British stylist and consultant Angie Smith is a natural traveller. Born in the UK, raised in Belgium and Cyprus, and now living by the beach in Sydney with her partner and son, her laid-back, free-spirited style aesthetic is one we follow here at Citizen Femme.
Recently embarking on a solo trip to Bali to re-connect mind, body and soul, here she shares the outfits she packed for her week-long trip, how she put together looks for effortless tropical style, and tells us how her parents’ sartorial style while living in Hong Kong in the 70s inspires her.
Where did you go, where did you stay and for how long?
Uluwatu Surf Villas in Bali for seven nights, it’s the most incredible cliffside location that has a calming energy. I think there is something really special about this area and we’ve been going as a family for years.
What was on your itinerary?
Lots of R&R, daily yoga, meditation, swimming, reading and lying in the sunshine. Oh and day naps!
How did you decide what to pack for your trip?
Apart from bike shorts and vests for yoga (half of which I left in the washing machine – can I still use ‘mum brain’ as an excuse now Dusty is three?), I wanted to feel good and wear some of my favourite pieces. I usually stick to a neutral colour palette as it’s easier to make multiple outfits from, however I’ve also been drawn to green, blue and buttery shades of late so there were a few of those in the mix. I never pack too many accessories, just a few key pieces that work with multiple looks, like some tan leather sandals by The Row, a strappy pair by Aquazzura and my ‘most worn’ Sleeper flip flops. I took three necklaces that I wore together and separately; a short beaded choker by Milne Watson who does incredible jewellery, my Kirstie Le Marque St. Christopher and my gold fish pendant from Alighieri. I often use the bag that I travel with as my bag for the pool (in this case The Everyday raffia tote from my Made in Mada collaboration). I also took my cross-body mini bag and a raffia clutch – both worked with all my evening looks.
Where did you find inspiration for your outfits?
I like to dress simply and to make sure pieces are well cut and flattering. A lot of people talk about ‘wearing vs. styling’ but I actually think you can look styled just by wearing well-cut, good quality items in beautiful fabrics. I get inspired when I travel; I’ve always loved sarongs and I attended a ceremony where I wore a traditional one that I wanted to bring home, the print was so beautiful. I also love looking at old photos and the 70s is definitely a favourite era. My parents lived in Hong Kong then, and their photos are so cool – my mum had an incredible collection of bespoke kaftans and my dad was quite often photographed wearing white flares, I love it!
What did you pack?
A real mix of separates and dresses. An oversized shirt with a fine brown stripe, a black silk slip dress, some white fisherman pants from Matteau as well as my favourite black bikini and one piece. A pair of loose tailored trousers in a beautiful shade of green and matching vest from St Agni. White T-shirts by Navygrey and Re/done, I always pack at least three of these. A brown fine knit maxi dress from Faithfull The Brand and a light cotton sundress from Free People which I wore many times, I always find good summer pieces on their website. Two striped kaftans, one in the most amazing shade of turmeric by Suzie Kondi and the other in a faded red stripe by a new British brand Nona Wear. A night dress by If Only If that I styled as a strapless dress. My favourite summer PJ set from Nudea – they are so incredibly light and nice to wear – and some satin and sheer pieces from LESET and Deiji Studios. Sounds a lot doesn’t it? But all items were worn!
What is your favourite piece or outfit that you wore while there?
I really love simplicity and how a fabric feels when worn, so I’d say either a Deiji Studios sheer vest over my Matteau black bikini top and a satin midi skirt by LESET, or a black silk slip dress from Matteau – it’s new and really is the best cut I’ve tried to date (and I’ve tried a few!).
What’s the dress code like in Bali?
The weather is tropical, and it can be humid, but I was there during dry season so at night it was cool enough to wear trousers, although when I say cool I’m still talking 22 degrees Celsius.
Did you rewear or restyle outfits, or did you pack a different outfit for each day?
I packed a different outfit for each day which for me felt pretty OTT. I don’t usually do that but as I was travelling by myself I thought: why the hell not! I had time to get ready in the evening and really enjoyed doing it. I always end up wearing a T-shirt and sarong look more than once, I have a great one by Caravana that I bought on NET-A-PORTER – it’s one of the most worn items in my summer wardrobe.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?