Fashion advice needed, please!

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!

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.

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

I wore trousers to my elder daughter's wedding!

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 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.

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!!!!!

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.

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

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'. )

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

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

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!

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!

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 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!

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 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'