What to wear to a hen party
Nail the dress code for all hen do itineraries by following our style guide below.
If you've got a wedding in your calendar, chances are there's a hen do on the horizon too! Bigger than your standard girls night out, this occasion calls for friends and loved ones of the bride to bring their best looks. Cue the search for glitz, glamour and all-out style, our guide features everything you need for all hen party themes.
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Tips for choosing hen party outfits:
1. Understand the theme
Make sure to stick to the dress code. Are you all wearing fancy dress? Or perhaps co-ordinated colours? Sticking to the theme for your hen do outfit will make for picture-perfect group shots.
2. Wear something comfortable
You’ll likely be on your feet dancing and walking between venues all day, so pick a hen party outfit that feels as good as it looks. Think breathable fabrics and low heels that let you move with ease.
3. Embrace the event!
- Match your hen do outfit to the activity — a glam dress for a night out, jeans and a nice top for a brunch or a stylish swimming costume for a spa weekend. Dressing appropriately will help make sure that you’re not overdressing or underdressing for the party.
What to wear to a hen party as a guest?
Unless it’s specified on the invitation, there is no strict dress code for a hen party. Opt for an outfit that feels celebration-ready while keeping you comfortable for the planned activities. However, avoid wearing white unless it’s part of the theme — you don’t want to upstage the bride!
Key trends and tips for hen do guest outfits:
Theme cohesion: Be sure to match the vibe of the party. Whether it’s disco cowgirl, coastal chic or wearing all pink.
Versatility: From day plans to the dancefloor, choose an outfit that’ll see you through both.
Venue specific: Beach club? Go breezy and bold. City break? Elevated but comfortable. Dress for the setting so you’re stylish and practical.
Outfits to avoid: White (let the bride have her moment!), painful heels and anything that ignores the theme. When in doubt, consult the group chat.
What does the bride wear for the hen party?
Designed to steal the spotlight at the party, the bride is usually distinguishable from the group by a bridal-inspired look. This is often centred around the colour white and finished with recognisable hen party accessories such as a veil, sash or bride-to-be headpiece. Common hen party outfit options for the bride can include:
A white mini dress.
A sequin dress.
A white blazer dress.
A white tailored co-ord.
What to wear for a hen do during the day
Your perfect hen do outfit will depend on the location, activities and the weather. A city break filled with brunch, sightseeing and bar-hopping calls for flattering and functional styles. Luckily, our new collection with Perrie’s Primark Picks tick both of these boxes. The sought-after styles? Our tailored waistcoats and denim. Effortless, smart-casual styles that can be easily dressed up or down for multiple hen do agendas.
Key daytime hen do outfit ideas:
City break: Opt for a smart-casual jeans-and-a-nice-top outfit. This will keep you comfortable and stylish as you explore from day to night.
Casual/active day: Look to functional sportswear clothing and shoes that align with the activities you’ll be participating in.
Brunch: Reach for a sleek co-ord or dress. A look that feels photo-ready while still allowing you to sit, eat and socialise with ease.
What to wear on a hen do at night
If you’re going to a nightclub or a bar, a sleek jumpsuit or bodycon dress is made for stealing the spotlight on the karaoke stage. You can’t go wrong with wearing one of our mini dresses either. Alternatively, you can base your hen night outfit on the following venues:
Cocktail bar: Think tailored mini skirts or wide-leg trousers with a cute top, finished with strappy heels and a clutch bag. Elevated, but effortless.
Dinner and drinks: Cute and comfortable. A silky midi skirt teamed with a blazer always creates a winning look. Complete with heels or flat shoes, and voila!
Karaoke/dancing: Reach for a mini dress or jeans and a nice top, along with shoes that you can freely move in. Sparkles are heavily encouraged.
How should I dress for an action-packed hen weekend?
Spa day: Pack comfortable women’s swimwear like a bikini or swimsuit to create a head-turning look in and out of the pool.
Sports: Functional womens gym wear such as breathable T-shirts, squat-proof leggings and sweatshirts are key. Don’t forget to reach for some cushioned trainers for extra support too!
Pilates: Go for fitted, stretchy Pilates clothing that moves with you — a sports bra or crop top with high-waisted leggings or shorts works best. Finish with grip socks if needed!
Themed hen do outfit ideas:
Disney marathon
Does the ‘nearlywed’ have a beloved Disney film? A character-themed party is the perfect way to bring a personal touch to the celebration. Wearing a Disney Princess-inspired dress is a no-brainer, but you can also go playful with Toy Story pyjamas or Disney Stitch clothing for a fun, unexpected twist.
Cowboy
Round up the bride squad and get ready to embrace your wild side! Cowboy-themed hen dos are earning all the hype right now, and we’re obsessed. From cowboy hats to cowboy boots and studded belts, you and the girls can rock a western-chic outfit that you can re-wear for festivals and throughout summer.
Pyjama party
Hen party pamper session? Matching pyjamas are a MUST. Designed in a super-smooth, silky fabric our ‘Team Bride’ boyfriend pyjamas deliver the perfect photo-ready nightwear attire for you and the whole crew. Don’t forget to pick up the matching ‘Bride’ option too! They’re yours for just £15 each. Don’t miss out!
Bridesmaids the Movie watch party
Name a better movie to watch on your hen do than this… We’ll wait. Much like the main characters in the 2011 comedy, round up your crew and celebrate in style with our new-in Bridesmaids the Movie clothes and accessories.
Festival vibes
Forget having a party, why not host a mini festival for your bride-to-be instead? Blend boho vibes with bridal touches by wearing an embellished mini dress, crochet top and fringe jacket. This theme is perfect for laid-back brides that still want to make a statement. Don’t forget to sort the music and snacks too!
FAQs
What to wear to a hen do when pregnant?
- Comfortable and stylish, elevated maternity clothes are a great option for pregnant ladies with a hen do pending! A floaty midi dress or co-ord set is perfect for daytime events, while a bodycon or wrap dress with a blazer works well for the evening. Stick to comfy footwear like flats or block heels and finish with statement accessories for an effortless, bump-friendly look!
What should the bride wear on a hen do?
- The bride’s hen do outfit should make her stand out while matching the vibe of the celebration. Classy styles for the bride can include a white mini dress or co-ord for a chic, elegant look. Fun extras like a veil, sash, or statement accessories add the perfect finishing touch.
For more outfit ideas, read our bridal checklist.
Can I wear white to a hen do?
- Traditionally, white is reserved for the bride at a hen do. Be sure to check with her or the organiser before wearing it. If the dress code allows, you can opt for white in a way that doesn’t outshine the bride, like a white printed top or handbag.
Should my hen do outfit match the hen party sash?
- It’s completely up to you! Traditional hen do outfits match the sash, but it’s not a requirement. You can either coordinate the sash with your outfit or go for a contrasting look that lets the sash stand out.
Can you wear trainers to a hen do?
- Absolutely! Trainers can be worn on a hen do. They can be a practical choice for dancing the night away or walking between venues. Just make sure they suit the theme or location of the hen do.
Can you wear black to a hen do?
- Yes, you can wear a black hen do outfit. While some may associate black with more formal events, the colour offers a chic and stylish option for both daytime and nighttime celebrations. Be sure to check with the maid of honour or hen do organiser if you’re unsure.
Can you wear jeans to a hen party?
- Jeans can be a great choice for a hen party. Style them with a cute top or graphic hen party T-shirts to elevate the look. Check with the bride or organiser to make sure they work with the overall dress code or theme of the party.