Get To Work!

Submitted by Robin on Jan 02, 2015

Traveling for work is very different than traveling for pleasure. I often get asked what to bring on business trips – and most recently, a young female college grad asking what she should pack for her first business trip. So, here are my tips for having a successful trip wherever you’re headed:

To suit up or not?

A suit is cute, but why not wear a tailored navy dress? Designer Cynthia Steffe has some chic dresses and of course you can always find something smart and fashionable at Banana Republic.

If a suit is a must for you, I recommend an above-the-knee (but not mini!) swingy skirt with matching shortened boxy blazer. Try one in navy with a hint of pattern, but nothing too bold. Ann Taylor has some great jacket and skirt options. Add a heather grey peter-pan collared silk blouse or lightweight crewneck cashmere sweater and throw in a pop of color like a pale pink messenger bag over your shoulder to complete the look. Or maybe a nice pair of pants is more your fancy? Then pair a soft colored double-breasted blazer with matching tailored trousers. Add a cute, cotton polo shirt and a pair of pumps that will complement the soft tones. For example, a tan colored pantsuit, a white Ralph Lauren or Lacoste polo, mauve colored shoes and a burgundy bag. Chic, smart looking and businesslike.

You don’t have to compete with the man’s uniform of a black suit, white dress shirt and patterned blue tie. Ha! You can stand out without screaming out, “look at me!” And to make your outfit simple, simply stick to three colors.

Finish your look with a navy trench coat or water-resistant cashmere lined over coat, which is chic and comfortable. I’d recommend a Loro Piana, which will last you a lifetime!

Sound a bit overwhelming? I’d love to help you shop for your next business trip, Just Ask!

Briefcase or suitcase?

Neither – Ha! Be fun and fashionable and carry a bag that will be big enough for your computer, files and other travel essentials. Briefcases are boring! I suggest you carry a luxe Longchamp bag, a colorful Tumi shoulder bag or why not try a FEED Heritage bag made by Kenyans! All are functional and fashionable!

In your bag, don’t forget a classy pen, maybe one with your company’s logo on it? Or bring that Mont Blanc pen that has never inked paper that your grandmother gave you as a high school graduation gift! Now’s the perfect time to put it to use.

Buy a water bottle at the airport after security and carry along some snacks for easy nibbling. If it’s a business “day” trip, tuck in a comfy outfit for the plane ride home. And don’t forget comfy shoes like Tom’s or a comfortable pair of shoes with a lower heel. Remember to attach a scarf to your bag, which will act as a light blanket and tie your business ensemble together.

What’s In My Bag?

Okay, okay I’ll give you some of my secrets. Ha! When I take a peek into my R essentials bag, I usually see these Lucky 13 things:

A sample size of Bobbi Brown CC Cream SPF 35 – a facial moisturizer that brightens and protects my skin.
Berry DeTox Tea by Yogi – it’s an herbal tea with hibiscus.
House of Creed Acqua Fiorentina sample fragrance – this is a refreshing scent before and after a flight.
A pair of contacts just in case the ones you’re wearing gets foggy.
Cetaphil Ultra Hydrating Lotion – this is great for keeping my hands from getting so dry. Moist is in!
Benefit lollitint in Candy Orchid – this is travel size for a tinted lip and cheek stain for a pick-me-up!
Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer – this is great for disinfecting hands but also for dabbing on a towelette to swipe off the germs from the remote and tray table!
L’Occitane Lip Balm in Hibiscus Flower – I love how this hydrates my lips!
Advil Ibuprofen tablets for those unwanted headaches from the meetings and all-day travel. Ugh…
Travel-size Kleenex. Well, you know what to do with those.
Band-Aid blister pads – perfect for those new shoes you just had to wear all day to impress the masses.
Benefit Fake Up – a travel size applicator of moisturizing eye concealer for those early morning dark circles. Oh my!
Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser – this facial cleanser does so much more than clean; it soothes, hydrates, and energizes your skin!