Bachelorette parties are notoriously fun; the cheesy stereotype usually includes a gaggle of friends out on the town to celebrate the bride-to-be. Sometimes there’s a sash involved, light-up crowns, beads, and the occasional phallic straw, but one thing’s for sure: there are always some serious memories to be made. 

Parties nowadays have been trending towards less tacky and more intimate and meaningful, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a total rager is out of the question! It all depends on the bride and what she’s envisioning for her “last night” before marriage.

So, what to wear to a bachelorette party? Let’s break it all down and get you looking right!

What Factors Should I Consider With My Bachelorette Party Outfit?

The biggest things to think about, regardless if you’re the bride-to-be or a member of the bridal party, is: where are you going, and what are you doing?

For instance, if the bride has decided that her bachelorette weekend will take place in Vegas, what you’ll pack for that trip will be vastly different than the attire needed for a cabin weekend in the mountains. 

Comfort is a factor as well, but keep in mind that this is a celebration for the bride, so you want to look your best! If it’s a multi-day event (such as a weekend away) you have the freedom to pack a few cozy things along with your party dresses. 

If it’s a one-night bar crawl downtown, you’ll probably want a pair of shoes that you can stand and walk comfortably in for a few hours… so maybe leave those heels at home if you haven’t broken them in yet.

Flats can be a good footwear choice because they’re cute and comfortable for longer periods of wear.

As long as you factor in location and activities, you’ll be fine.

Should the Bride Wear White?

Reading this from the standpoint of a bride? We say YES to wearing that white dress. You’re the guest of honor, so whatever you say, goes! 

Because you’re getting married soon, you get a pass to wear white outfits as much as you want to, leading up to the big day. You can explore tons of trendy outfits like rompers, swimsuits, maxis, and much more!

From a winery to a dance floor, stand out from the crowd in a white outfit and soak up the compliments and well wishes for your big day ahead!

White Lace Boho Open-Back Jumpsuit

I will always, always, always be on Team Jumpsuit. This flirty, wide-leg, white jumpsuit is so bridal and still perfect for a night out, so pair it with some fun accessories and get ready to hit the town!

Not into wearing white before the wedding? You can rock anything you want. I’m a big proponent of bright, eye-catching little numbers because you still want to look like the center of attention… after all, you’re the bride! 

Silvery Gray Shimmering Evening Wrap Dress

Be the vibe at the party, disco ball be damned! You don’t have to do white, but make a statement and indulge in some sparkle!

Should You Avoid Wearing White as a Guest?

The only time you should wear white to a bachelorette party is if the bride has dictated that she wants everybody to do so. I would not recommend going rogue and just showing up to the party in a white dress!

If you’re headed to a beachy location and feel like you *need* to wear white (swimsuit, kaftan, or cover-up), you can just ask the bride and see what she says. (Going to go ahead and say, if you have to ask, the answer is probably no.)

There are plenty of other options, and plenty of other days to wear white. It’s her day, and as an attending guest, don’t you want to make her feel special?

What To Avoid Wearing at a Bachelorette Party

Aside from the color white, which is the standard understanding when it comes to bridesmaids at a bachelorette party, there aren’t many hard and fast rules for things to avoid wearing.

Everybody has individual tastes and should be encouraged to wear what they want – unless the bride wants everybody to match for a photo opportunity. 

There’s no need to match the other gals at the party. If the bride wants to have a cohesive look for everybody, then a simple solution would be to coordinate accessories, like a piece of jewelry, a tote bag, or some sunglasses. 

One note: be sure to keep things classy. Even though it’s a bachelorette party, you must remember that in this day and age with social media being as prevalent as it is, the bride will have older family members or colleagues who may see pictures of the party, and you don’t want to be that person wearing skimpy clothing that’s a bit too revealing.

If you happen to be in charge of planning the bride’s bachelorette party, having good communication with the bride will help you get to know all of the members attending the party.

