You have your travel itinerary ready, you chalk out your plans and pack accordingly. And yet by the time your trip is halfway through, you realize that half of the plans have changed course. The weather conditions are different from what you expected, you get stuck at odd hours and at odd places, you’re told to adjust to unplanned meetings or even extend your stay. But you are expected to turn up at work looking dapper and stylish.
The trick here is to pack your bags, keeping in mind that changes are a constant part of business travel. Best is to build a travel wardrobe that takes into account all these factors. So here are a few wardrobe must-haves that will never let you down.
Choose a darker color palette for your travel wardrobe. Black is the best since it easily hides stains or wrinkles. A combination of black trouser/skirt and a light-colored blouse never fails to look classy. A pencil skirt and a dress pant, preferably in darker shades, is also a great foundation to build your travel closet. If you are carrying a pant suit then make sure that the trousers can be matched with another pair of extra jacket that you might carry. Make sure you carry extra blouses. You might also want to carry one of your little black dresses, in case there is invitation for a cocktail party.
Be sure to pack in a pair of cardigans since it is a great alternative to a jacket. Cardigans might not completely carry off the formal look, but are great in terms of comfort and style. Choose from either a cashmere one, or a skinny knit or a mohair crochet one for that prim yet elegant look.
No matter how haute those Giuseppe Zanotti heels look, it’s always a good idea to invest in a sturdy pair of pumps for your business travel. Make sure the pumps can hold your feet comfortably in case of long walks. But do pack in an extra pair of Jimmy Choo or Louboutin heels for those night outs with colleagues.
If you are traveling with a laptop bag, chances are you might not want to carry any additional handbag. In such cases do pack in a smaller, stylish clutch bag in your luggage which would be the perfect accessory for office dinners.
Make a final style statement with the necklace. It’s a wonder how those strings of colourful beads can elevate your look. You can choose from stringy necklaces to art deco ones to the season’s favorite – the bib necklace. If you don’t feel like carrying anything too detailed, then go for a pretty pendant. The safest bet is a strand of semi-precious pearls that instantly add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your ensemble.
Last but not the least, keep a make-up bag packed and ready to go for last-minute trips.