There's something about a weekend in the Cotswolds that makes me want to pack an entirely new wardrobe.
I'm heading off on a wellness retreat with Vicki Horner, and while the itinerary promises plenty of movement, fresh air and relaxation, I've been giving the packing situation rather more attention than is probably necessary.
In my defence, we're covering quite a lot of ground. Morning hikes, mobility sessions, strength training, cosy evenings and potentially some time in the hot tub. That's a lot of outfit changes for one weekend.
And it's October in England, so we could experience all four seasons before lunch.
I've put together eight looks for the weekend, mixing some familiar favourites with a few pieces from brands worth knowing. Think beautiful layers, interesting textures, proper performance kit and enough comfortable clothing to make changing out of it entirely optional.
01. The Weekend Getaway
The arrival outfit
I firmly believe the journey is part of the holiday, even when you're only travelling a couple of hours down the M40.
A navy puffer, a chunky checked knit, chocolate leggings and Hunter wellies. Comfortable enough for the journey, but with a little more intention than the leggings and hoodie I usually reach for.
The oversized puffer does most of the work here, while the knit adds a bit of personality. And the wellies? Given the forecast, they might be the most sensible thing I've packed.
A weekend bag completes the look. Preferably one big enough to accommodate the seven other outfits I've convinced myself are essential.
02. Studio Strength
For the sessions that actually make us sweat
A wellness retreat might sound relaxing, but I know Vicki well enough to expect some proper work.
For the strength sessions, I'm leaning into a sportier look. Navy Alo track trousers, a pale blue SET sports bra and a lightweight white jacket.
I love the contrast between technical sportswear and something a little more fashion-led. The loose trousers give the outfit a relaxed silhouette, while the metallic Nike trainers bring a bit of personality.
This is the sort of kit I'd happily wear to the gym and keep on for the rest of the morning.
And yes, I'm fully aware that packing nice gym clothes doesn't make the workout any easier.
03. Mobility & Stretch
Soft colours, softer layers
Mobility is one of those things I know I should do more of, but somehow never quite manage to prioritise.
So a dedicated session, with no emails to answer and nowhere else to be, sounds rather lovely.
For this look, I've gone with charcoal leggings and a matching long-sleeved top from LOVALL, layered with a cream wrap knit from M&S Goodmove.
I love a wrap layer for Pilates and mobility. Something you can throw on at the beginning of a session, peel off when you're warm and put straight back on afterwards.
The blush pink accessories soften the darker set, while the River Island ballet-style trainers bring a slightly unexpected finish.
Practical? Mostly. Pretty? Absolutely.
04. Morning Hike
Country pursuits, with a little polish
This might be my favourite outfit of the weekend.
An olive Varley fleece, chocolate leggings, a chunky knitted hat and proper On trail shoes.
There's something about earthy colours and textured layers that just works in the countryside. The fleece is the hero here. Cosy, oversized and exactly what I want to pull on before heading outside.
The On trainers are a more practical choice than my usual fashion trainers, particularly if the paths are muddy. I'm not about to sacrifice grip for a good outfit.
The chocolate hat and scarf from The Couture Club finish things off without making the whole look feel too coordinated.
Add a flask of something warm and I'm ready.
Although I reserve the right to complain if there are too many hills.
05. Coffee Run
For the moments between the itinerary
Not every outfit needs to be designed around an activity.
Some are simply for wandering into the village, finding a good coffee and having absolutely nowhere urgent to be.
This look is built around cream adidas track trousers, a chocolate striped top from Gina Tricot and a dark Adanola jacket.
It's casual, slightly retro and exactly the kind of outfit I find myself wearing most often outside the gym.
The burgundy adidas trainers bring in a little colour without fighting the rest of the look.
I love how a good pair of track trousers can feel just as considered as tailored trousers when you get the proportions right.
This is the one I'd probably end up wearing twice.
06. Evening Stroll
The art of dressing for absolutely no occasion
A quilted chocolate jacket, cream top, printed leggings and adidas trainers.
It's a fairly simple combination, but the textures and colours make it feel a little more interesting.
The M&S Goodmove jacket is one of those pieces that works just as well over gym kit as it does with everyday clothes. And the printed leggings bring something different to an otherwise understated outfit.
I've added a Monos weekend bag and matching water bottle because apparently even an evening stroll deserves accessories.
This is the look for a wander before dinner, a little fresh air after a full day, or just an excuse to leave the room wearing something nice.
07. Keeping It Cosy
Absolutely no plans to get dressed properly
Every weekend away needs at least one outfit dedicated entirely to comfort.
This Port de Bras co-ord is exactly that. A relaxed half-zip and wide-leg trousers in a beautiful muted sage, layered over a simple white bodysuit.
I love matching sets because they make getting dressed feel effortless while still looking like you've made an effort.
The fleece-lined adidas trainers are a particularly good addition. Somewhere between a trainer and a slipper, which feels entirely appropriate for a wellness retreat.
This is what I'm imagining wearing after a shower, curled up with a cup of tea, pretending I might read a book.
I haven't actually read a book in about eight years, so don't hold your breath for a book review.
08. The Wind Down
Hot tub, slippers, repeat
And finally, the outfit that requires the least amount of actual clothing.
A chocolate Adanola swimsuit, a ridiculously cosy burgundy robe from M&S and UGG slippers.
The robe is doing most of the heavy lifting here. It's the kind of thing you put on and immediately wonder why you ever bother wearing anything else around the house.
The burgundy and chocolate combination feels particularly lovely for autumn, and the Sweaty Betty bottle is coming along to remind me that hydration is apparently part of wellness too.
If the weekend ends with a hot tub and an early night, I'll consider that a success.
A Few Things I'm Definitely Packing
Beyond the outfits, there are a few practical essentials worth remembering for an autumn retreat.
A yoga mat for mobility, proper walking shoes for muddy paths, a waterproof layer, comfortable trainers for indoor sessions and plenty of warm clothing.
Swimwear is essential if there's a hot tub involved, and I'd strongly recommend a dressing gown or something cosy to throw on afterwards.
Then there's the usual collection of toiletries, skincare and the various things I convince myself I can't possibly spend two nights without.
The trick, I suspect, is packing for the activities rather than every possible version of yourself you might become over the weekend.
I'm still working on that.
The Weekend Wardrobe, Considered
What I love about putting these looks together is that none of them are particularly complicated.
Good layers, comfortable fabrics, interesting colour combinations and a few pieces that make everyday activewear feel a little more special.
I've mixed performance brands with high-street favourites because I genuinely think that's where the best wardrobes come from. Not everything needs to be expensive, and not everything needs to be bought from a sportswear brand.
The best pieces are the ones you'll wear long after the weekend is over.
As for me, I'm looking forward to a couple of days away, some good training, fresh air, lovely company and hopefully a bit of proper downtime.
Whether I manage to switch off completely remains to be seen.
Explore the pieces featured in the carousel and discover more autumn layers, activewear and off-duty favourites in the Cotswolds Retreat edit at Kit & Grit.
Currently manifesting my dream wardrobe by way of an edit. But obviously I don't buy everything I feature. That would be unsustainable.
Kit x
