I’ve been invited to a morning wedding with a “beach semi-formal” dress code. It’s literally on a beach, and guests (including my toddler/kindergarten offspring) are supposed to stay on the beach and picnic/play for 3 hours afterwards. The average temperature range is 15-23°C and typically overcast, so it could be quite chilly. The water will be too cold for swimming, but paddling might be doable.

The couple’s put together a Pinterest board to explain what they mean by “beach semi formal”, which is strappy ruffled floral midis for women and linen suits for men. My own aesthetic leans more menswear or COS, which tend to need proper tailoring or statement accessories for glamor, which I’m struggling to reconcile with hanging out on a cold beach with little kids for a few hours.

Please help me think this through:

• Is a tailored linen suit I can roll the trousers legs up on and a windbreaker/sweater for after my best choice?

• Is there any way I can wear a linen or cupro dress that will still look fancy enough? (say https://www.birgittahelmersson.com/products/zero-waste-pdf-pattern-gather-dress or https://sewhouse7.com/products/the-tea-house-top-and-dress, but I’m not sure what I’d layer over the latter for warmth.)

• I own navy linen palazzo pants and a lace trimmed white sleeveless collared shirt. Is there any easier-to-match alternative to a blazer that could make this register as a suit?

• Alternatively, if I make a matching linen halter top for the palazzo pants so it looks like a fancy jumpsuit, what could I layer over it?

• The wedding couple have invited guests to dress in the wedding’s theme colors, literally none of which I have. Is this a typical request? Do people actually do this? I’m family, so presumably in some photos, but not in the wedding party.

• Any other outfit I should be considering? Long sleeve jumpsuit or sweater dress or…?

I am attending a “beach formal” wedding in Cancun in April - I don’t understand what the dress code means.

I assume a long dress - but like in a fun print? Wedge heeled sandals? For my husband I was thinking a cotton button down shirt and tan slacks?

I’m also usually a size 16 or 18 so I am limited in what stores/brands/websites carry clothes in my size.

Any direction/links would be helpful!

Also PS I’m so tired of shopping for dresses, every wedding I attend has a new dress code and I have to go spelunking for a dress. I am one wedding away from buying a pant suit. 😂