I'm an Expert in Packing a Carry-On—This Is Everything I Took for a Weekend in Stockholm

Stockholm in January feels like stepping into a snow globe: quiet, bright and properly cold in a way we rarely experience at home in the UK. I flew out for 48 hours with Volvo for the reveal of its newest electric model, the EX60, and whilst cars aren't usually part of my daily fashion-editor schedule, I was curious to see how it would all unfold in a city so closely tied to design. For two days, Villa Dagmar was home. It's one of those hotels that makes you feel put-together just by way of staying there, even when you're running on very little sleep and a carry-on wardrobe.

I remember unpacking and immediately thinking I should have brought more tailoring (don't I always?). Still, with limited space, I stuck to pieces I knew I'd rely on: strong outerwear, easy layers and a couple of items that could shift into evening without much effort. It ended up being one of those trips where I wore everything I packed, and I actually felt good in all of it.

I'll be honest: snow always feels a bit novel to me, so waking up to Stockholm covered in it was a highlight before I'd even had coffee. With Volvo, I spent the morning exploring the city at a slower pace, taking in the streets, which felt slightly quieter and softer under the snowfall. A long faux-fur coat became my default. I threw it over everything: knits, denim and even the most basic outfits, and it instantly made me feel like I'd tried (even when I hadn't). Underneath, it was all about practicality: a really good jumper, straight-leg jeans and boots that could handle slippery pavements without looking too heavy. I definitely underestimated how icy it would be at times, so that was a lesson learned.

Most of the day was spent wandering with no strict plan, just walking through side streets, popping into shops and, slightly randomly, trying to track down Swedish Fish (a very specific mission to set myself, but I stand by it). There's an ease to style in Stockholm that I kept noticing; nothing feels forced, but everything looks thought-out. It made me rethink how much I usually overcomplicate daily dressing.

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Dinner at Villa Dagmar felt like the moment to switch things up slightly, especially as Volvo had planned the evening for us, which made it feel that bit more special. After a full day wrapped up in layers, I wanted something that felt a bit sharper, but still comfortable enough to sit in for hours (because that's exactly what we did). I went for a black trouser suit, which is one of my go-tos when I don't have the energy to think too much about an outfit. It always works. I added a pair of sheer tulle gloves; a small detail, but one which made the whole look a little more dressed-up. It's the kind of thing I don't wear enough at home but always wish I did.

Dinner itself was exactly what you want from a hotel restaurant when you're away; good enough that you don't feel the need to go anywhere else. I devoured the truffle pasta without hesitation (some decisions don't need thinking about) and then the chocolate orange mousse, which I'd been told about earlier in the day and couldn't not try. It fully lived up to expectations.

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The next morning started with a very cold (thankfully short) walk to a nearby gallery space for a behind-the-scenes session with Volvo's design team. I kept things quite simple, outfit-wise: a white shirt layered over thermals (necessary) and ankle-length jeans. It was one of those outfits that doesn't look like much on paper but works when you're actually wearing it.

The session itself was surprisingly interesting from a fashion point of view; there was a lot of talk about materials, colour palettes and how Scandinavian design continues to influence everything Volvo does. Acne Studios came up as a reference, which made sense, given the focus on texture, tone and pieces that feel current but not trend-led. It didn't feel like a stretch to draw parallels between how we think about clothes and how Volvo approaches interiors.

Then we were introduced to the EX60. It's Volvo's new all-electric mid-size SUV, designed to fit into everyday life without feeling like a compromise on style. What stood out most to me was how much thought has gone into making electric driving feel easy, something that, if I'm honest, has always felt slightly intimidating to me. The range goes up to 810 km on a single charge, and it can bank a significant amount of charge in the time it takes to stop for a coffee, which makes the idea of longer journeys feel a lot more realistic.

Inside, it's calm and considered. There's a focus on natural materials, space and details that actually make a difference; there's more legroom, clever storage and an audio system that feels genuinely immersive. The tech is there, but it doesn't dominate. The car is designed to feel intuitive, including a new AI system that responds more like a conversation than a command, which I appreciated.

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What I kept thinking about was how similar the EX60 felt to my approach to getting dressed for a trip like this. You don't need excess—you need the right things, done well, and ideally, something that makes the whole experience feel a bit more enjoyable. Two days in Stockholm went quickly, but it was enough to remind me that packing well really does make a difference. And that often, the pieces you come to rely on the most are the ones you throw in your suitcase first.