What To Wear To A Bachelorette Party

Traditionally, the maid of honor is responsible for pre-wedding fun. This means bridal showers, dress shopping, and (last but not least) the bachelorette party. These celebrations can range from casual spa days — massages, mimosas, and avocado face masks — to wild nights out. Some parties even last an entire weekend. "Dancing With the Stars" judge Julianne Hough's bachelorette party was a trip to Mexico alongside friends like Nina Dobrev, while "Pretty Little Liars" actress Troian Bellisario traveled to Italy with her closest pals (via People). 

If you've been invited to bachelorette party — which is typically scheduled two months prior to the big day, according to Martha Stewart — the dress code has been more than likely been outlined by the bride's first in command: the maid of honor. With questions or concerns about the celebration ("What should I wear?" "What's for dinner?" "How late will it go?"), check in with the maid of honor unless otherwise directed. If you're still at a loss, here's your guide to arriving in style to the bachelorette party. Hint: first and foremost, don't wear white.

When it comes to wedding-related events, following dress codes is a must. While some bachelorette parties require matching guest attire — bedazzled bridal party shirts or satin robes for a spa day — avoiding white (or anything that could be misconstrued as white) is a general rule-of-thumb. If the plan for the evening involves hitting the town, a Coco Chanel-inspired little black dress — aka an "LBD" — might just be your best bet. For a formal nightclub or restaurant event, pair this velvet Urban Outfitters design with high heels and glittery, statement accessories — think rhinestoned earrings and a bedazzled clutch.

As temperatures drop, you can adapt your "LBD" for the cold. Asos sells a variety of long-sleeved black minis — like this cut-out blazer design — perfect for late fall and wintertime parties. Add cozy tights or even knee-high boots for extra warmth. Don't forget to bring along a faux leather moto jacket or fur coat, something to keep you toasty as the group hops between bars, clubs, and cabs. Check out Banana Republic's vegan leather jacket for inspiration.

To go the extra mile, dress-it-up with glitzy "Euphoria" inspired makeup. According Elle social media and beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco, "Maddy's got some of the best makeup on the show and her bright liner and lilac shadow was pretty easy to apply. It took some time to get her eyeliner even, but anyone can do this look at home." For starters, you'll want a brightly-colored cream liner (in lilac or any other statement shade), a small application brush, and more than a few rhinestones — check out this shiny set from Urban Outfitters.

Glitzy attire is best for late night parties, especially if they're in Vegas. For starters, check out this sequined backless design from Lulus. Pair with strappy heels and a classy clutch. Alternatively, channel "Midnights"-era Taylor Swift in a sequined gold mini from Altar'd State. Though, as The Invisible Bridesmaid founder Jessica Janik tells Brides, "While it may be tempting to rock that too-short skirt, think twice before you go out in an outfit you might regret the next day or in pictures." Ultimately, pick something that you'll feel comfortable in throughout the course of the night.

If you prefer cocktail attire that doesn't involve mini skirts, structured blazer sets are a great option. For instance, this Asos black velvet design with pearl details keeps it classy in the cold. To add some height, pair with sparkly heels. Alternatively, keep it comfy in glossy loafers like this pair from Madewell. To truly nail an androgynous cocktail look, check out The Empower Tux from Wildfang. Couple with tailored black shorts or pants, and turn it up a notch by adding a sexy sheer button-down underneath.

Though grabbing drinks and a nice dinner is the most popular bachelorette party activity, per Wedding Wire, celebrations sometimes extend beyond a single night. Bachelorette weekend trips to cities like Miami, New York, and (of course) Las Vegas provide the opportunity for multiple activities: spa day, lounging the pool, brunch, and nightlife. For extended adventures like this, you'll need to pack more than a cocktail dress. Depending on location, bring a selection of swimsuits. Skims swimwear is built for mixing and matching, Kim Kardashian told British Vogue. Also pack beach and pool coverups and maybe a brunch look or two.

Cut-out fashion is in style — just look at Zendaya's yellow Valentino gown at the Oscars or Meghan Fox at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards, per Vogue. A nighttime bachelorette party is the perfect occasion to debut your own peekaboo looks. For instance, check out this mini velvet design from Nasty Gal. However, as noted by designer Sinéad O'Dwyer, cut-out fashion is not always the most inclusive. "I think the problem with this trend," she tells I-D, "is that the design is being created for a smaller body and then just being scaled up." Fortunately, designers like Karoline Vitto have focused on embracing curves and highlighting them in cut-out designs — check out her classy peekaboo styles here.

Prepping for a bachelorette party is expensive for all those involved; there're dresses, dinners, and maybe even plane tickets. According to financial expert Stefanie O'Connell, "Social media is normalizing expensive bridal traditions, like destination bachelorette parties" (via The New York Times). The most important things is staying comfortable both physically and financially. If the evening's dress code gives you pause, Brides encourages guests to speak up. Ultimately, consider saving money by renting a classy fit from websites like Rent the Runway and Nuuly — for starters, check out this glamorous Anthropology blazer available free of charge with a Nuuly subscription. 

New terms like "social distancing" and "lockdown" were popularized as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, something colorful came out of 2020 too: maximalism. According to L'Officiel, this bold fashion movement emerged out of the monotony of quarantine. Try your hand at maximalist fashion with the help of something like this bold Nasty Gal feather top paired with wide legged trousers and a bright handbag. Alternatively, check out a metal crop top from Urban Outfitters and match with faux leather trousers and heels.