facebook, though, so if anyone is interested I will send them my FB details in a pm.
There are at least two more weddings on the cards in the next few years, so I will buy a nice hat and keep it for all of them.

Ah well this wont please I think trouser suits look horrible at formal weddings unless on men and the worst style crime of all is to wear a hat with them! By a nice dress and jacket or coat - lots of them about. think how elegant Mrs Middleton looked.

I wore trousers to my elder daughter's wedding!

Thank you, susie, I think you are wrong. I am not buying an outfit I don't need just for one day.

Greatnan The secret of dressing well for any occasion, is to wear a garment that fits, flatters and is comfortable. As you have the very outfit in your wardrobe, wear with confidence.

Greatnan, I too am wearing trousers to a family wedding. I tried on dresses but felt so awkward in them-just not me. Fashion today is not kind to my size 16 rather heavy busted figure - tend to look like a large bloke in drag. Also dodgey ankles and nasty veins mean trousers are much better for me nowadays. Luckily it is to a smallish wedding (55ish guests at a country house hotel venue). I did have a 'exploratory, do you mind if' conversation with the bride before hand and she was quite ok letting me know her favourite aunt will also be in trousers. I'm in an odd situation because I'm sort of step Mum to the groom (his own mother has died) so although I am playing no real part I shall be in photos etc so wanted to make an effort as to outfit. The outfit I've chosen is mid navy blue and cream linen, the jacket it loose cut and of a very beautiful design so I feel its dressy enough. When I tried it on I instantly felt right, unlike the dresses I had tried on I felt elegant (even if I did not look it).
I think as long as you are not breaking any 'codes' the bride might have then you should always be true to yourself. Just be the smartest version of 'you' not look like you are wearing a costume. Yes Mrs Middleton looked lovely but she had money and an enviable figure with the legs of a 20 year old!

It sounds perfect Greatnan. I have lots of wedding photos with guests wearing beautiful lightweight trouser suits and looking fabulous, especially because of comfort and avoidance of high heels, which can wear you out after being on show all day.

My DD and I both wore trouser suits to the palace, as did 75% of the other women there that day.
I wore a cream silk/chiffon trouser suit when DS got married and I had so many compliments. My DIL wore scarlet and gold so my outfit was in no way bridal looking.
Go for it Greatnan you will look fabulous

Exactly, Harrigran!

Ah, Shoes! The only decent ones I have are black patent with 1" heels - an impusle buy and never worn. I don't think I could wear anything higher these days. Shall I go for some smart cream leather flatties, or wedges? And do I need a matching handbag?

Some of you might have got the impression from some of my posts that I am a right 'know-it-all' - so now you know there is at least one subject about which I know absolutely nothing! (As well as cooking, gardening, botany, embroidery.......'

Greatnan Cream or ecru wedges offer a little lift together with stability. A small, neat handbag with a thin chain for hanging over the wrist (keep hands free for greeting and ) ...you, my dear, will look amazing.

Great,that sounds just right, and not too expensive! I am going to Manchester next month to bring my sister back to France for a holiday, so I will go shopping with her. She is also going to the wedding of her great-nephew and we can pootle round the Trafford Centre and have lunch together.

Greatnan, although I loathe wedges I have bought some nearly wedges to wear under my trouser suit as I felt I needed just a bit of height. I trawled through the web and found some lovely Gabor semi wedge sandals (I cant wear pop socks because of the veins so thought I'd have some nice sandals and show off my, still decent, toes!). The thickish sole and sturdy heel make me feel quite stable but do look elegant under the trousers. I'd just try on as many different styles as you can and go for what you feel right in. Good luck!

Definitely don't match shoes with handbag - very Margaret Thatcher!!!

Quite right susiecb...in fact think some folks use it as a chance to throw another colour into the mix just for fun!

When DS1 got married I wore embroidered silk jacket with silk trousers and had my shoes dyed to match.

People don't seem to do matching handbags and shoes now but you could get an absolutely stunning and darling bag - and that with your tanned, healthy look will mean that no-one looks at your shoes which can therefore be the comfiest you can find in a shade that roughly matches.

My father is in his late 70's - ardent rambler and always slightly tanned. Nobody believes he is the age he is and you will find that people will be more interested in querying yours

Your outfit sounds lovely and perfectly acceptable, particularly as the jacket is long-line.

