Ask A Stylist: On Retreat

Easy basics that will have you covered from flight seat > yoga mat

Hello to my new subscribers - of which there are many! Welcome, welcome!

I’ve been thinking a lot about clothes this week and the state of the industry. I was hit hard by the news that Matches entered administration last Friday. In somewhat poetic timing, I had just interviewed with Laura of

The Essential List

who had contacted me about curating my top five spring pieces. In that interview, I spoke about my role at Matches as their first e-commerce stylist back in the day. It’s the end of an era and I have many thoughts about luxury and localisation - but that’s a post for another day.

Every few weeks I produce my ‘Ask A Stylist’ feature. As ever, if you’re a paid subscriber, feel free to ask in the chat or DM me personally and I’ll be happy to help.

Next month I’m taking myself off on a yoga retreat to the secluded mountains in Spain. I only have carry-on and I just want to feel like all my basics are covered. I don’t want to bring unnecessary things but I really do need help as I’m not a great packer! Which leggings are best for yoga these days? What to wear to casual dinners? We’ve been told the weather is highly interchangeable so to prepare for cooler mornings and evenings. The retreat is 5 days longs.

I love a compact packing query as nothing brings me more satisfaction than travelling lightly. As ever, in life, keep it simple. That means a simple colour palette and versatile pieces that can double up for the plane and the mat. Personally, I’ve been leaning away from black lately in my sportswear due to the softer, earthy hues that suddenly feel more flattering. I think on retreat it’s important to feel some distance from your everyday life, so pick a colour scheme that works for you and go for softer, tactile natural textures to echo your surroundings.

Let’s unpack your essentials for carry-on below;

Inspiration from Zara Home, Birkenstock x Tekla, Varley, Tkee & Mara Hoffman.