Home » A Guide to Dressing for Business Travel

A Guide to Dressing for Business Travel

Business trips can be a real pain. You’re either schlepping to places you’ve never wanted to go, or jetting off to countries you’ve always wanted to explore but find yourself without any time to really ‘see’, due to back-to-back meetings.

Worst of all, though, is actually getting there. Whether it’s via plane, train or boat, the traveling part of a business trip can be a bit of a nightmare. Not only will you need to pack all of your work essentials – including important documents, your laptop, and maybe even a tablet – you’ll also need to take enough clothes to cover both that all-important meeting and a round of drinks with a client in the evening.

Still, traveling for work shouldn’t always be a pain. We can’t pull an excuse card for you, but we can offer some time-saving, stress-easing tips for traveling on business, in style.

The Right Luggage

First things first, you’ll need to grab the right accessories for the job – in this case, we’re talking a roomy travel bag.

Whether you’re going for a quick day trip or heading to New York for a week, you should be looking for luggage that’s made of leather and that can be wheeled. A durable material like leather helps to protect the contents of your bag far better than canvas, while wheels just make your life that little bit easier.

Alternatively, if your trip doesn’t require you carting around several changes of clothes, then you could opt for a minimal, well-crafted duffle bag.

Your Travel Outfit

If a garment still looks polished and presentable after a full day’s wear in the office, it’s probably a good piece to pack. Cotton and microfiber fabrics are great options because they help save it from the inevitable folds and wrinkles from being stored in luggage, but also keeps you looking sharp. One wardrobe staple worth looking into buying is a wrinkle-free shirt. Brooks Brothers also offers non-iron shirts with French cuffs, striped and plaid patterns and monogramming.

In terms of suits, microfiber versions such as the Land’s End commuter separates for women tend to be light and don’t hold creases as much as cotton-blend suits. Made of a wool blend, they are also less wrinkle-prone and offer greater warmth, if you need it.

Team it with some slim/dark jeans for a comfortable yet refined aesthetic. And be sure to pack at least one wrinkle-resistant travel-knit dress, that’s appropriate for a variety of occasions.

No-Fuss Footwear

Opt for pair of loafers or flats. They’re easy to slip on and off when required, immensely comfortable, and can be dressed up with tailoring or down with jeans or a dress.

Unpack Immediately

Don’t live out of a suitcase; as soon as you reach your hotel room, get everything unpacked as a matter of urgency.

The longer clothes stay folded in your bag, the worse they’re going to look when you go to wear them. Most hotels should have an iron that you can borrow but, failing that, hang your clothes on the back of the bathroom door while you take a hot shower – the steam will relax any major creases.

Quick Travel Tips

Finally, quick hacks to make the whole thing that much more painful:

  • Keep important travel documents and essentials in your coat or pockets, so they’re safe and always on hand.
  • Keep in-flight essentials like headphones, reading material and water at the top of your bag so you don’t need to awkwardly rummage.
  • Don’t forget an eye mask and some quality sponge earplugs if you need to catch some shut-eye on the red eye.
  • Flying can be harsh on your body so if you’re skyward bound don’t forget to take a few select grooming essentials. Along with travel versions of your favourite products, we’d recommend packing some gentle cleansing face wipes, a breath freshener and eye drops to keep you looking and feeling on form.
  • Track your flight. Install the Flight Track Pro app on your iOS or Android device.

More Fashion Fabula

Beauty Masterclass : Kajal Eyeliner

We’ve always been a fan of smoky, dramatic eyes. Ever since ancient times, kajal and kohl (note: you can use these terms interchangeably) have been

History of American Women’s Fashion

In 2010, The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City ran an exhibition called, “American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity.” It explored

The Best Jackets For Spring

Allow us to introduce you into the world of “transitional dressing”. This is your definitive guide on deciding how to dress when the weather is

The History of Female Hats

Would you say hats are an accessory or a necessity? Looking back in time it becomes apparent that they have been both. Let’s take a

History in Fashion: Skirts

The original idea of a modern skirt was born during the 15th century form the gotic sukiene, which split into two elements : the corset

The History of Teddy Girls

If you are not familiar with the mid-century British youth culture — let us introduce you — to the Teddy Boys, the ’50s rock ‘n

The History of Mascara

Mascara is a staple to any female’s makeup collection. And it has been that way for centuries. But, did you know that between the 1900’s

A Brief History of Anthropologie

Anthropologie is one of those few stores that appeals to women of every age —whether you go for the store’s unique party-dress selection, its delicious

Weekend Closet: Military Madness!

Free People – Distressed cotton backpack with rugged leather detailing and adjustable canvas straps. Santa Cruz Backpack, $125 Nordstrom – A metallic panel and barely

Gift Guide: For the Beauty Lover

For that family member who loves experimenting with beauty products, this gift guide is on point for her. From perfect brow sculpting to make-up necessities

ACNE Studios Weekend Look

Counter clockwise from left to right Acne Studios Jeans, Superga Sneakers, rag & bone Fedora, Acne Studios Jean Jacket, Acne Studios Aviators

What to Wear to a BBQ

With Memorial Day right around the corner, barbecue season is here. Officially! While great fun, BBQs can be tricky to style for. They are a

Rainwear Style Guide

No matter where you reside, dressing for wet weather is a skill that’s surprisingly hard to master. Most women fall into one of two categories.

Behind the Brand: Oliver Peoples

In this day and age, when all major fashion brands feel like they have to get into every possible accessory sector, it’s highly refreshing to

Work From Home Attire

One of the most attractive things about working from home is the opportunity to wear whatever you want to the “office.” But while it’s tempting

Latest Fashion Coupons

There are no coupons currently available

Fashion Brands

Login

Use a social network:

Or:

Feedback/Suggest Brands

Again, welcome to Your Brandzaffair. Our goal is to be your daily source for immediate access to all your favorite brandz with their best offers, in addition to providing insights and reviews in your lifestyle interests. We want to always continue to improve your experience. Please tell us what you think and what we can do better.

Spread the Word