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Packing is an extreme sport! OK, it isn’t but it does require practice if you’re planning on making your life as easy as possible while you travel. As a packing veteran, whose previous life as a Market Director involved traveling to global buying appointments on a monthly basis, I pride myself on my ability to pack a carry-on case well, with multiple outfits. So when I travelled to Athens for what I was sure would be an ever-so-chic event with Cos for their spring/summer 2025 runway show, I was excited to flex my packing credentials (and see the collection, of course).
Must-Buys from the Cos SS25 Runway Show:
- The Ribbed Knit Polo Top: Cos rib-knit polo top, $165
- The Longline Short: Cos tailored wide-leg shorts, $185
- The Drawstring Tote: Cos drawstring tote bag, $320
- The Draped Blouse: Cos silk scarf-detail shirt, $290
- Rose-Tinted Len’s’: Cos Vista sunglasses, $165
- A Linen Blazer: Cos attached layered blazer, $425
Cos is a brand I’ve grown up with and to my delight they’ve grown up with me. It’s rare that a brand, particularly one of an accessible price point, has the ability to span generations and stay relevant for a significant period of time but Cos has done exactly that. They were the brand I wore to my cousin’s wedding at the age of 19, and now at 33, I turn to them whenever I need a seasonal, wear-to-the-office, pick me up that doesn’t compromise on quality or design. The word timeless can sometimes be overused in fashion, but this is that word in action. Karin Gustafsson, the creative director who has been with the brand from Day 1 uses timeless to describe Cos. “The way people get dressed has changed over time. They no longer dress rigidly for specific occasions, but everything is interchangeable and I think we have grown in that way too,” she shares. I couldn’t agree more. It’s exactly how I shop (and pack) today.
Given that I’ve spoken so highly of my packing credentials here are some simple tips to make your wardrobe work harder while traveling:
Color Palette Packing:
- Color palette packing: Pack with your color palette first. That doesn’t have to mean one color but a range of hues that will all work together. It’ll keep you focused, so you don’t throw in last minute additions and it’ll mean everything can be mixed together for multiple outfits. For this trip (and most) I chose neutrals‚ and yes, butter yellow is now a neutral.
- Pack on wire hangers: The thin hangers that you get at the dry cleaners and almost always want to throw away? Don’t! They’re tiny, light and save you from hanging on the other side.
- A travel steamer, always: Yes, most accommodations have irons, but they’re never as quick and efficient as a travel steamer if you’re only in a city for a few days—nobody wants to spend time packing and unpacking the ironing board. Every second counts!
- Shoes: I packed two pairs of shoes for this trip and that was two too many. Pack a pair that can transcend day and night and that are comfortable. If I wanted too I could have lived in these A.Emery shoes the entire time.
Two morning coffees to fight jet lag and I was very much looking forward to the show and seeing a little of Athens. We headed to the venue which was in Dionysso, a huge and beautiful marble quarry. It embodied the minimalism of Cos brand as we know it today and was like no other show venue I’d been to before. I wore this light, linen suit in yellow—perfect for the transitional weather. I’d typically pair this with a white T-shirt but I felt like adding something unexpected so opted for a pale pink shirt instead. Matching it with my tinted Cos x Linda Farrow sunglasses was unintentional but I liked it!
The spring collection they showed was effortless and easy, there was nothing in there that didn’t feel wearable or approachable for almost everyone in the room. The fluidity of the pieces against the marble and stainless steel interior provided great contrast. The matching sets of all kinds were a highlight, from the salmon pink shorts and shirts to the knitted twinsets. They were both cool and contemporary in equal measure and I’m always in favor of anything that makes putting together an outfit feel easy.
Fisherman jelly sandals, slouchy tote bags, and draped tops were the must-buy items from the show that stood alone as great individual pieces—and once more everything can be shopped on cos.com now!
Day 1: By Night
After a quick turnaround at the hotel we headed to Cinapos for dinner which couldn’t have felt more cool and quintessentially Greek. The atmosphere was relaxed yet energetic and we dove into a Greek feast. For dessert? Plate smashing! I changed into a strapless Toteme top and slip skirt and added this cord necklace from COS—the jacket lives on and I was surprised to find that black and butter yellow do actually work together!
Day 2: I Wish!
My trip to Athens was short and sweet and I was left wanting so much more. With interesting stores and restaurants to explore I’ll be back this summer and plan to head to the Mouki Mou store, Taverna ton Filon, and MO Vintage to name a few!
