The Art Of Packing For One Night
By Moira Graham
Part of our Hood Collective
Moira shares why a night away is the perfect excuse to dress up.
From daytime wandering to an evening out, Moira shares what she wore for her solo Glasgow getaway, with timeless staples, thoughtful layering and the personal touches that make every outfit her own.
There’s something lovely about getting dressed when you have somewhere to go and nowhere in particular to be. A night away gives you a reason to wear the pieces you’ve been saving for a special occasion, or simply to put together an outfit that makes an ordinary day feel a little different. For my trip to Glasgow, I wanted clothes that felt like me: comfortable enough for a day of wandering, but with a little thought behind them.
Dressed for the journey
Luckily, the train from Edinburgh to Glasgow is only 45 minutes. It’s less of a journey and more of a comfortable seat, with a few fields and estates to look at along the way. The storm had only just passed that weekend, so I was less concerned about the rain and more focused on keeping warm and comfortable.
My Funnel Neck Trench Coat from Topshop was perfect for throwing on. I naturally gravitate towards coffee tones in my wardrobe, as they make mixing and matching different pieces so much easier. I’m a great believer in combining higher-quality investments with everyday essentials. My Wide High Waist Jeans, for example, are from H&M. When you find a pair of jeans that fit you just right, it really doesn’t matter where they come from.
Where I do like to invest is in pieces that feel particularly special. This Halo Cashmere V Neck Jumper from Jigsaw is a perfect example. The feel of good cashmere is hard to beat. The same goes for my Coconut Effect Shoulder Bag from Mango. It holds everything I need for the day and looks smart without demanding too much attention.
It’s an outfit that looks well put together without requiring much effort. More importantly, I get so much enjoyment from wearing it. For me, that's what good dressing is all about: finding pieces that look lovely, feel wonderful and make you happy to wear them.
The Pleasure of Dressing Up
Staying at Arthouse Hotel Glasgow meant I was lucky not to have far to go for dinner. While I didn’t feel the need to get dressed to the nines, I do enjoy making that little bit of extra effort and creating a distinction between my daytime and evening looks. Usually, I might simply switch a few things around, but being away felt like the perfect excuse to wear something a little different.
Leopard print has never been an obvious choice for me. I often find it comes in much lighter shades, which can feel a little too bold for my taste. This Asymmetric Leopard Print Skirt from Mango, however, caught my eye for its deeper, richer tones. I love a print that makes a statement without being too much, and one that I can imagine wearing time and time again without getting tired of it.
I paired it with another Mango favourite, a black Knitted Sweater with Perkins Neck, which gave the look a simple foundation and let the accessories do the talking. From statement earrings to the perfectly matched Hair-On Leather Leopard Barrel Bag, the finishing touches brought everything together. It was just the right size for my phone, glasses, lip gloss and hotel key card.
For me, dressing up doesn't have to mean making a huge effort. Sometimes, it's simply about choosing something a little different and enjoying the feeling of wearing it.
The Luxury of Switching Off
Bedtime is ultimately time for yourself, and I think there’s something rather lovely about making that part of the day feel a little more special. Investing in The White Company’s Silk Classic Pyjamas was a wonderful choice. Made from pure silk, they feel beautiful against the skin and bring a little luxury to the end of the day.
The shirt features a curved collar and mother-of-pearl buttons, while the trousers have a clean, flat-front elasticated waist with adjustable ties. Contrasting piping adds a lovely finishing touch. The White Company uses 19 momme silk across its silk nightwear collection. Momme refers to the weight of silk, with a higher number indicating a heavier, more substantial fabric.
They were just what I wanted after a day exploring Glasgow: something comfortable, elegant and a little indulgent. Perfect for a peaceful night's sleep and an equally relaxed morning.
Same Staples, New Perspective
When you’re only away for one night, there’s no need to pack an entirely different wardrobe for the following day. Often, the outfit you wore the day before can work just as well with a few refreshed basics and a little restyling.
This Whistles Detachable Scarf Check Shirt was perfect for doing exactly that. It instantly gave my look a smarter feel, while offering plenty of versatility. The scarf can be tied fully, worn loosely or removed altogether, giving you a completely different look without needing to change the shirt itself. I love pieces that offer more than one way to wear them.
I also have to mention my Vagabond Blanca Ankle Boots. They’re actually my first pair of Vagabond shoes, and I can safely say I’m sold. If anyone is looking for an excuse to treat themselves, these might just be it!
When I bought them at John Lewis, the lady assisting me mentioned that Vagabond is one of those brands people fall in love with. She described them as shoes that are designed to work with everything in your wardrobe, but somehow never spend time sitting in it. I have to say, she was absolutely right. They’re wonderfully comfortable, effortlessly stylish and already feel like a pair I'll reach for time and time again. I couldn't recommend them more.
Looking back, a night away in Glasgow was a lovely reminder that you don’t need a suitcase full of clothes to enjoy getting dressed. A few well-chosen pieces, some thoughtful combinations and the freedom to wear something just because you love it are often more than enough. For me, good style has never been about having more, but about making the most of what you already have and enjoying every opportunity to wear it.
Read more of Moira’s Glasgow trip here.