A few years' ago I attended a formal wedding at The Church of The Immaculate Conception in Farm Street, Mayfair and both the mothers, of the bride and the groom, were in elegant trouser suits.

This is my first time on Gransnet and only my second post so Greatnan all I can go on is your previous posts about your lovely trouser suit and you certainly don't sound like a "know it all", as long as you feel comfortable and it feels "right" then go for it and have a lovely time.

Greatnan...I agree with not having "matchy matchy" accessories. If your shoes are neutral [not white] you will appear taller. I would go for a very chic smallish bag in an eye-opening colour...beaded would look good, or embroidered. Accessorize may have some worth looking at. Wish I could join you. Sounds fun

Greanan I have been to several weddings un the last two years and there were several trouser suits, it will be perfect.I agree with the small eye catching bag, matchy matchy is a no-no nowadays.

greatgran

Agree with oldgreymare about the colour of your top. Cream and eau de nil are not a good combo. Too wishy washy, and can sometimes look cheap.

Yes, matchy matchy is very old fashioned, but you cannot have BOTH your shoes AND your handbag a different colour from your outfit.
One of those has to be the same colour as outfit.

I have a silver top as well as a heavily beaded cream one - would silver be too light to go with the suit? I can't think of any strong colour that would go with eau de nil.

Greatnan silver may work very well. I'm also thinking along the lines of deep rose...also, for my son's wedding, I used a silver antique purse on a fine chain. So different. I would love to lend it to you. It's been wrapped in tissue and doing nothing very special for three years. I think it's to be seen on the wedding photo that I uploaded. I'll take a look.

I think silver would be good. I was wondering about silver before you posted.

What a lovely offer,Soop. I am trying to see your photos but when I click on your pink bar nothing happens. Am I doing something wrong?

I've looked. Yes it would look good.

Greatnan photo showing bag [finely knitted silver] is on photos. On the day, I had a sprig of Freesias with a wee magnet attachment...looked lovely on the bag, not on the lapel. More I think about it...I'm thinking - silver.

Greatnan click over Soop...I've just done the photo for you.

....yes that's nice....(Soop and bag)! and if you've got time have a look at Next website for small bags/occasionwear for more ideas...M&S good too.Hey this is much more fun dressing someone else!

Isn't it just - Grannylin? I'm having to disappear shortly. I'll be back for update on Greatnan's special outfit tomorrow.

I loved your photos, Soop! How elegant you are in that goregous deep purple outfit. What was the occasion?
I am now more or less decided on wearing my suit with my silver top, cream/ochre sandals with a small wedge, and a silver handbag. I think my sister has just such a handbag or I could trawl her local charity shops. If all else fails, I will call upon Soop's generous offer, but I don't want to put her to all the trouble of packing and posting if I can find one myself.
I used to love wearing hats when I used contact lenses, but I am not sure they go so well with glasses. I might give the hat a miss.

The trouser suit sounds lovely and perfectly appropriate. Might not wear a hat with it though. Perhaps a fascinator?

A fascinator! Oh yes! Perhaps to match the suit? Or even silver again? But might not show against your hair if it's the same colour as mine!

It's the only time I wear a dress - to a wedding. Then various people make remarks 'oh you do have legs!' - haven't worn a trouser suit for decades. With my short hair I'd worry about looking like an elderly gent too. Though I do wear smart trousers and dressy tops. However, at a wedding, dress and fascinator it is - I used to think the latter was stupid. However, we were invited to an extremely posh wedding where some sort of hat was de rigieur . Hats don't suit but a fascinator did and I have found a couple of really nice ones.

Trouser suit will be great- but perhaps the black patent shoes would be too stark a contrast. A cream pair of sandals would look much better I feel.
Hope you have a wonderful time.

Greatnan your outfit sounds lovely. Am looking forward to seeing the photos. I don't do skirts or dresses, too tall so often they look indecent and can't walk in heels. Have been to several family weddings in trousers and had compliments! I echo what others have said, if you feel comfortable you will look wonderful.

I wore a silver/pewter trouser suit - jacket was wrap around and quite fitted -to DD3's wedding and matched it with dark turquoise accessories and silver shoes. I felt comfortable all day and looked good. Absolutely nothing wrong with wearing trousers to a wedding - after all, in these parts, men wear 'skirts' to weddings!! Go for it Greatnan and post the photos afterwards.

