Summer Files: Where We're Going, What We're Wearing and What's in Our Suitcases
From dream destinations and beauty heroes to the travel essentials we never leave home without, the women behind The Hood Collective share exactly what's in their suitcases this summer.
Everyone has their own way of travelling. Some of us colour-code our packing cubes weeks in advance, while others are still throwing clothes into a suitcase the night before a flight. Some chase fashion capitals, while others are happiest on a quiet beach with a good book and nowhere to be.
This summer, we asked the women behind The Hood Collective to share their dream destinations, where they're heading this season, the beauty products they never leave home without and the travel essentials that always make the cut.
MoirA, 66
The secret to Moira's travel style? Easy layers in soft, understated tones that can be added or peeled away as the journey unfolds. Practical, polished and endlessly wearable.
Dream destination
"I'm really lucky to live in Edinburgh, which is already so many people's dream destination. But if I had to choose, I'd say the Shetland Islands or the Greek islands. Somewhere you can feel the sand under your feet and hear the waves crashing onto the shore."
Summer plans
This summer, Moira is embracing the best of both worlds with a peaceful Scottish escape before heading to one of fashion's biggest events.
"I'm taking a staycation to the Isle of Bute in July. It's the perfect place to get lost in your own thoughts, catch up on reading and simply watch the world go by. Then it's off to Copenhagen Fashion Week before a trip to Hornbæk on Denmark's beautiful north coast."
Packing personality
Moira is definitely the planner of the group.
"Most of my wardrobe mixes and matches really easily, but I still like to lay everything out before I leave. Every item needs a place and a purpose. I like to visualise outfits before I travel, while making sure I have a few easy throw-on pieces too."
Beauty essentials
La Roche-Posay SPF, Merit Lip Oil and the Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Mask all make every trip.
"It's become my first-night tradition after every flight."
One thing she'll never forget
Tea.
"Twining's has brought out a travel-sized tea case full of herbal teas and it's the one thing I always pack, wherever I'm going."
Moira's Five In-Flight Essentials
Cadence Daily Hydration Electrolytes – handy sachets that mix easily into water. The Melon Berry flavour is a favourite.
Aesop Cedar & Citrus Lip Salve – for keeping lips hydrated throughout the journey.
Wired headphones – no charging, no flat batteries. Usually paired with How To Be 60 with Kaye Adams or Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud.
A satin eye mask – perfect for switching off when the cabin lights refuse to cooperate.
Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Mist – refreshing for hands and ideal for giving the tray table a quick clean too.
Christie, 30
Christie builds her holiday looks as she goes and throws in what she loves and hopes for the best
Dream destination
"There's nowhere I wouldn't go, but travelling around South America is an absolute dream of mine."
Summer plans
Christie is already making the most of summer sunshine.
"I'm currently in Faro and have a trip to Ireland planned for a wedding in August. Summer is actually my busiest time of year with work, so I tend to save most of my bigger adventures for the off-season."
Packing personality
Packing isn't something Christie likes to overthink.
"I always leave it until the last minute and definitely have a 'throw it in and hope for the best' approach. Holidays are for putting together outfits you probably wouldn't wear at home, so I don't stress too much."
Beauty essential
"I always take a thick night cream because flying and sunshine dry my skin out. My current favourite is the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask."
One thing she'll never forget
"My Kindle. I still love a paperback, but it's so lightweight and portable that it's completely non-negotiable."
Discover Christie’s five Travel Hacks: Read More
Greer, 26
Greer also likes neutral layering and chooses crochet as an easy cool option for warmer days travelling around or sight-seeing.
Dream destination
"I used to live in Bermuda and I'd love to return to the pink sand beaches of my youth. If I'm choosing somewhere I've never been before, I'd love to experience an onsen in Hokkaido, Japan."
Summer plans
Like so many of us, Greer is hoping this is finally the year the group chat turns into reality.
"I'm manifesting a trip to visit my family on the Croatian coast."
Packing personality
Greer describes her packing style in one word.
"Maniacally."
"The night before I Marie Kondo-style roll everything into a bag before throwing everything else on top. Makeup always goes in last."
Beauty essential
"The Rhode Glazing Milk. It's become so much a part of my skincare routine that I genuinely don't think my face can cope without it. It's brilliant after a day in the sun."
One thing she'll never forget
"My Revlon hot brush. If I can't blow-dry my hair I genuinely throw a fit like a toddler."
Discover Greer's Summer Reading List: READ MORE
No holiday is complete without a good book. Greer's picks this summer include a mix of page-turning fiction and thought-provoking reads, with something for every sun lounger.
(You could link here to your separate Summer Reading feature.)
Nicola
A light white dress is a summer essential for Nicola at home and abroad.
Dream destination
"I'd love to revisit La Réunion and Mauritius with my girls. I spent an Erasmus semester in La Réunion when I was a student and it holds such special memories. I'd love to show them that chapter of my life. Sicily, Croatia, the Maldives and an African safari are all on the wish list too."
Summer plans
This summer is all about slowing down together.
"I'm currently in Kos with the girls and we're balancing beach days with island hopping, exploring ancient ruins and wandering around little Greek towns."
Packing personality
Nicola credits one purchase with transforming family holidays.
"I still leave packing until the last minute, but packing cubes completely changed everything. I refuse to pay for extra luggage, so we divide the cubes between us and only take what fits. It makes us edit as we pack."
Beauty essentials
"I've used Nivea Protect & Bronze SPF50 for years. It's surprisingly difficult to find in the UK, so I always stock up whenever I'm abroad. I also love a shimmering body oil to enhance sun-kissed skin while also locking in moisture. My current favourite is Rituals Yozakura Cherish The Night Shimmering Body Oil.”
One thing she'll never forget
"My holiday basket bag. It instantly makes me feel like I'm on holiday, works with every outfit and somehow carries memories from every trip we've taken."
Nicola's Holiday Tech Essentials
Travelling with teenagers means technology is almost as important as passports.
Pack a four socket extension cable and one travel plug.
Packing cubes to maximise luggage space.
Downloaded playlists and podcasts before take-off.
An eSIM for stress-free data abroad.
A portable power bank for long travel days.
Holidays are made memorable by the little things we pack as much as the places we visit. Here's to travelling well, packing wisely and creating plenty of new memories this summer.
Want more from The Hood Collective? Meet the women behind Hood and discover their latest fashion, beauty, travel and lifestyle recommendations HERE.