Embarking on a business trip requires careful planning and packing, especially when it comes to selecting the right clothing pieces. After all, deciding what to pack can be a daunting task when you need to balance professionalism, versatility and limited space in your suitcase.
Packing professionally sparks a lot of questions, from what tops to bring to how many pairs of professional shoes for women to pack. Luckily, we’ve got the answers (and some other awesome suggestions) here.
Table of Contents
Tops
1. Dress Shirts
Dress shirts are extremely versatile, pairing just as perfectly with a pair of ripped jeans to create a casual look as they do with a pair of dress pants to create a professional one. This means that even one good dress shirt can carry you through and allow you to create multiple polished outfits that are perfect for every part of your business trip.
2. At Least One of the Basics
If your business trip extends beyond business hours, be sure that you’re packing some tops that can be worn both to business functions (either alone, or underneath another piece) and when you’re out and about after business is done for the day.
When it comes to tops that can be styled as professionally as they can personally, we suggest basic long-sleeve shirts with scoop necks and fits that are more on the snug side, basic spandex tank tops or classic-cut camisoles.
Bottoms
3. Slacks/Trousers
Slacks and trousers offer a classic and polished look that is perfect for business settings, but they’re comfortable enough to wear and easy enough to pair that you’ll be able to rock them anywhere you go.
4. Skirts
Skirts in any style provide a feminine and sophisticated touch to business attire, and can be easily dressed up or down to suit any scene. Depending on the style, skirts also tend to be subtle enough that they can be reworn multiple times without drawing any attention.
One-Piece Outfits
5. Dresses
Dresses offer a streamlined silhouette and a professional appearance, projecting confidence and professionalism during your business engagements. They provide convenience and simplicity in outfit selection, and tend to be super comfortable to wear.
When packing dresses, be sure to use a garment bag or plastic dry-cleaning bag, hang them carefully (making sure they’re not bunched up) and place them at the top of your suitcase.
Additional Layers
6. Suit Jacket or Cardigan
A suit jacket, blazer or cardigan can add an instant touch of professionalism to your outfit (and you can quickly slip them over almost ANYTHING), making them ideal for business meetings and more formal events or outings during your trip.
To best pack your suit jacket, blazer or cardigan, start by turning the jacket inside out and folding the shoulders together. Roll it tightly from the bottom up, making sure the lapels are on the outside. Place it vertically in your suitcase to minimize creasing
7. Soft Sweaters
You’ll likely be wearing your coat or jacket if it’s needed, but it’s because of this that you might forget how much you want a soft and cozy sweater when you’re waiting at the airport, on the plane, at your hotel or up late working!
Shoes
8. Professional Shoes
As far as pairing professional shoes and travel, we always tend to suggest styles like flats, loafers and low closed-toe heels, thanks to their ability to work with almost any ensemble as well as how subtly stylish they can be.
Stuff socks or small accessories inside these shoes to maximize space, and place them into bags to protect your clothes from dirt.
9. Comfortable Shoes
Whether it be for hustling through airport hallways or for exploring the area you’re in between business meetings, you’ll probably want to pack shoes that are a little more comfortable and a little more casual (but still cute). For this, we suggest something like sneakers, flats, slides, sandals or, depending on your needs, even specially designed shoes for women with bunions and other bothersome foot conditions.
Picking a Professional Carry-on
It’s never a bad idea to pack a sweater or blanket scarf (for the notoriously cold plane ride) or a pair of comfortable sandals (for when you first arrive at your destination, if you’re traveling somewhere warm) into a carry-on for convenience’s sake. The style of your carry-on, however, is for the sake of your professional appearance, so consider:
- A laptop backpack with designated compartments for your electronic devices and business essentials that’s big enough to hold an article or two of clothing and any items you’ll need to freshen up when you land. Ensure it is well-padded for protection and has comfortable straps for easy carrying.
- A large leather tote bag with a structured base and stiff walls. This should be big enough to carry your laptop or tablet, your other business essentials, an article or two of clothing and any items you’ll need to freshen up when you land, while still allowing for easy access to your travel documents, wallet and other items you’d typically keep in your purse.
- A carry-on garment bag with a foldable design, sturdy hangers and compartments for accessories if you need to transport delicate or formal clothing items.
Organizing Your Wardrobe as Well as the Work You’re Traveling for
Remember to prioritize versatility, professionalism and comfort when it comes to packing for a business trip, and don’t forget to make a list that outlines everything you’ll need for this trip before you begin packing a single piece.