If you’ve ever been on a hen party, you’ll know that they are outrageously fun… but the lead up to them? Not so much.
Whether you’re the bride-to-be and navigating 100 wedding-related decisions a day and worrying exactly what’s planned for you, or you’re going to a spring wedding and desperately hoping everyone in the group chat will finally agree to the plans (not to mention the costs) of said hen do, the weeks beforehand can be stressful.
And that’s without considering what to actually wear for the final fling before the ring. When it comes to hen parties there’s unfortunately no set style formula, because whilst one bride’s dream hen is partying in a nightclub until closing time, another’s might be a ladylike afternoon tea.
Without a one-size-fits-all look to throw on at the last minute, it might feel like your hen do ‘fit is just another thing to worry about. But luckily for future brides and guests alike, I have compiled what to wear for every type of hen party.
Whether it’s a few days away in a far-flung sunny destination, a spa trip or a bottomless brunch, let me alleviate the last-minute panic of working out what to wear – or even worse, what hen party outfits to hurriedly pack into your carry on.
These are the most stylish hen party outfits to buy now, before wedding season fun kicks off.
Hen party outfit ideas for any kind of do
Afternoon tea
If you’re a guest to a high tea hen and feeling out of your fashion depth, fortunately, there are a host of tea dresses that will have you looking like you often frequent fancy hotels for 3pm tea.
Take a look at Ro & Zo for stylish but affordable frocks, with lots of bold, fun designs that are perfect for a girly afternoon of celebrating the bride to be.
If you’re the bride and are going to a traditional afternoon tea for your hen do, a classic look is fitting. It’s the perfect time to not-so-subtly wear a bridal-inspired look – after all, you want to make sure everyone knows who the guest of honour is.
A white lace dress is the perfect pre-wedding celebration dress but choose a style with a modern twist.
For something less busy, a classic a-line dress with puff sleeves is giving all the bride-to-be vibes – just add hen-do ready heels.
Night on the town hen do outifts
Getting married isn’t a deathblow to wild nights out, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spend your hen do acting like it might be your last.
So, if your bridesmaids are planning a night of tearing up the dance floor – whether it’s in Blighty or abroad - it only makes sense to dress like the disco queen you are: in head-to-toe sequins.
You’ll be sure to be the centre of attention (as it should be) in a white sequin mini dress paired with some major platform heels for maximum effect.
If you’d prefer not to have your legs out, why not style an embellished crop top with a pair of wide leg trousers for a look that has bride-to-be written all over it.
And since it’s good manners to ensure all eyes are on the bride for her hen do, as a guest, a stylish LBD is the perfect choice for a celebratory night out on the town.
Try a classic slip style for a stylish but pared back look.
What outfits to take with you on a holiday hen do
If you’re lucky enough to be heading somewhere sunny for a hen – whether it’s your own or as a guest – you’d better make sure you have the looks for it.
Hopefully you would have had ample warning to prepare, but even if you haven’t, don’t panic – the two main things you need to throw into your carry-on are:
1. A seriously stylish swimsuit (see our edit of the best swimsuits to shop for the season). As a guest, staying away from anything white is always a safe bet – so instead opt for a colourful swimsuit.
2. A chic summer dress that can do double duty for day and night (shop our guide to the best dresses around). It’s the perfect addition to throw on over your swimsuit in the day or on its own for a day of sunny sightseeing, but works equally well when the hen do continues into the evening.
Brides, a white swimsuit might seem like a cliché option but it’s a classic for a reason.
Add a maxi dress that can be worn pared back with flats in the day, or dressed up with heels and jewellery at night.
How to dress for a hen do on a spa break
A relaxing spa weekend might be just what a bride needs after all the stress of planning the big day (and ditto for the bridesmaids after planning the hen do). Plus, it’s the ideal opportunity to spend quality time with those closest to you.
Whilst it may not be the kind of weekend that requires numerous outfit changes, you still want to look stylish whilst being pampered.
Don’t forget to pack some stylish silk PJ’s. Perfect for lounging around in, they can even double up as a dinner outfit – tuck the shirt in and add some black heels.
As a guest, it can be tricky to know what to pack for a weekend of R&R. I’d suggest opting for some on-trend loungewear or printed PJ’s to be comfortable but still look stylish for the endless amount of photos that will inevitably be taken.
Bottomless brunch hen do outfit ideas
A bottomless brunch is the perfect kick off to a hen do – and will inevitably be followed by an activity (cooking class, anyone?), bar hopping or mid-afternoon karaoke. Basically, it can end in any number of ways – and you need to be suitably dressed for all possibilities.
A co-ord is a stylish but effortless look for a bride-to-be’s final single brunch – and just that little bit cooler than a dress.
An off-white set is perfect for brunching and can be dressed up or down depending on the venue. It’s a subtle nod towards bridal style, but most importantly it’s a comfortable look for an eventful day. Add in a pair of block heels and you’ll be ready for wherever the day takes you – whether that’s dancing on tables or a flower arranging masterclass.
As a guest for a hen do brunch and beyond, why not opt for a jumpsuit? A relaxed linen jumpsuit can be paired with a blazer for a stylish look that won’t compete with the bride.
What to wear on a country weekend hen do
A hen do doesn’t have to be all about glamour and partying – sometimes a weekend escape with closest pals is what the bride really wants. And in this case, dressing for the hen do is all about elevated basics – think jeans, tees and a stylish jumper.
As a bride, it’s the kind of weekend where it might be a bit hard to stand out from the crowd – but it’s most likely that the laid back vibe is exactly why your besties have planned this kind of hen for you.
An off-white, tonal look is an effortless way to mark your special weekend (even if it’s not the most practical). A luxe jumper, off-white jeans and even matching wellingtons (yes, really) will have you channeling your inner bride in the most stylish way.
And if you’re countryside bound as a guest at a hen do, you may want to consider packing some hiking boots – yes, even if it’s in the height of summer. For muddy country walks to pub lunches, these stylish boots are made for outdoorsy weekends; add in a pair of skinny jeans that can tuck into the boots, and a long-sleeved t-shirt, for easy countryside styling.
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