There’s no standard hen party anymore — and, they’re not all about alcohol and clubbing as some people might think when they hear ‘hen do’! Instead, it’s all about celebrating the bride-to-be as she surrounds herself with her closest friends and bridesmaids.
The hen party usually involves something that the bride enjoys — so, whether this is a spa day, afternoon tea or a night of dancing: what should you be wearing?
Spa days
If you and the girls are heading on a relaxing spa day, you still want to look stylish for the photographs while wearing something comfortable for lazing around the pool.
A spa day is ideal for sipping bubbly, dipping in and out of the hot tub and gossiping in the sauna — an all-round winner for a girly day out. But when you pop out of the jacuzzi, you want to dry off quickly — so a bathrobe is essential. Why not order all the girls matching robes with ‘bride’ and ‘hen’ on the back — perfect for that Instagram post by the pool!
Now, it’s time to decide on swimwear. A full swimsuit is usually more acceptable in a spa rather than a bikini you’d wear to the beach — but put on what you feel most comfortable in. If you’re going to be lying by the pool all day, you want something that you feel comfy both in and out of the water. Don’t hesitate in wearing a swimsuit with a pop of colour or embellishment, like frills. You’re at a party after all! And make sure you pack your fluffy sliders and flip-flops for the perfect base to any spa pool outfit.
Spa lunches and evening drinks are always popular, so consider what you’re going to wear to these, too. Luxury spas sometimes have a certain dress code you should bear in mind — so keep it classy and understated. Peplum tops and skinny-sit trousers look gorgeous for lunch dates and evening get-togethers or why not opt for a stripe, culotte jumpsuit with a belt and pair of suede, ankle-wrap sandals? Finish with a tote bag or quilted clutch and be prepared for all eventualities at your hen spa weekend.
Partying
A hen do is the perfect excuse to take your girls’ nights out to the next level! No matter where you go, you’ll want to look sensational on a hen do night out. So, plan your outfit ahead of schedule.
In SS18, styles that reflect the amazing trends of the 1980s are in. Go for high-waisted shorts and a square-shoulder satin blouse or try a ruched velvet dress with huge hoops and a chunky necklace. Fusing different, bold shades in one look is also a top trend from recent global fashion shows, but don’t forget that asymmetric cuts, figure-hugging fabrics and bare shoulders are also ideal for the party look. Go for an off-the-shoulder bodycon that emphasise your curves and match with statement jewellery and killer heels to lengthen your legs.
During-the-day cocktails
It’s daytime, but this is a very special occasion and you still want to look dressed up. So, what can you do?
If this is the chilled event before the big night time event, then you need a look that takes you from am to pm without the need of a costume change. Think skinny leather jeans with mid-heel boots and a shimmery, metallic-embellished cami with a subtle diamante head chain, or pull on a high-waisted print skirt and match with a crop top or bodysuit and strappy heels.
You can even pull on a glamourous, bare-shoulder shift dress with cute pumps and a neutral kimono for cocktails, then simply switch to stilettos, throw on statement jewellery and roll-up your kimono so it fits in your envelope bag for the night!
Afternoon tea
Perhaps your soon-to-be-bride is a no-fuss kind of girl and wants all her nearest and dearest to attend a fun — but sophisticated — afternoon tea for her hen do. If so, make sure all the girls put the same amount of outfit-prep effort in as they would for a big night out by investing in chic occasion dresses. Think elegant and fun — bold floral prints, pastel colours, and stylish hem and necklines evoke the perfect air of old-time glamour.
Frill-front dresses in a baby pink, subtle peach, soft lemon, or powder blue shade will look ideal for an afternoon tea hen do. Wrap-round and Bardot styles will also ooze sophistication and offer figure-flattering outlines, or you can go for simple but effective chic in a midi or maxi dress with a shot chiffon jacket in a complementary shade. We recommend dressing up your look with simple jewellery, a clutch bag and low-heel court shoes — dressed to impress but comfortable enough for a few hours of food and drinks.
Girly nights in
Everyone loves a girls’ night in — perhaps even as much as a night out. If you’re celebrating your hen do indoors with your best friends, then make sure comfort is your priority.
Why not embrace the athleisure trend that’s taking the world by storm right now — spearheaded by celebrity fashionistas like Rihanna? Pair a pair of skinny joggers with a casual crop top and over-sized jacket or go for leggings and high-top trainers with a slouch sweater and headscarf for a contemporary, urban look.
A cute pair of shorts or even an on-trend skort with a block-colour cami or plain tee would also get the balance between style and comfort right at a night-in hen do. And if you’re wondering about footwear, we say go for sandals, flats or espadrilles.
Dressing for hen parties can be simple. Keep these hen do style tips in mind and make sure you pack the right outfits ahead of your next hen experience!
*Collaborative post.
What excellent ideas. I find hen parties a nightmare to dress for, especially if you don’t know what the plan is!
I agree Tara.
Lovely tips, I’m sure it will be very helpful for many girls. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Kate.
Some of the amazing tips very girl would love to know about.
Thank you.
I love girly nights in. They are so much fun! And your tips are so fun and would work great for the situations you have created.
Thanks 😊
I love this! I have never been to a hen do but often have girly nights which your outfits also seem to be perfect for!
Glad you do 😊
This is a lovely post. I like all the various outfits you showcased there is something for every one here!
Thank you.
Girl time is always my favorite! I enjoy partying with my girl friends and have sleepovers and stuff and yes, we all are usually warry of what we wear. Even though, your tips do come in handy as much as you are looking so lovely!
Thanks hun xx
Now these are great ideas for hen parties, dressing up for these parties used to blow my mind over. You look great in these outfits
Thanks a lot.
We absolutely love your sense of Style and fashion! We are terrible when deciding what to wear where
Thanks a lot.
This was pretty interesting read! Never knew about hen parties but now I do. Sounds fun and like a very good time depending on the activity.
Glad you like the post 😊
Well, that’s a very handy style guide for a hen night! I love skirt/shorts (I refuse to call them skort – what an awful name, who came up with that?!). The grace of a skirt with the freedom of trousers!
I love the skirt/shorts too!
These look awesome! I love your suggestions! These days I don’t go out so much cause of the baby but later I am game!
Glad you do 😊
You have a lot of great styles and looks. And I am sure you look great at any hen party you would go to. 😉
Thanks a lot.
Such great looks and options here, dear! I usually find a little black dress or a simple outfit like black pants, white shirt can be very easy to wear in multiple occasions~
Glad you like the post. Thanks for reading.
Love all of the different style advice you gave! Such cute looks too!
Thanks Kim.