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In this article, we are sharing our expert packing tips for traveling for work – so you can achieve maximum productivity, comfort, and style.
Essential Packing Tips for When You Travel for Work
Traveling for work can be a mix of emotions. While bonding with co-workers is certainly enjoyable, being away from the comforts of home can be stressful. One effective way to alleviate this stress is by packing thoughtfully — bringing along items that not only make you feel good but also ensure you look the part.
In this article we are sharing some tips and tricks to ensure you pack the right essentials, so you feel great from the second you step onto the plane to the moment you enter the boardroom.
Also don’t forget to check out our other article on Ultimate Boss Business Woman Aesthetic Tips here where we provide actual links to pieces for easier shopping.
Getting Your Travel-Day Outfit Correct
This first thing you need to get right is your travel-day outfit. When most corporate jet setters book travel, they usually opt for the earliest flight of the day so that they can go straight to the office once they land and attend the day’s meetings.
This creates a challenge when picking out clothes for the day. While this travel-day outfit should ideally find a nice balance between comfort and professionalism, it often sacrifices comfort.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are tons of stylish yet wearable pieces on the market that any corporate jetsetter can opt for when getting dressed in the morning. These pieces are great choices because they can endure longer flights and sudden schedule changes upon touchdown (i.e. you land late and have to run to the office. You probably don’t want to do that wearing a really stiff suit).
Recommended Outfits to Try:
- Light Blazer + White T-Shirt + Stretchy Pant Combo
- The best part about a light blazer provides optionality for you on your travel day. You can easily take it off or put it on depending on the plane cabin temperature.
- White t-shirts offer versatility, casualness, and comfort all in one. You can wear the tee on the way to the airport and look relaxed, and then throw the blazer on top once you walk into the office.
- Stretchy pants that look tailored may be our favorite thing in the world. Think of them as leggings for work. These trousers not only provide comfort, but also the stretch ensures that they maintain their shape during long trips. Aka no need to pack an iron!
- Tailored Shirt + Athletic Skirt
- If it’s a hot summer day, you may want to opt for a skirt over pants. One fashion tip we’ve always loved is that idea that you can dress any casual piece up by simply pairing it with a more formal piece. By taking an “athletic” type skirt and pairing it with a tailored shirt, you get the feeling of office casual, but the comforts of athleisure.
- Loose Midi Dresses & Sweater Combo
- For our girls that like more airy, wearable clothes, a loose dress is always the move. Not only is this item super easy to throw on when your 4:30 am alarm goes off, it’s also super comfortable because it’s not constricting. Our bodies tend to expand and swell in the air, so having room to breathe is a game changer. Pairing a looser dress with a more fitted sweater will also ensure you have that “put together” look when you eventually walk in the office.
Packing Smartly and Efficiently
When it comes to packing for work trips, it’s important that you fill your suitcase with items that are functional, stylish yet comfortable, and multi-purpose.
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Build Your Ensemble for the Week with Coordinating Colors
One of the best ways to ensure you look good and put together on a work trip is to coordinate colors within the various outfits you wear. Not only does matching your outfit hues make you visually appealing, but it also shows you’ve put thought into your ensemble. Plus, it’s practical: it makes it easy for you to switch up the outfits at the last minute if there is a change of weather or you are feeling bloated. Everything technically goes with each other, so you can easily mix and match throughout the trip.
When thinking about color coordination, it’s always easier to do it with neutral colors. For this reason, we recommend that you opt for black, navy, tan, white, and cream colored garments when you pack. That said, if you are a person that loves color, you can still certainly take this approach. Just anchor on 1-2 colors that you love and go well together and build your ensemble from there.
Opt for Pieces that Can Easily be Layered
When traveling, there is no way to say what the temperature will be. Perhaps you are traveling to a place that is usually warm but for the week you happen to visit, its cold. Or perhaps the air-conditioner in your hotel lobby is blasting and you find yourself shivering upon check in. There are a million things that could impact the temperature around you, which is why it’s always a good idea to give yourself simple options so you can easily pivot.
