Pack Like a Pro
Salute the sun! Founder of The Upside Jodhi Meares knows how to guarantee best-in-class style.
The Upside’s Jodhi Meares on what to take on a yoga retreat
ACTIVEWEAR
I’m going for a six-day stay at Aro Hā wellness retreat in New Zealand and I can’t wait. I’m a big believer that you can have fun with sportswear so I’ll pack prints as well as solid colours. Our leggings have so much movement and the ballet bra has just the right amount of support.
SHOES
These days I only wear flats. I just bought a cute pair of chunky pink Nike sneakers that will be perfect for hiking. Gucci rubber slides and Loewe sandals are great for dinner or wearing to a massage.
LAYERS
Post-practice, I’ll be in supersoft fleeces and knits – I want to be ultra-comfortable but still stylish. When it’s cool in the evenings, I’ll add a big tieup coat; something roomy and relaxed to throw on.
LUGGAGE
I’ve been travelling with my Louis Vuitton luggage for 20 years. It’s been everywhere and has been knocked around a bit – one of the straps was coming loose and they repaired it beautifully. Seriously worth the investment.
ACCESSORIES
Sunnies are a must for outdoor activities; my favourite pair at the moment is Ray-Ban – the style is classic and very light. I’ll take a few caps, too, and plenty of sunscreen, plus the diamond studs I wear every day. As for my mat, I’m loyal to JadeYoga because of the incredible grip and eco-friendly rubber. Do you roll or fold? I’m a folder but I’d like to be a roller – I wish I was more organised but sometimes it’s just a throw-itin-a-suitcase situation. I’ll lay everything on the bed to decide what to take but it mostly all gets dumped in the case on the morning I’m leaving.
Do you unpack at the hotel or live out of your suitcase?
If it’s a beautiful hotel I like to unpack to feel at home but if I’m in and out I’ll just hang up jackets, dresses and anything that needs a steam. Activewear, which is a big part of what I have with me, stays in the suitcase.
What do you wear for long flights? Something that feels appropriate for the airport but is still really comfy. Mostly that means a slick trackie plus a beautiful blazer and trainers.
What are your nonnegotiables? I won’t leave home without yoga gear – I try to find a class wherever I travel because I find it much more motivating than practising on my own. A couple of cashmere sweaters – they’re light, cosy and perfect for flights. And a good pair of trainers for hiking or jumping on the treadmill.
Are you loyal to a specific colour scheme? No but I look at everything together before it goes in the suitcase. Most people only wear 10 per cent of their wardrobe regularly. I’m like that so I pack what’s already on high rotation as I know it works.
Are you influenced by your destination when packing? Very. I’m often in Hong Kong for work so I’ll bring things appropriate for meetings. In Europe I tend to wear more colour and Los Angeles is on the relaxed side.