Is it just us, or are hen do outfits now just as big a deal as wedding dresses? In fact, there’s more of a focus than ever on the pre-big day celebrations – and the hen do dress codes that come with them, ofc.
I mean, we’re hardly complaining. An opportunity to get your glad rags on and party with your best friends for a whole weekend sounds like actual bliss. But we appreciate that RN, the idea of having another social occasion to dress for can seem a little daunting. Especially now it’s the trend to have a weekend (or even week-long) hen do, where numerous outfits will be required. We're talking swimsuits, satin pyjamas, party dresses, the lot.
One thing’s for sure, we’ve come a long way since the willy straws, feather boas and school girl outfits of old. A study conducted by a UK-based holiday company revealed that 85% of bridal parties would prefer a classy hen weekend over a tacky one. And us too, tbh.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have some serious fun with your hen do outfits. Oh no. Sequins, cowgirl hats, diamantés and cute personalised accessories are all on the agenda this wedding szn. And not going to lie, we’re kinda loving the opportunity to invest in a really great ’fit we’ll totally wear again, rather than waste money on a mini that’ll be trashed on a messy night out.
Got a calendar full of hens coming up? We feel you. So, no matter if you’re a stressed-out bride, busy maid of honour, or a long-term gal pal, here’s our handy guide to the best hen do outfits to get you prepped for your upcoming bachelorette party.
Best hen do outfits for the bride
Surprise, surprise, the best hen do outfits are usually white, especially if you’re the bride-to-be. But actually, these days anything goes when it comes to hen party and bridesmaid attire, and many celebrity bridal parties have worn white at both the nuptials and pre-wedding celebrations (just look at the Kardashian/Jenner sisters at Kimye’s big do if you don't believe us.) Don’t be afraid to incorporate sequins/pearls/diamantés into your hen do outfits – I mean, if you can't sparkle on your special day, when can you?
ASOS Design Co-ord sequin bandeau and trousers
River Island Ruched kitten heel
Abercrombie Off-the-shoulder mini dress
French Connection Structured satin bandeau
Ghost Winnie ivory slip dress
Best hen do accessories
When it comes to hen do accessories the rule is totally “more is more”. But that doesn’t mean you have to just invest in the classic – and often clichéd – hen do knick-knacks. If anything, bachelorette accessories are now classier than ever with a whole range of lace gloves, tulle veils and cute personalised bows available at bachelorette boutiques like Gigi & Olive.
The brand’s founder Georgie Le Roux tells Cosmo, “Our sales in this category have grown +100% year-on-year since we launched in 2019. Combining factors of the pandemic, social media inspiration, #Weddingttok and, of course, creating the right products has enabled the 'Bride to be' and her friendship group to lean into the occasion more than ever.”
Gigi & Olive Mrs Diamanté Fringe Cowgirl Hat
Team Hen Bride Jewelled Glitter Hat
ROOP Margot scrunchie in ivory
Best pink hen do outfits
While the bride usually sticks to white, bridesmaids get to have a lil’ more fun with a range of colours. One of the most popular shades requested at hen dos has to be pink, and post Barbiecore it’s never been easier to find a knockout fuchsia frock. Not into tulle and taffeta? Not to worry, you can still keep your hen happy by opting for pastel shades or simply adding colour with playful accessories.
Nadine Merabi Darcie hot pink pyjamas
Reiss Satin sleeveless tunic mini dress
River Island Pink satin slingback bow court shoes
Yours Velvet sequin halterneck maxi dress
OMNES Marin twist-front satin midi dress
Best black hen do outfits
We told you the rule book to wedding dressing has well and truly been thrown out the window. Now, everyone from guests to maids of honour and even bridesmaids are wearing black to the big day, and it’s a firm favourite for hen dos, too. Sway away from funeral vibes by opting for luxe velvet and satin looks at bachelorette parties. We’re loving all the cheeky cut-outs and mini hemlines on offer this season.
Zara Lace camisole maxi dress
& Other Stories Sequinned mini shift dress
Amy Lynn Eleanor shirred mini dress
Kurt Geiger Sophia mule heel
& Other Stories Sleeveless rhinestone mini dress
Rosie Davenport is a former Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
Isabella is a freelance journalist who has written on young women's issues, entertainment, TV and film, South Asian representation, mental health, dating and so much more. She has bylines in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Prima, Digital Spy, Women's Health, and Harper's Bazaar, and was named 30 Under 30 by MediaWeek, PPA and We Are The City. She was also shortlisted for Workplace Hero at the Investing In Ethnicity Awards and Hero of the Year at the European Diversity Awards. Follow Isabella on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
