I'm a Classic Dresser Who's an Expert at Packing a Carry-On; Here's Everything I Brought for a Weekend Trip.

      Visiting Stockholm in January is akin to entering a snow globe—peaceful, bright, and cold in a way that’s quite rare at home. I traveled for 48 hours with Volvo to unveil their latest electric model, the EX60. Although cars aren't typically part of my day-to-day as a fashion editor, I was intrigued to see how this would all transpire in a city so synonymous with design. For two days, I made Villa Dagmar my base. It’s one of those hotels that makes you feel polished, even when you're running on little sleep and a carry-on bag. I recall unpacking and thinking I should have packed more tailored pieces (don't I always?). However, with limited space, I opted for reliable essentials: sturdy outerwear, easy layers, and a few items that could transition to evening with minimal effort. It turned out to be a trip where I wore everything I brought and genuinely felt good in all of it.

      To be honest, snow always feels somewhat novel to me, so waking up to a snowy Stockholm was a highlight even before my morning coffee. With Volvo, I spent the morning leisurely exploring the city, enjoying the streets that felt slightly quieter and softer under the snow. There’s something about snow that adds thoughtfulness to dressing, even if it just means layering up to keep warm. A long faux fur coat became my go-to. I layered it over everything—knits, denim, even the simplest outfits—and it instantly made me feel more put together (even when I wasn’t). Underneath, I kept it practical: a great jumper, straight-leg jeans, and boots that could handle slippery sidewalks without looking overly bulky. I definitely underestimated how icy it would be in places, which was a lesson learned.

      Most of the day was spent wandering without a strict agenda, walking through side streets, browsing shops, and somewhat randomly, searching for Swedish Fish (which may have seemed a peculiar goal, but I stand by it). There’s an effortless quality to Stockholm's style that I couldn’t help but notice; nothing feels forced, yet everything appears intentional. It made me reconsider how often I complicate my everyday dressing.

      Dinner at Villa Dagmar was the perfect opportunity to switch things up—especially as Volvo had arranged the evening for us, giving it an extra touch of specialness. After a day spent bundled up, I wanted something sharper, yet comfortable enough for hours of sitting (which was exactly what we did). I opted for a black trouser suit, one of my go-tos when I lack the energy to overthink an outfit. It always works. I added sheer tulle gloves, a small touch that elevated the look and made it feel more purposeful. It’s the kind of detail I don’t wear enough at home but always wish I did. The dinner was exactly what one hopes for from a hotel restaurant while traveling—good enough that there’s no need to seek alternatives. I savored the truffle pasta without hesitation (some choices don’t require much thought), followed by the chocolate orange mousse, which I had heard about earlier and simply had to try. It fully met my expectations.

      The next morning began with a brisk, freezing walk to a nearby gallery for a behind-the-scenes session with Volvo's design team. I kept my outfit straightforward—a white shirt layered over thermals (practical but necessary), knits under that, and ankle-length jeans. It was one of those outfits that doesn’t look like much on paper but works well when worn. The session was surprisingly fascinating from a fashion perspective, focusing on materials, color palettes, and how Scandinavian design continues to influence Volvo’s work. Acne Studios was referenced, which made sense, highlighting texture and tone in pieces that feel contemporary without being overly trend-focused. It seemed easy to draw parallels between how we approach clothing and their approach to interiors.

      Then we were introduced to the EX60. This new all-electric mid-size SUV is designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday life without feeling like a compromise. What impressed me most was the thoughtfulness behind making electric driving effortless—a task that has always felt somewhat daunting for me. The vehicle boasts a range of up to 810 kilometers on a single charge and can gain a significant charge in the time it takes to grab a coffee, making the prospect of longer journeys much more feasible. Inside, it is calm and thoughtfully designed, emphasizing natural materials, spaciousness, and practical details, including increased legroom, smart storage solutions, and an audio system that offers an immersive experience. The technology is present but doesn’t overwhelm; it’s created to be intuitive, featuring a new AI that engages like a conversation rather than a command, which I appreciated.

      What struck me throughout was how similar the approach to packing for a trip like this felt to getting dressed. You don’t need excess—just the right items, executed well, along with something that enhances the overall experience. My two days in Stockholm sped by, but it