When I booked my trip to India, I knew a few things with certainty: the flight would be long, the days would be warm, and space in my carry-on would be limited. I also knew I didn’t want to feel crumpled or cluttered. So I packed with intention.
I chose pieces that felt soft, elegant, and easy. Pieces that could move with me across time zones and cultures without losing their shape—or their sense of calm.
The Carry-On Core
At the heart of my suitcase was the Jacqui Set in navy. It’s my go-to for any long journey. Made from premium jersey cotton with just the right amount of stretch, the Jacqui feels like loungewear but looks like something more refined.
I wore it on the flight—layered with a scarf and oversized coat—and again the next morning for breakfast at the hotel. With simple slides and a tote, it worked just as well for wandering spice markets as it did curling up with tea after a hot day. It’s the kind of set that folds well, washes easily, and never loses its shape or feeling of ease.
Sleep, Softened
When it comes to sleepwear, I rarely travel without the Melanie Nightgown. There’s something about its simplicity that makes me feel anchored. It’s light and unstructured but somehow always makes me feel polished, even when I’m jet-lagged and half-unpacked. In warm weather, especially, the Melanie feels breathable and soothing against the skin.
Alongside it, I packed my Kareena Nigthie in white premium cotton. This piece has been a quiet favourite of mine for years. It’s a little more tailored, with a beautiful cut through the shoulders and neckline. I reach for it when I want to feel more ‘dressed’—walking to the hotel café, reading by the window, or greeting someone at the door. It’s comfort with presence.
Both are made from pure cotton and are perfect for warmer climates. They breathe, they soften, and they help me feel like myself, even in unfamiliar places.
What I’d Pack Again
In hindsight, I would have loved to bring the Celeste Nightgown. It strikes that rare balance between romance and practicality. The frill, the structure, the way it moves—Celeste would’ve looked beautiful against the golden light of Indian mornings. It’s one of those pieces that doesn’t ask for attention but quietly earns it.
I also found myself wishing I had packed the Sophie Dress. Elegant, modest, and feather-light, it’s ideal for warm destinations where you want to feel considered without being overdone. The Sophie can go from a museum visit to an evening dinner with only a change of earrings. It folds down small, holds no creases, and makes you feel instantly composed.
The Philosophy of Packing Light
Packing lightly is never really about how little you bring—it’s about how much each piece gives you. I’ve learned that the most versatile garments are the ones that feel as good at 6 a.m. as they do at 6 p.m. They don’t demand much, but they quietly elevate everything.
This trip was a reminder that softness and elegance can coexist—and that what you wear when you’re far from home has the power to make you feel grounded, even in new places.
So if you’re planning your next escape—whether near or far—begin with pieces that help you come home to yourself, even in a hotel room, on a 14-hour flight, or when everything around you is unfamiliar. Pack the calm. Wear comfort. Carry elegance with you.