Go with the flow when it comes to planning, and as long as everybody is comfortable and confident in their clothes, people will have a good time!

What if There Is a Bachelorette Party Theme?

I love a theme! Whether it’s something as simple as matching t-shirts or hilarious as dressing up as the Golden Girls at the bar, brides all over the world have wonderful plans for a bash with their besties. 

Themed parties require commitment, and nobody wants to be the naysayer or contrarian on somebody else’s big day.

If you’re not a fan of the planned shenanigans, consider how happy it will make the bride… and it’s just one day! Go for it, and you may surprise yourself with a good time. 

What To Wear to a Bachelorette Party as the Bride

Depending on the location and activity of the party, you have an entire world of white outfits to explore!

I’ve pulled some adorable outfit ideas below for a wide variety of potential party environments to inspire your next shopping trip.

Vintage Pleated A-Line Midi Sundress

Going out to a brunch or dinner at that fancy new place downtown? This beautiful number has simple pleats across the bodice that would be flattering on anybody.

I love the look of a clean, white dress for a bachelorette party that gathers around food… but just be careful to not spill anything!

White Fringe Feather and Tassel Dress

Hitting the Vegas strip? Show off those legs with this cute fringe mini dress; you can dance, drink, and shop till you drop in this little number.

What To Wear to a Bachelorette Party as a Guest

So you’re headed to a bachelorette party, hooray! They’re so much fun. We’ve got a few outfits below for you to peruse… just remember to keep in mind the location and the activities planned so you can be sure to feel and look great in what you’re wearing.

If the bride hasn’t dictated a dress code, you’ll have a bit of flexibility when it comes to packing. But, if she’s hoping for coordinated outfits, bold colors, or funny costumes, see if you can get in touch with the other party attendees to make sure there are no repeats. 

Honestly, the best thing to wear to a bachelorette party is a smile! Put on the matching “bridal gang” shirts, grin for the camera, and enjoy meeting the other ladies that the bride is close to.

Polka Dot Boho Maxi Wrap Dress

This comfortable polka-dotted dress is feminine, flirty, and perfect for hanging out with the bride. Whether it’s a fancy restaurant, craft cocktail bar, or a casual grill-out in the backyard, you can’t go wrong with a wrap dress. 

I love the black and white polka dots, they’re perfect to make the bride’s own white dress pop in photos.

Summer Short Sleeve Jumpsuit

I am a staunch believer that the LBD (little black dress) is not for everyone.

But, something akin to an LBD definitely needs to live in your closet, so why not make it a reliable LBR? Rompers (or playsuits) are undeniably fun, and a black one is a classic choice.

This short-sleeve jumpsuit is also available in fun leopard print, so if you’re looking for a fun pattern or color, pick up a couple of these and go nuts! 

Knee Length Strappy Dress

These adjustable strappy dresses are perfect for so many occasions, so if you’re still not sure what to wear, toss one of these into your packed bag.

Prints are always fun for a bachelorette outing, or if you need to color coordinate, they come in a range of solid tones as well!

Where to Shop for Bachelorette Party Outfits

Nowadays, online retailers have somewhat taken over shopping in brick-and-mortar. It’s unbelievably easy to shop for (as well as return) things from the comfort of your home.

Here’s a list of places that you can check out if you need some new outfits for the party!

Rent The Runway: if you’re on a budget (or just straight-up low on closet space), renting pieces is a great idea! You can get lots of evening looks for dinner and dancing and you won’t break the bank.

Lulus: I actually bought my reception jumpsuit from Lulus and altered it myself (shoutout to DIY brides!). Lulus has a wide range of trendy outfits at affordable prices, and they also have a great plus-size collection. 

ASOS: ASOS has a great selection of dresses (as well as other things, so it’s not our fault if you temporarily blackout and buy 40 new outfits) and you’re guaranteed to find something you love! Sort by any color, length, season, or size, and you’ll be set.