I'm a Fashion Editor—Here's What to Wear on Every Type of Hen Do

As a fashion editor, unsurprisingly, I'm the go-to source of information for my friends and family when it comes to anything style-related. Whether it's a dress for a big date or simply the perfect white tee, I've addressed every question you could imagine. And today I'm going to provide a solution to the age-old conundrum: What to wear to a hen do.

So, what do you wear to a hen do? The fact is that there's not one simple sartorial solution. Every hen do comes with a myriad of scheduled activities, and each one lasts an entire day, if not a weekend or a few days. That means your outfit really needs to work hard to not only last from pancakes at breakfast to partying at night, but also be practical and comfortable enough to wear for a 12-hour period (minimum).

And the fact is that if it's your best friend's wedding, the likelihood is that you've organised the hen do for all 20 of her closest mates; such is the logistical nightmare of the whole thing that you've probably barely had time to think about what to pack for yourself. This is why I decided to address this particular style dilemma, just as wedding season is beginning to ramp up. 

Whether you're heading to a far-flung destination or getting cosy in the countryside, scroll down to see my suggestions on what to wear to a hen do—whatever your plans involve. 

1. The Far-Flung 'Do

Jetting away for a few days means more clothing to pack, but chances are you'll be flying with hand luggage only, so multipurpose dresses are really essential. Choose styles that are dressy enough for the bar but not too delicate for the beach. Stow them in your beach bag to throw on over your swimsuit after dark. Style with a pair of simple yet comfortable espadrilles for a chic day-to-night look. Just like dresses, a co-ord presents an easy outfit solution that doesn’t take much styling effort on your part—short styles are proving all the rage right now, so why not look the part in doing so? Just add gold earrings. Oh, and don’t forget the sun cream.

Your packing list:

2. The Boozy Saturday Bash

We've all been to one of those hen parties where you start the day around noon for a late boozy bottomless brunch, followed by a wealth of activities like life-drawing sessions, a cocktail-making class, and a prosecco-fuelled treasure hunt.

A chic yet comfortable midi skirt is an ideal choice for this sort of hen—the easy throw-on style with a fun print or pretty fabric means you don't have to worry about too much about accessorising—pair it with a vest top underneath for when you want to look fancier, but keep a cosy knit to hand for whenever a venue change is underway. Flat shoes are ideal, too, as after a day on your feet, the last thing you’ll want to do is dance the night away in a pair of heels. A bag big enough to fit said jumper in, along with the usual hen party regalia, is also advisable. 

Your packing list:

3. The Country Retreat

What do you mean you need more than just pyjamas for a country retreat? Okay, you probably do. But this suitcase needs to be all about the basics. Think jeans, easy T-shirts and cosy sweaters and a decent jacket for evenings in the garden when the sun has gone down. But don't forget your pyjamas—opt for luxe sleepwear that works for daytime, too, for the many, many photos you know are going to be taken throughout the hen. 

Your packing list:

4. The City Break

Off to the continent for a weekend of sightseeing and sangria sipping? What you need is a series of easy-wearing simple separates that you can mix and match. A pair of tailored trousers for day or night, a selection of good cotton T-shirts and a cover-up you can throw on and look chic in. Plus, you should pack a pair if trainers for pounding the pavements in and a versatile pair of heels for evenings. Oh, and your sunglasses.

Your packing list:

Next Up, Bring on the Dresses: 13 Styles That Truly Matter for 2022