What I Packed for Banff
My week being Canadian-chic.
Don’t miss: M.M.LaFleur's sale is an EXTRA 25% off for the holiday weekend!
When I told my girlfriends I was heading to Banff for a little getaway, the first question wasn't about my hiking plans or restaurant reservations—it was about what I was packing. As a clothing designer of over 15 years, I suppose I've earned a reputation for never leaving the house without a curated look, even when that "house" happens to be a hotel at the base of the Canadian Rockies.
The truth is, packing for a mountain getaway presented the exact kind of styling challenge I live for. I like to honor the beauty and history of the setting I’m in, while staying true to my personal style and design sensibilities. When you’re dealing with a rugged, outdoorsy destination, the key to striking that balance isn’t always obvious, but personally, I love grappling with that tension.
My secret suitcase sauce for this trip, inevitably, followed the same philosophy that guides how I pack for all travel—and how I think about all of my designs: High-quality fabrics make getting dressed easy, and unexpected styling elements make getting dressed fun.
Below, my summer travel must-haves for any laid-back, not scorchingly hot location:
Zosia cardigan: I love the dry hand-feel for summer and how it instantly adds texture and depth to an outfit.
Fina dress: Sexy yet plenty covered up.
Milo jeans: I brought two pairs! White and saddle. They’re just the best—comfy and an effortlessly cool silhouette.
Tali cardigan and Aiko top: You’ve probably seen me wearing this set in one of our emails, because I’m obsessed. The yarn is the perfect shade of oat and so soft yet breezy.
Saint James tees: Simply iconic. No one does a French stripe better.
Kiki sweater: Yes, this is a thicker knit, but the cotton blend is great for warm-weather layering. Try wrapping it around your shoulders to completely transform your outfit.
Bari jean: A barrel leg jean for people skeptical of the trend. Just the right amount of curve to create an interesting shape without making you look like a cowboy.
Scroll to see my favorite looks from this vacation. As you’ll see, I didn’t take a picture in all of these pieces. This was because I intentionally overpacked, just in case I ended up tagging along on activities for my partner’s work offsite (the reason for this trip!). Thankfully, I was mostly able to adventure and rest, meaning I didn’t wear some of the more tailored styles. (But you can bet my Bia pants and Olia skirt are back on heavy rotation now that I’ve returned to real life!)
Arriving in Banff
fter landing in Calgary, we headed west to Banff and checked in at the Fairmont Banff Springs, a historic late 19th-century hotel that is nicknamed the “Castle in the Rockies.” The views on the drive in were absolutely breathtaking, and our guide pointed out the Three Sisters trio of mountain peaks. Since I didn’t have to work, my first stop was the hotel pool, which is heated by natural spring water. My crochet-knit Zosia cardigan and crisp white Milo jeans served as a cover-up over my black swimsuit. This is your proof that the Milos are not see-through!
Before dinner, I changed into my crochet-knit dress, which matches back to the cardigan, to create an airy, chic evening set.
I just love these old photos of the hotel that were on display in the lobby.
Lunch and Shopping
For a day walking around town, which is quite built-up, I wore my favorite knit cardigan and tank set along with my Bari jeans. This combo was the perfect balance of comfortable and sophisticated. I didn’t feel overdressed in the casual-leaning setting and felt plenty polished for a nice lunch out.
I just have to double back in these jeans, because I think they’re a must-try for anyone who wants denim that’s a little different but is wary of overly trendy silhouettes. These have a much more subtle cut than other barrel styles out there, and the dark denim means you can wear them with heels at night in addition to sneakers or sandals during the day.
Fishing on Bow River
This was a major—and unexpected—highlight of the trip for me. Living in a city and working in fashion, I’d never fished before, and I loved it. We went out on the Bow River in the morning to get the best catch, which was so quiet, serene, and satisfying. It felt like I was satiating this deep-seated hunger for nature—guess I need to get out more! The early hour also meant it was a bit chilly, hence my jacket which is covering my Saint James tee underneath. Afterward, we had a fish fry for lunch, which consisted of our fresh catches accompanied by potatoes and other locally sourced foods, including various sausages and cheeses. My Milo jeans passed the sitting and eating test with flying colors.
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