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).

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(Image credit: @theindiaedit)

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

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

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

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(Image credit: @monikh)

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

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(Image credit: @claudia_berresford)

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

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

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

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.