How to dress in AW18 for a hen do

There are so many different kinds of hen dos now — but it’s still all about celebrating the bride-to-be as she surrounds herself with her closest friends. 

Variety is great, except when it comes to planning your outfit. To help, we’ve created a hen do style guide to make sure you look amazing whatever the event!

Mega party

Relive your bride-to-be’s youth with a huge night out! No matter where you go, you’ll want to look sensational on a hen do night out — so, planning is needed.

1980s’ trends are in — so think sequin dresses, big shoulders and bright shades. 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 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 a party. Go for an off-the-shoulder bodycon that emphasise your curves and match with killer heels to lengthen your legs.

Day drinks 

If the event is taking place during the day, tone it down a touch but keep it cute. Going out afterwards, too? Then, you need a look that takes you from day to night 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. 

Off-shoulder shift dress with pumps and a beige or grey kimono is ideal for a day sipping drinks. At night, just switch to stilettos, throw on statement jewellery and roll-up your kimono so it fits in your envelope bag!  

Sleepover

How about if your bride-to-be wants a pamper session indoors? If you’re celebrating your hen do at home with your best friends, then make sure comfort is your priority. 

Rihanna adores athleisure, and luckily, this fashion style is perfect for cosy nights in. 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.  

Try shorts and a cami for the ideal balance of style and comfort. If you’re wondering about footwear, we say sandals, flats or espadrilles. 

Spa 

There’s always plenty of snaps at a spa day, so you still want to look great when you’re relaxing.

Spa hen dos are massively popular and revolve around chatting, laughing, drinking and indulging. 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!

Have you got cute swimwear to wear? 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. 

In the evening, you’re likely going to head down for a nice meal — so you need to dress appropriately. Luxury spas sometimes have a certain dress code you should bear in mind, which means you should 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.

Afternoon tea

We all love afternoon tea, and these make great themes for a hen do. 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 cute smock dress. Think elegant and fun — bold floral prints, pastel colours, and stylish hem and necklines evoke the perfect air of old-time glamour. 

Frill embellishments and pastel shades give the perfect vibe 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. 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. 

These hen do style tips will keep your look on point this season. 

x Aly