Packing is an extreme sport! Well, not really—but it does take practice if you want to make traveling as effortless as possible. As a packing pro (thanks to my former life as a Market Director, which had me jetting off to global buying appointments every month), I take pride in fitting multiple outfits into a single carry-on. So when I headed to Athens for COS’s Spring/Summer 2025 runway show—a sure-to-be-chic event—I was excited to put my packing skills to the test (and, of course, see the collection).

### Must-Buys from the COS SS25 Runway Show:
– **The Ribbed Knit Polo Top**: $165
– **The Longline Short**: $185
– **The Drawstring Tote**: $320
– **The Draped Blouse**: $290
– **Rose-Tinted Lenses**: $165
– **A Linen Blazer**: $425

COS is a brand I’ve grown up with—and luckily, it’s grown with me. It’s rare for an accessible brand to stay relevant across generations, but COS has managed it. At 19, I wore it to my cousin’s wedding; now at 33, I still turn to them for office-ready, seasonally fresh pieces that never sacrifice quality or design. “Timeless” gets thrown around a lot in fashion, but here, it fits. Karin Gustafsson, the brand’s creative director since day one, puts it perfectly: *”The way people dress has changed. They no longer dress rigidly for specific occasions—everything is interchangeable, and we’ve grown that way too.”* I couldn’t agree more. It’s exactly how I shop (and pack) today.

Since I’ve bragged about my packing prowess, here are a few tips to maximize your travel wardrobe:

### **Color Palette Packing**
Stick to a cohesive color scheme—not necessarily one shade, but a range that works together. It keeps you focused (no last-minute “just in case” items) and ensures everything mixes and matches. For this trip, I went with neutrals—yes, butter yellow counts.

### **Pack on Wire Hangers**
Those flimsy dry-cleaning hangers you usually toss? Keep them! They’re slim, lightweight, and save you from wrestling with hotel closet rods.

### **Bring a Travel Steamer**
Most places have irons, but they’re never as quick or convenient as a steamer—especially when you’re only in town for a few days. Who wants to waste time setting up an ironing board?

### **Shoes: Less Is More**
I packed two pairs for this trip—two too many. Bring one versatile pair that works day-to-night and keeps you comfortable. I could’ve easily worn my A.Emery flats the entire time.

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### **Outfit Breakdown**
– **COS Linen-Blend Blazer**: $220
– **COS Oversized Shirt**: $99
– **COS Linen Pants**: $165
– **Déhanche Belt**: $290
– **A.Emery Flats**: $230
– **Steamery Handheld Steamer**: $140
– **Christopher Esber Flip Flops**: $300
– **Away Carry-On**: $275

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### **Day 1: See It & Shop It**
Two coffees deep (jet lag combat), I was ready for the show and some Athens exploration. The venue—a stunning marble quarry in Dionysso—embodied COS’s minimalist aesthetic like nothing I’d seen before. I wore a breezy yellow linen suit (perfect for transitional weather), swapping my usual white tee for a pale pink shirt to mix things up. Paired with my tinted COS x L… *(text cuts off)*I accidentally wore Linda Farrow sunglasses, but I ended up loving them!

The spring collection they showcased was effortless and easy—everything felt wearable and approachable for almost everyone there. The flowy pieces stood out beautifully against the marble and stainless steel interior, creating a striking contrast. The matching sets were a highlight, from the salmon pink shorts and shirts to the knitted twinsets. They were both cool and contemporary, and I always appreciate anything that makes putting an outfit together feel simple.

Must-buy items from the show included fisherman jelly sandals, slouchy tote bags, and draped tops—all great standalone pieces. And, as always, everything is available to shop now on cos.com!

**Day 1: By Night**
After a quick stop at the hotel, we headed to Cinapos for dinner, which was effortlessly cool and quintessentially Greek. The atmosphere was relaxed yet lively, and we enjoyed a full Greek feast—complete with plate smashing for dessert! I changed into a strapless Totême top and slip skirt, adding a cord necklace from COS. The jacket stayed on, and I was surprised to find that black and butter yellow actually work well together!

**Day 2: I Wish!**
My trip to Athens was short but sweet, leaving me wanting more. With so many interesting stores and restaurants to explore, I’ll definitely be back this summer. A few spots on my list: Mouki Mou, Taverna ton Filon, and MO Vintage.

**Shop more favorites from COS’s spring collection:**
– Tie-front vest
– Beaded quartz bracelet
– Stone pendant necklace
– Relaxed wide-leg pants
– Attached layered blazer
– Tailored linen pencil skirt