I Just Got Back From London—Here’s Every Minimalist Staple I Packed for the Trip

As I write this, I’m sitting at my office desk in Manhattan, surrounded by the cacophony of blaring horns outside my window. However, my thoughts are elsewhere, wandering through the bustling streets of London and the quaint countryside of Ascot. What feels like a daydream is actually a memory, one I’ve been revisiting ever since returning from an incredible UK getaway last week.

Although I was approximately 3,471 miles away from my apartment in Brooklyn, I still felt entirely at home, thanks in large part to the Dorchester Collection. I began my stay at 45 Park Lane, nestled in the bustling borough of Mayfair. Renowned for its central location, it served as the perfect base for visiting the city’s most iconic sites, from Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace. After several days immersed in London’s rich history, I traveled to Coworth Park for a scenic countryside escape in Ascot. There, I stayed in a charming cottage and indulged in some of the most delicious farm-to-table meals I’ve ever had.

Beyond the destinations themselves, one of the highlights of the trip was dressing for it. Fortunately, I didn’t have to buy anything new before my vacation. As a minimalist, much of my capsule wardrobe already aligns with London-girl style: tailored, polished, and effortlessly cool. I packed trench coats, trousers, straight-leg jeans, and plenty of relaxed knits. (Having spent a semester abroad in the UK during college, I learned early on the importance of layering for unpredictable weather that can shift from sunshine to rain in a matter of hours.)

Ahead, get a glimpse into my detailed itinerary and discover everything I packed for each moment. With a low-effort, high-reward appeal, these versatile outfits rose to every occasion. Whether you’re heading to London or elsewhere this summer, consider using this curated edit for inspiration.

Rest and Reset

After a long-haul flight, I often prefer to lounge in my hotel room in hopes of shaking off my jet lag. So, upon arriving at 45 Park Lane, I did just that. I immediately changed out of my airport outfit (a T-shirt, jeans, a sweater, and Adidas Sambas) and into comfy pajamas while enjoying the hotel’s delectable pastry spread.

Window Shopping

The next day, I finally gathered enough energy to hit the ground running. My first stop? A trip to Harrods, a world-famous luxury department store in Knightsbridge. After strolling through Miu Miu and exploring the store’s selection of tea and chocolates, I stopped by The Mayfair Chippy and ordered the most British item on the menu—fish and chips.

The weather was fairly chilly, so I bundled up in a trench coat and a sweater vest, but decided to keep things light on the bottom with crepe trousers so that I wouldn’t overheat. Vivaia’s cushioned ballet flats ensured extra comfort through miles of walking around the city.

A Treat-Yourself Moment

While there was much to do beyond the walls of 45 Park Lane, I simply couldn’t resist pampering myself at the hotel’s spa. I opted for a deep-tissue massage and later went for a serene swim. I wore my swimwear essentials from Vitamin A and completed my look with a crisp button-down and a straw tote bag.

After unwinding for hours, I worked up a serious appetite. So, I changed into a sleek dinner outfit and made my way to CUT 45 Park Lane, where I ordered scallops, steak, and fries—an incredible meal which I can’t seem to stop talking about.

Off to the Country

Following a busy few days in the city, I traveled to Coworth Park in Berkshire for a countryside retreat. Intrigued by the surrounding meadows, horse stables, and polo fields, I took a long walk around the property. Aiming for a look that felt both comfortable and polished, I chose a cropped trench, floaty trousers, a crossbody bag, and ballet slippers. Admittedly, I probably should have packed a pair of sturdy boots for this part of the trip, but my flats sufficed!

Rooted in chic separates, this outfit transitioned perfectly into dinner at Coworth Park’s The Barn. The brasserie-style menu was certainly one to remember.

Peace and Quiet

If you ever travel to Ascot, do yourself a favor and make a reservation at Woven by Adam Smith. There, order a traditional English breakfast, then head outdoors for a peaceful day of relaxation. Bring your favorite book to read, and expect to lose yourself in the soothing soundscape of chirping birds.

I followed that exact itinerary and wore my soft DL1961 jeans, a buttoned sweater, and snug flats. I also carried a woven tote, which was roomy enough to store my current vacation read—Mind Magic by James R. Doty.

Neighborhood Hopping

I knew I’d want to stay in the UK for more than five days, so after departing from Berkshire, I returned to London, where I rented an Airbnb in King’s Cross. Situated right near a major subway hub, I had easy access to a range of neighborhoods. I spent the next several days exploring the city's most beloved residential districts from Notting Hill to Shoreditch.

For these excursions, I kept my outfits light and airy. Temperatures were hovering around 26 degrees Celsius—which, I quickly learned, is considered a heatwave according to the British.

A Bittersweet Farewell

I made the most of my final vacation day in London. I visited Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the British Museum, and I discovered the most gorgeous rose garden in Hyde Park. Since I was on the move, I intentionally wore breathable pieces—like a cotton maxi skirt and a barely-there tank—to keep cool.

While I was heartbroken by the idea of leaving, I managed to check off most of the items on my to-do list. I didn’t get through everything, but that just gives me another excuse to return to one of my favorite cities in the world.