What I Packed for My Trip to London

Welcome to So Many Thoughts, a semi-weekly newsletter about royal style and the other parts of life I want to think through with you. You can subscribe here and follow me on Instagram at @EHolmes. Thank you!

Good morning from London! It is so lovely to be back in this incredible city. I am here thanks to Floris London, the iconic British fragrance house that holds a royal warrant from Her Majesty the Queen. Floris has invited me to moderate a conversation about their newest scent, called Platinum 22, at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Thursday. A dream! (You can tap on my Instagram post below to enter the giveaway we are doing together.)

On Friday, the Floris team has graciously offered to host an SMT gathering at their Jermyn Street store. If you’re in town, I would love to see you! Pop by to say hello between noon and 2pm.

In anticipation of my trip, I shopped more than I have in years. I looked for small style swaps that felt like a welcome update. Think mid-rise jeans instead of high-rise, a voluminous dress in place of a more tailored one, ballet flats rather than pointy-toed shoes. I will still wear (and I packed) my old favorites; but I figured new additions to my wardrobe needed a rethink.

But mostly: While writing this, the word versatile kept coming to mind. Which made me so happy, as that is exactly what I want in new purchases. Lots of potential.

So much more to come from London! xx.

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Note: I use affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work.

Click to shop: MID-RISE JEANS

I have been a devotee of high-rise jeans for years now, deeply grateful to be in this part of the trend cycle where higher is better. I’ll admit I was a tad scared when I heard lower was trending—but this mid-rise pair gives me hope! Love the rough hem, too, which provides a distressed vibe without looking overly casual (the way a ripped knee might).

Click to shop: BLUE SNEAKERS

My first foray beyond classic white kicks were a pair of pink Reeboks that I love; they proved to me that I could wear colorful shoes without feeling like one of my kids. But those sneakers are looking a little worn at the moment, so in my pre-trip shopping I sought a refresh. These caught my eye—can you guess why? Here for how they don’t pop, but rather blend a bit with jeans.

Click to shop: WHITE BLAZER

As much as I love the double-breasted blazer that the duchesses sport so well, I find the single-button to be a bit more versatile. I’ve got a navy one that I love but white feels so fresh for spring. This one has a great length and a fitted shoulder, which means it works as well over dresses as it does with jeans.

Click to shop: STRIPED T-SHIRT

Hi, my name is Elizabeth, and I’m addicted to blue and white striped t-shirts. I have promised myself I wouldn’t buy any more...but I never said anything about pink and white. ;) Love how high the neckline is on this one, perfect for under sweaters or blazers.

Click to shop: PLATFORM WEDGES

I couldn’t come to Kate’s backyard and not bring a wedge, now could I? My feet adore the platform trend happening right now. You get all of the height of a heel and the comfort of a flat. I love a crinkled metallic (see the ballet flats below, too) because it adds shine without fuss.

Click to shop: BROWN(ISH) LIP GLOSS

I’m usually more of a pink-pink or rose-pink girl when it comes to lip gloss, but this pink-brown shade called Chelsea Girls (how perfect!) felt so grounded. Love this formula with just the right amount of shine; plenty on its own but can also be layered over something more saturated.

Click to shop: VOLUMINOUS DRESS

I have been looking for ways to get in on the trend of volume, which Meghan does so well. It is deceptively hard to adjust to, as it’s such a departure from more form-fitting styles. But I’ve found my entry point! It’s this belted dress, which helps keep the volume in check and gives you a single, defined fitted point. Plus, it can be dressed up with heels or down with flats. I particularly love the heavier fabric.

Click to shop: CAT EYE SUNGLASSES

My array of Ray-Bans will forever hold a place in my heart, but I wanted something a bit more dramatic for the dressier moments of my trip. These are slightly larger and more ladylike—and made by a quintessentially British brand.

Click to shop: BALLET FLATS

My London itinerary called for several comfortable shoe moments. I’ve been living my best SoCal life in sandals and sneakers, so this was music to my ears. But still! Time to up my game. And an excuse to buy these metallic flats I’ve been eyeing for months. So comfortable, so versatile, pairs well with both Nap Dresses and jeans.

Click to shop: SHEER DRESS (!)

Speaking of Nap Dresses...just when I thought my closet had reached Nap Dress Capacity, I saw that this style had been restocked. I want to be someone who wears an unlined lace dress on its own...and maybe, just maybe, I might get there. Until then, it looks fantastic over a slip dress. The lace is heavy in a good way, making it a statement piece and sufficiently differentiating it from the florals I already own. Planning to wear it here with a black jacket, a la Princess Beatrice.

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I’m off to have a walk around the city this morning — I’ll see you all on Instagram!

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