I don't think I am likely to be taken for a man - especially in a silky pale green suit!
I will have another try at posting photos but when I click on 'send' nothing happens.
You have all been most helpful and I am really looking forward to the wedding - my GD- in -law- to- be is a lovely girl, very capable and a great mother. She has sorted out my GS and looks after all their money matters - she won't let him get into any debt and has kept him in line ever since they met when they were just teenagers. Funny really, he is a big, strapping 6' 2", and she is a slip of a girl. He adores her.

Greatnan Good morning...lovely to be back after a good, bracing walk. Will you please Pm your address. The wee silver bag is itching to go on a special outing.

Many thanks, Soop - we have now exchanged pm'.

Greatnan

greatnan Yours suit sounds amazing and it will look really good with silver specially with your colouring.

I wore a trouser suit to my youngest sons wedding and I wore it to my husbands funeral - well he had been with me when I bought it and liked it. Your ts sounds simply lovely particularly colour-wise.

Greatnan I have a 'fascinator' bought second hand in a shop in Tetbury so I've always called it 'Camilla's cast-off'. On a headband, mostly black feathers with 3 or 4 in a sort of turquoise... but then you would have to wear black patent sandals, I suppose. My friend's Dad calls them illuminators!
Do you have someone who could tiddle around with some feathers in the same colours as your outfit with some silver added?

P.S. sorry can't post a picture!

Funny you should mention that, OGM, one of the ladies at my sister's women's group makes them as a hobby. I am sure she will be able to make me one in an appropriate colour.

I'd love to know where all these lovely glamorous trouser suits were bought from as I too always wear trousers, even for dressed up occasions! I usually end up in black trousers with a dressy top, depending on the event of course. Where do I look for silky summery pretty ones?

gagagran Do you have any shops near to you which sells "Nearly New" here on The Wirral we have a lovely shop in West Kirby which sell just that and you can find some beautiful trouser suits in all kinds of materials they are bought for ladies who like to update their cruise wardrobe etc you can also find extra special types of bags and scarf's at this kind of shop,also browse in mother of the bride rails and you will be pleasently surprised.In the "Nearly New " shop you can find originals for a third of the price.

The only time I didn't wear trousers to a wedding was when my son got married and for religious reasons they weren't allowed. I have a black satin evening suit, a black chiffon, beaded one but my favourite outfit is palazzo trousers with a matching top in mauve chiffon with an long embroidered chiffon coat and scarf. The effect is rather Asian. I have worn it more than any other outfit. In case you are wondering, the evening dress from my sons wedding has just gone to a charity shop and was never worn again.
The green suit sounds wonderful - dare to be different.

My trouser suit is by Alexon, but I have had wonderful designer clothes from Dress Agencies, which is the posh name for second-hand clothes shops. The more upmarket your town, the better the dress agencies will be.
They are not as cheap as charity shops, but you can find dresses that have been worn only once because women in a certain social circle cannot be seen twice in the same dress!

I have been getting an advert on my Facebook page from Zalando, which shows dozens and dozens of very pretty dresses, etc. I don't know where they are based, but I presume you can order on-line.

I've bought shoes for OH from them, Greatnan (online), and was very pleased with the service.

greatnan
Please, please do not wear a fascinator. I do not know you but you really do not sound the type!
In any case, as you said, you wear glasses.
From the way you described your hair, you could sweep one side back with a decorative comb.

No, johanna, you don't know me! I don't know what type you think would wear a fascinator but I am actually quite feminine looking. My hair is not long enough to hold a slide. You can see a reasonable photo on my profile.

Whow,
What a silly reply.
I had read up thread that you are the eccentric , independent type.
That is why I thought a fascinator would not be suitable. Just something more personal to you.
Pffffft wish i had not said anything now.

Love the sound of your trouser suit Greatnan and I think a fascinator with the same colours would look lovely with it.

I'm sure Johnanna didn't mean to imply you weren't feminine-looking, Greatnan.

