These days, not all hen dos are about just partying and drinking alcohol which is the common image that springs to mind when a hen do is mentioned. The whole idea of a hen do is to celebrate the bride-to-be by surrounding herself with her closest friends and family to do something she enjoys while showing off her new diamond engagement ring, which of course, isn't always partying.
Depending on which activity the bride or head bridesmaid decides the dress code can widely vary – so, whether this is a spa day, afternoon tea or a night of dancing: what should you be wearing?
During-the-day cocktails
During the day drinking can be difficult when it comes to deciding what to wear, you need to look dressed up for the occasion but not too dressed up as it is still day time. So, what should you wear?
If this is just a few casual drinks before the main event later on in the evening, you need to find a transitional outfit which can get you from am to pm without the need for a suitcase full of accessories and shoe changes. Skinny cigarette style trousers with a lace bodysuit and some heeled boots could be an option or maybe a print high-waisted skirt and a cropped cami top with a higher strappy, simple heel.
You can even pull on a glamorous, bare-shoulder shift dress with cute pumps and a neutral kimono for cocktails, then simply switch to stilettos, throw on some statement jewellery and roll-up your kimono so that it fits in your envelope bag for the night.
For a bit more glam, again wearing a bare-shoulder shift dress with midi platform heels for comfort and add a kimono to make the look a bit more casual. As the night comes, fold up the kimono into a large complimentary envelope clutch and add some statement jewellery.
Afternoon tea
Maybe the bride-to-be is more a sophisticated no-fuss kind of girl who just wants a civilised sit-down tea party with her nearest and dearest, where you can have lengthy conversation with the topic of weddings. If this is the case, make sure you still put as much effort into this as you would a night out on the town. This occasion calls for a more elegant style, try a pastel colour, high neck line and a midi hem line.
Frill-front dresses in pastel shades such as 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 short 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.
Partying
Planning ahead of your schedule is important when you have a big night out planned, especially when it comes to your outfit. A hen do is the perfect place to pull out your favourite party dress you've saved for a special occasion.
There were some amazing trends that came out of the 1980s and 2018 could be the year to reflect that. You can opt for a Bardot bodycon dress that will emphasise your body and match with some statement jewellery and statement heels to make your legs look longer. 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.
A classic Spa Day
Comfort is the most important thing when attending a spa day, of course, you'll still need to look stylish in case any selfies are taken.
The best part about a spa is that you can spend the entire day lazing around the pool in robes. How about order all the girls matching robes with 'bride' and 'hen' on the back – perfect for that Instagram post by the pool!
Now, lets talk swimming. Wearing a full swim suit rather than a bikini could be considered more acceptable but it's important you wear what you feel the most comfortable in 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 our fluffy slider and flip-flops for the perfect base to any spa pool outfit.
Spa lunches and evening drinks are always popular, so consider making sure you have an outfit for this party of the day. Luxury spas sometimes have a certain dress code you should bear in mind – so keep it classy and understated. Peplum tops and skinny-fit trousers look gorgeous for lunch dates and evening get-togethers or why not opt for a stripe, culotte jumpsuit with a belt and a 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.
Girly nights in
Everyone loves a girl's 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. It's the perfect opportunities to sit in front of the TV in a winter jumper with the girls.
Athleisure is very on trend right now, this night in could be the perfect occasion to show off your new outfit. Pair a pair of skinny joggers with a casual crop top and over-sized jacket or go-to 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!
*This post is in collaboration with Quiz clothing