For this reason, we love the idea of packing layer-able pieces. Think sweaters that can easily be thrown on top of a dress, blazers that can spruce up a bland base, or even a colorful scarf to add a pop of color but also keep your shoulders warm. Having a few options like this tucked away in your suitcase for a change of climate is a good idea. Plus, you can always throw it in your work bag and bring it along in case you change your mind later in the day.
Recommended Places to Buy:
- Lightweight Scarves: Look for options from Burberry or Madewell for quality and style.
- Cardigans and Jackets: Explore selections from Eileen Fisher or Banana Republic for their versatility and comfort.
Bring Dual-Purpose Outfits for Seamless Transitions
Similar to packing layerable pieces, it’s also a good idea to pack items that can serve multiple purposes. For instance, when you are choosing the dress to pack, pick one that can easily double for a day of meetings and also a fun after-work happy hour. Alternatively, a versatile sheath dress paired with a blazer can be accessorized differently to suit various occasions. These kinds of smart decisions save you room in your suitcase and ensure you don’t overpack, but also give you optionality day to day as you are getting dressed.
Recommended Places to Buy:
- Sheath Dresses: Explore Ralph Lauren or Banana Republic for classic styles that fit any occasion.
- Blazers: Check out Theory or J.Crew for tailored options that elevate any outfit.
Don’t Forget Comfortable Loungewear for Downtime
We’ve talked a lot about packing for a day of work and after work activities, but it’s also important to remember to pack nice loungewear that you can relax in during your downtime. Afterall, you will be away from the comforts of your home for an extended period of time, so anything you can do to create a more relaxing environment in a new city or corporate-approved hotel room is a win.
Potentially an obvious statement, but make sure you pack comfortable pajamas for relaxation before bed and early in the morning. And don’t forget loungewear you can wear around the hotel lobby or perhaps on a quick run to the coffee shop in the morning before going to the office.
Recommended Places to Buy:
- Pajamas: Look for options from Target or Eberjey for stylish and comfortable sleepwear. You can also check out our full article on fun pajama sets here.
- Loungewear & Athleisure: Check out James Perse or Free People Movement for wearable matching loungewear and athleisure sets. You can also check out our full article on the best athleisure pieces for 2024 here.
Always Remember to Pack an Extra Change of Clothes for Emergencies
As a rule of thumb, you should always have at least one extra outfit in your suitcase. When traveling, there is no telling what type of emergencies you run into – some spilled coffee on you and you need to change your entire outfit, a torrential downpour erupted as you were walking to work and you are soaked head to toe. A lot can happen, so it’s important to be over-prepared. A versatile dress or a blouse-and-trousers ensemble works wonders for this.
Bringing the Right Accessories
A spacious tote bag is your best friend for work travel. Look for one with compartments or pouches to store your laptop, tablet, chargers, and documents securely. Invest in cases or organizers for your electronics to ensure easy access during security checks or while on the plane. This ensures you stay organized and prepared for any work-related tasks that may arise.
Don’t Overlook Must-Have Toiletries in Your Bag
And as a last tip, make sure you don’t forget to pack essential items in your carry-on or work bag. Especially when traveling, it’s important to have all of your essential accessories that you usually keep in your car or at your desk, in your bag.
Recommended Places to Buy:
- Facial Mist: Opt for Caudalie Beauty Elixir or Mario Badescu Facial Spray for a hydrating pick-me-up. These products are small enough that you can easily throw them into a small work bag, and they do wonders for a mid-day rejuvination.
- Oil Blotting Papers: Look for options from Clean & Clear or Boscia for effective oil control on your face. Slip these into a work bag or even a small purse for a night out with the team, and you won’t ever feel oily again.
- Anti-bacterial Wipes / Spray: We love the time-tested options from Wet Ones and Touchland. They are super compact options that you can easily throw into your travel-day bag. You can also check out our article on all corporate jet setter travel accessories to buy here.
To Wrap Up…
With these tips and suggested pieces, you can conquer any work travel plans. Remember, the key is to blend comfort with style, ensuring you’re always prepared for whatever the trip brings. Happy travels!
