When packing for a work trip the key is to make it as effortless and simple as possible. You kill a couple birds with one stone, so to speak, by minimizing what you take… and less luggage is such a joy!So, when you travel for work this is one of those times to think like a guy. They are the kings of uniform dressing so let’s take a page from their very efficient book.
Basic black is what we’re going for here… and for those few of you who cannot do black, midnight navy will function in the same capacity. That said, everything you take will be black, with the exception of perhaps white or off-white underpinnings (tops).
If your trip is 4 days long you will want the following:
Travel clothes to and from…
I recommend wearing the same items going and coming, unless when you return you are coming directly from your meetings to the airport, in which case, who cares. Wear what you have on or drop into the Airline club of your preferred airline and change into your travel clothes as they are more comfy and it is less wear and tear on your good clothes.
For traveling you will want all black, and depending on the season, the weight of your techno/stretchy pants will vary. They can be leggings or flared stretchy pants. Your top will vary from a cashmere tunic in the winter to a black cotton tunic in the summer. Or a white fluted t shirt and black cardigan can be fab as well. You can do some slick Pumas, (My choice always is the perforated Puma that they have continued to carry in unisex sizes, as it is by far their most popular style… and the Velcro closure straps make security a breeze!) or black pointy toe ankle boots which you will use for work on your trip.
A word of caution; if you are headed straight to business meetings from the airport, I highly recommend a hanging bag with those items you will wear to the meeting as a carry on and changing either in the bathroom or your Airline club. It is horrible for you to show up wrinkled in clothes you have been sitting in for hours. You want to look fresh! The impression will be worth the bit of extra effort.
You’re also going to want…
- Black Jackets – Two of them.
- Black Pants or Skirts you can mix, depending on your preference… You’re looking for a total of three.
- Knit Underpinnings – Three in black, white, or winter white are all you need. I always go for black.
- Little Black Dress (LBD) – If you have an after-work dinner, meetings or cocktails, an LBD is recommended… OR you can wear your pants/skirt/jacket and simply change your earrings from studs to danglies and you are good to go.
- Shoes – Two pair… one ankle boot, one pump or two of either – but two total and one you might be wearing when you travel. Again, if after hours cocktail is on the agenda you might bring your black strappy sandals or you can use your pumps. Your call, as you know your particular situation.
Check the weather
In winter you want to bring your black cashmere coat and for more temperate, but rainy weather, your timeless designer trench is your friend. You’re also going to want a black cashmere wrap for warmth on the plane, warmth in board or conference rooms, and/or warmth as a finishing piece for evening if you have after hours cocktail or dinner.
Your fab black bag will also be with you when you travel… but I still need to mention it. And, naturally, you need your simple stud earrings be they pearl, gold or diamond and your timeless watch.
You are now ready to rock n roll, as they say!
Simple, easy to pack, and everything goes back with everything else. You create a slightly different combination of the pieces you’ve packed each day and no one knows the difference!
If the trip is three days…
If your trip is three days, you can drop down to one jacket, 2 tops, 2 bottoms and one pair of shoes.
Play with the looks before you go to be certain they combine to look like a million. You might think that is obvious but I can tell you from sad personal experience that this is essential… you must do it or you might, and probably will, from time to time find yourself having to re-wear the same look because the second or third look you had packed, thinking it would look fabulous, was horrible, just because you hadn’t tried beforehand. I am ashamed to admit I have been caught in this situation thinking, of course, I knew better since I do this for a living and so didn’t need to be sure. Oh boy!
Again, it is all about a formula—simple, black, and interchangeable.
Have fun and here is to your continued success.
Warmest,
We are now well into what is often referred to as the “dog days of summer,” and with a few rare exceptions, we are all toasty and looking for ways to beat the heat!
That being said, our daily challenge becomes finding the coolest pieces in which to attire ourselves which is the theme of this week’s blog. From simple, light frocks to tops, bottoms, and shoes, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve found lots of adorable goodies that fill the bill for keeping you cool and upping your summer chic!
Dresses
There is nothing like a light summer dress paired with simple sandals and a straw hat to bring true summer chic to your day.
See what we have here that we love! You will feel breezy and light in these delicious dresses.
Tops
The perfect top will help keep you cool and feel oh-so put together when paired with shorts or pants. We have many adorable options, so there are sure to be several styles that will speak to your summer, beat-the-heat dressing soul.
Be sure to check out the lightweight tank tops and camp shirts for simple clean lines. The button-front shirts are fabulous as are the simple little tops we have included.
Bottoms
Every single one of these bottoms is an investment in your light summer look. They each are extremely versatile and beyond easy to pair with a top. Naturally, a white t-shirt is at the top of my list and if you are like me, you have a bazillion in your closet that you can just throw on. Having said that, the tops we show here pack a lot of punch and are just another fabulous way to maximize your summer wardrobe.
I am possessed by the crop straight jeans, so be sure to look closely as they would be fabulous with your summer looks. In fact, each of these bottoms can be a part of a must-have look for you!
Loungewear
Naturally, we had to include our newest wardrobe staple—loungewear. We have found such adorable things for you to check out. You will be possessed and inclined toward these yummy acquisitions for the ease and comfort they offer in addition to their chic.
I have included sweaters and some heavier hoodies as I am always about layering for restaurants that so clearly fall into the frigid zone. You will find these sweaters fabulous and endlessly useful year-round for sure.
Shoes
Last, but certainly not least, are shoes. We’ve focused on a variety of sandals and sneakers, both of which are quintessentially summer. We even included some boots that will be perfect with any of the shorts we show and the rolled baggy jeans look.
We love everything we’ve found and think you will too!
How much fun to beat that summer heat in chic, fun style! Happy shopping!
PSSST! Looking for more curated shopping? Check out some of our other recent posts!
• The Season’s Top Performers–What Will You Buy?
• The Essential Travel Tote—And Why You Need One
• The Art of Comfy, Stylish Travel–A True Game-Changer!
