Need some hen do outfit ideas? These will make you the best-dressed bride-to-be
As soon as July hits it's typically a sea of hen-dos and weddings on the horizon, whether it's your own, a friend or relatives.
I don't know about you, but every week for the last month I have seen a flurry of photos of friends on hen weekends, either in the UK or Europe, on social media. We all know how it can be, one year may be filled with hen weekends most months over the summer, but the next year may be slightly quieter for you – just not for others.
Over the years hen do's have really amped up, not only in terms of destinations, activities, but the outfits. Everything from the itinerary, to the dress code has been considered for the participants, as well as the hen. I quick scroll on my FYP on Instagram and there's a medley of hen weekend ideas, from shell themed for a 'What the shell, she's getting married' hen, all blue as a nod to the 'something borrowed, something blue' bridal anecdote, to an all-black ensemble to 'Kiss the Miss goodbye', plus many more. https://www.instagram.com/p/CrbjYVAsm6Y/?hl=en&img_index=1
Then of course there's the rise of the Western theme, which is on brand for Coach Carter fans, glitzy ensembles, and, of course, the all-white theme too.
Karren Millen has found in the last two weeks alone the search for hen do outfits, as well as hen do outfits for the bride have soared to over 5000%, while classy hen party outfits for the bride is equally a popular search term.
Whether you are the maid of honour helping to prep the bride to be for her pre-wedding celebrations, the bridal party, or the bride-to-be, we have whittled down the best outfits to pack so you look, and feel, your best self.
Most bride-to-be's will live in all white ensembles in the run up to their big day, as well as on their special day too, of course. While some may opt for a two-piece co-ord, a white mini dress to nod to the main event is also hugely popular.
The thick shoulder straps, fitted bodice and puffball skirt are popular traits found in most bridal dresses.The main difference is this playful design is mini length, and much more affordable.It's an easy breezy number to slip on and look effortlessly chic. Go big on the accessories. Plus you can mix and match it with other hen party themes, such as Western accessories. BUY NOW FOR £69
Of course, no hen do is complete without a mini veil for the bride-to-be.Personalise this mini veil with up to 256 characters. BUY NOW FOR £15
Slingback heels are all the craze, and have been for quite some time.The pointed toe is giving major old money aesthetic, it is instantly flattering, but also makes these shoes look far more premium than designer alternatives you may have saved for your marital ceremony. BUY NOW FOR £27.99
If you are looking for a stylish cover up to take you from your room to the spa, or your hotel to the beach, this embellished mini dress is absolute perfection. The sheer fabric with the embellished detail makes this number stand out from other cover ups, so everyone knows who the bride is.While it can be layered over your swimsuit, you can also slip over high rise underwear and heels for an evening outfit. BUY NOW FOR £70
What the shell theme is as playful as it sounds, as it encourages the bridal party, and of course the bride, to embrace beading and embellished detail, pearls as well as pearlescent hues. Some may wear off-white or cream tones, satin and silk fabrics, gold colourways, though soft pinks and pastel blues are also acceptable. It's a particularly popular theme if you are heading on a hen do abroad. Plus you can weave in the summer classic of crochet too.
A sequin mini skirt is a failsafe wardrobe staple for any events, whether you are hitting the clubs, on holiday, or on your hen do.There are various beaded skirts out there, so you can experiment with the design that best suits you and your style, whether it's mini or midi length, sheer, or fully beaded, some are even embellished with pearlescent beads to really nail the shell brief. BUY NOW FOR £35.99
Whether you are opting for a casual daytime outfit for your hen do, or a jazzy look, this top fits the brief perfectly. Pair with linen trousers or shorts, or style with an embellished skirt to embrace the theme wholeheartedly. Plus, this lightweight top is perfect for holidays to come, and for many summers to come. Buy Now for £30
Whether you are dipping your toe into the trend or diving in fully (pardon the pun), a shell bag is a simple way to nail the theme.Metallic bags compliment any look, and we particularly love the unique shape of this clutch, which is big enough to house a phone and a few make-up essentials – do you need anything else? BUY NOW FOR £25.99
Now we know this is expensive, but Oceanus has a plethora of designs, across dresses, swimwear and cover ups, that fit the brief perfectly.So if you have a blow-the-budget mindset, this is the absolute must-have. It's perfect with a pair of flat shoes or heeled sandals for an evening out. BUY NOW FOR £800
Something blue is a popular go-to the maid of honour and bridesmaids typically pick when planning the hen do because it is simple and easy to dress for. Whether you pair a blue shirt with denim jeans, a blue dress, or opt for a blue satin slip skirt with a cream crochet top, is entirely up to you, but there are plenty of options. It's a great option for the days by the pool, or casual days off from a weekend of hardcore partying.
