London Hen Night Dress Code: What to Wear and What to Avoid

When you’re planning a London hen night dress code, the unwritten rules that determine whether you get past the bouncer or stuck on the pavement. Also known as club dress code London, it’s not about being fancy—it’s about fitting in where the energy is high and the standards are real. This isn’t a fashion show. It’s a night out with your best friends, and the last thing you want is to spend hours picking an outfit only to be denied entry because you wore sneakers to a velvet-rope spot in Mayfair.

Most venues in London don’t post their dress codes online. They don’t need to. The rules are passed down by staff, regulars, and the occasional awkward text from someone who got turned away last weekend. If you’re heading to a VIP club table London, a reserved space in a high-end nightclub often booked for hen parties with bottle service and private seating, you need to look like you belong there—not like you just left the gym. That means no hoodies, no flip-flops, no baggy jeans. Think smart casual: a fitted top, tailored trousers or a midi dress, heels or sleek ankle boots. It’s not about being sparkly—it’s about being polished.

But not every hen night is the same. If you’re hitting a themed night London, a club night built around a specific vibe like 90s nostalgia, glitter cabaret, or retro disco, then the rules shift. A 90s karaoke night at Bar Rumba? Go wild with crop tops and platform shoes. A jazz club in Islington? Leave the glitter at home. The key is matching the space, not trying to outshine it. And don’t forget the weather. London rain doesn’t care how good your outfit looks—waterproof shoes and a compact coat are part of the dress code too.

What you avoid matters just as much as what you wear. No sportswear unless it’s a gym-themed party (and even then, tread carefully). No oversized logos, no cheap accessories that look like they came from a pound shop. And please, no matching T-shirts that say "Bride Squad"—they’re cute for photos, but they scream tourist at the door. The goal isn’t to look like you’re in a wedding video. It’s to look like you’re part of the crowd that knows where the good music is.

There’s a reason why posts about jazz club dress code London, the quiet elegance expected in intimate, dimly lit venues where music comes first and bottomless brunch dress code, the balance between relaxed and put-together for weekend daytime events keep coming up. The same principles apply. You don’t need to spend hundreds. You just need to understand the vibe. A simple black dress, clean loafers, and a clutch can get you into a VIP table. A pair of ripped jeans and a band tee? You’ll be stuck outside while your friends sip champagne inside.

This isn’t about rules to make you feel bad. It’s about knowing how to play the game so you can focus on what matters—celebrating, dancing, laughing, and making memories. The venues below have seen every outfit imaginable. They know what works. And we’ve sorted through them so you don’t have to guess.