Packing for a business trip requires some planning and restraint. While you don’t want to bring a bagful of clothes that you won’t be wearing, you also don’t want to be caught unprepared for an unscheduled event. So exactly how does one pack for a business trip?
First, start by selecting a good bag. It’s better to opt for a carry-on as you don’t want the airline to lose your luggage while on a business trip. Go for a rolling suitcase in leather or canvas.
Next, plan your outfits around the weather. If you’re going somewhere where the weather is warm, then you’ll probably get away with lightweight jackets and cotton pieces. If you’ll be somewhere where it’s the dead of winter, then you’ll definitely need thicker clothing to keep you warm.
Take a look at your activities. How many days will the business trip take? Will you be going to dinners? How many meetings are you going to attend? Should you bring business formal pieces along with your business casual wear? After considering all of these factors, you’re now ready to pack for your trip.
Here’s a list of things to bring for a three-day business trip.
Clothes
Bring clothes in the same color family, which will make it easier for you to mix and match. For instance, you could bring a white button-down shirt, a light cardigan in dove gray, a white crewneck sweater, a printed ladylike blouse in the same color palette, a black blazer, and a trench coat. Mix and match these with a black pencil skirt, black trousers and a dove gray or cream-colored trousers. Add a plain black or printed dress to the mix, and you can make 10 different combinations from all of these pieces.
Accessories
No need to go overboard with accessories when going on a business trip. All you need is a pair of stud or drop earrings, a nice watch, a pair of black pumps, and flats in a coordinating color as your outfits. You only need one work bag, preferably a timeless tote, and a small clutch for going out.
Cosmetics and Grooming Products
You might own enough makeup to open a Sephora, but pare down your beauty arsenal to the bare essentials. Pack travel-sized soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, facial moisturizer, SPF lotion, antiperspirant, feminine hygiene products, a tooth brush and a tooth paste and other grooming essentials in a separate kit.
As for makeup, choose items in unbreakable containers, sticks, or small tubes. A tube of foundation or BB cream, a stick of concealer, pressed powder, two lipsticks, one blush, one brow product, an eyeliner, and a small eyeshadow palette would suffice for any business trip.
Extras
Don’t forget to bring your phone, a charger, identification cards, a list of emergency numbers, a small sewing kit, your medication, band aids, and a folding umbrella. You could also bring a small snack, such as a packet of almonds, for the plane ride.
For more tips, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on the best accessories for the modern working woman.
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