The bandeau dress with the voluminous A-line skirt is ultra flattering and uber-feminine.The body hugs your bust and waist to ensure it stays in place after hours of dancing, while the billowy skirt flows elegantly down the body. It is perfect for those casual days, whether it's a low key brunch or dinner on your hen do, but it can also be dressed up for a more glamorous agenda.Plus, we guarantee you will wear long after your hen and wedding. BUY NOW FOR £78
PVC sandals, otherwise known as jelly shoes, are back in vogue once again.The transparent texture in the blue hue is a subtle way to weave in the trend, and is perfect for daytime wear around the pool. BUY NOW FOR £18
If your blue-themed day is a pool day, this zip-front textured swimsuit is not only the perfect option because of the colour, but because it is flattering for all body shapes. BUY NOW FOR £38
Western or cowboy theme is hugely popular whether you are enjoying a one-day hen do, staycation or city break. Opt for the on-trend cowboy boots, frayed hems, double denim, crochet, waistcoats, even a spot of gingham, as well as ruffle dresses or tiered skirts. What we love about this theme is the bridal party can wear the stereotypical cowboy hats with their names or initials on in one colour, and the bride can opt for an all white version or bedazzled variation – you can really play with the props.
A denim jacket is a spring/summer staple, but we love the little modification to make it Western appropriate, as well as the personalised feature for the bride.It can be worn from the airport right throughout the hen activities. Even if it's the only Western-inspired item they wear over a simple white dress, it's an easy and fun way to nail the brief. BUY NOW FOR £65
Cow print has taken over from the classic leopard and zebra print garments of late, which means not only will the bride be on trend, but it makes it easy to fit the theme too. This dress can be worn on its own with cowboy boots, ballet pumps, or heels, depending on the occasion. Though if you prefer something low key, opt for a ruffle mini dress with a waistcoat or fringe jacket. BUY NOW FOR £28
A pair of cowboy boots are a must in everyone's shoe-drobe, and if they're not, now is the perfect time to buy them – not only for your hen do but festival season and beyond.It's a footwear essential you can weave into the theme, but wear outside of the hen do too. If you are going for full bride mode with your wardrobe in the run up to the wedding maybe look for a white pair of Western boots, or metallic tone. BUY NOW FOR £56
If you are going all out with the accessories in a bid to slim down your wardrobe and can call on your existing outfits, or you are going all out (after all, you only get one hen do), this is the finishing touch every bride needs. BUY NOW FOR £28.95
We first heard of the 'Kiss the Miss goodbye' theme when Olivia Attwood had her hen do a few years back, which saw her and her bridal party wear head to toe noir. Though the former Love Island contestant-turned-presenter-podcast-host upped the ante by wearing a black veil with a sheer lace outfit. Considering most of our wardrobe is black this is the perfect theme so the bride and bridal party can call on their existing wardrobe – or expand it.
This dress is ultra chic and looks far more expensive than its sub-£20 price tag. It's perfect for evenings out in Ibiza, or even in the UK. Layer over your swimwear for the daytime, or wear high rise briefs with a matching bralette for coverage to party the night away. You can even style with a blazer in the autumn/winter party season. BUY NOW FOR £19.49 (WAS £25.99)
Any black shoe will work, and we have plenty of them. But for your hen do, we recommend a versatile heel you can wear for months after, and these thong heels are exactly the pair to buy and wear forever more. BUY NOW FOR £22.99
Go full Olivia Attwood with the long line black wedding veil – after all, you will be slipping to a crisp all white version in a matter of months. BUY NOW FOR £13.99
When it comes to this all-black hen do theme we think it's worth going all out – after all, we wear black all year long. We also think it's particularly worth investing in new black swimwear you can recycle every summer after too.We particularly love the high rise bikini bottoms to cinch in the stomach, plus the seersucker fabric provides enough stretch to fit all shapes and sizes comfortably. BUY NOW FOR £175
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