Greatnan - continental fashion is different. When DD2 got married in the beautiful Heidelberg Town Hall (Civil ceremony) we were living in Manchester, back in the Uk for 5 years. I looked in the 'Mother of the bride' department and became desperate. The bride was marrying in a sleaveless multicoloured dress, with a rasberry Shantung jacket with roses in her lovely thick black wavy hair.
The Bridegroom in white linen shirt, dark new jeans and a silver brocade waistcoat.
There was a distinctive 'arty' feel to the whole thing and what I was able to buy in the UK looked so frumpy.
What you have sounds perfect and you needn't wear a hat. Being tall I would have looked better and felt better in linen trousers.

Thank you, expatmaggie.
Anagram - you are such a lovely peacemaker!
I did intend my response to Johanna to be light-hearted, but I forgot that smiley again. She does sometimes have a way of expressing herself that doesn't come over quite right but I am sure she has the best of intentions.

Maybe you could wear ... egg shell... coloured sandals Greatnan, lol.

Thank you, Greatnan, I think!
Perhaps English is not Johanna's first language? I find the way she expresses herself to be charming, but I do know (from experience!) that sometimes meanings don't come across on a forum as we'd intended them to!

Yes, I think you are right, Anagram, without body language and inflection things can come over quite differently from how we intend.

greatnan I don't agree with your feeling that because you wear glasses perhaps you shouldn't wear a hat. I love hats and wear them as often as I can. I also wear glasses and really don't think that it makes a scrap of difference. If you like hats - then wear one

Gagagran I got my floaty trouser suit from Condici, I have just googled them and unfortunately this season does not seem to feature them.

Does British Home Stores still exist - they used to have a wide range of hats?

Yes, they do Greatnan but I am not sure they do much in the way of hats now.

BHS as it is now known does still exist, Greatnan, but I was actually in our local store today and they definitely did not have a wide range of hats! They seem to have been taken over by the 'must appeal to the mass market' brigade, and in the process have lost their best customers.

I used to like going into specialist milliners, and trying on lots of hats, but there does not seem to be many around in England now.
I got married in 1959 in a navy and white print dress with a little navy bolero and a large white picture hat. I have had lots of hats over the years - I wonder where they all went - they hardly get worn out, do they?

There's a lovely hat shop in the Grassmarket in Edinburgh. DD2 took me straight to it when she met me off the train last time I was there. I tried on a lot of hats (everyday, functional ones; don't go in for the purely decorative kinds really) but it was the very first one I tried on that I bought.

I have a cotton 'baker boy' style sun hat, and a very warm knitted cap with a peak for the winter. Otherwise, all my hats have been lost along the way .
I did buy one smart hat in NZ on my last trip - a straw boater with a black petersham band and bow. My daughter was embarrassed by my weird sun hats, and I got the hat for £5 in a closing down sale. I don't waste money on clothes - I save it all for my travels!

Greatnan Pewter shoes would look elegant with your trouser suit.

I like that,Soop - I will look on-line for some.

My bridge partner is called Johanna- so Johanna are you German or Austrian?

Greatnan After so much posting and keeping the fashion conscious Gransnetters busy have you finally decided to keep your to linen outfit?

It's not linen, maggie, it is some silky type of fabric, fully lined, with a very long edge to edge jacket and straight-legged trousers which have a little mother of pearl buckle at the waist. It doesn't crease, which is important as I will be wearing it for both the afternoon wedding ceremony and the evening reception. It is very comfortable and now so many of you have kindly assured me that it will be appropriate, I am very glad that I asked and didn't waste money on a new outfit which I will probably not wear again. It is also light to go in my suitcase.
The top I am planning to wear is more pewter than silver, so it would go very well with pewter sandals with a very small wedge.

Hello expatmaggie
No, I am not German or Austrian.
I am from that little country right across the the sea: Holland.

Greatnan sussed.... pewtery-silver sounds great!
johanna hello, I'm from that little country across the border: Wales! ( Altho of very mixed heritage Welsh/English/Italian!)

Greatnan...that's you sorted. Your outfit sounds so right for the occasion.

Sounds good to me. Post a photo of yourself on the day!

greatnan So glad we have you sorted out all I've got to do now is sort out something to wear for best friends wedding in September and it must be that bit exrta special as mr.glamma is best man (he will Uncle Albert in tails) so I will have to start looking soon.

I have asked admin for help in posting photos and they are getting tech dept. on the job. (Er.....don't think that came out right!)

Greatnan It was a pleasure to view your photos. Beautiful lady and stunning scenery.