by Laura Milligan
Experienced business travelers know that packing right means packing light. But if you’re a stylish professional who hates sacrificing your unique fashion perspective just because you have to fit all your belongings into a tiny carry-on, you’ll need to be a little more strategic with your packing efforts.
The easiest way to pack light is to stick to the same color palette and edit your clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry accordingly. For instance, if you decide that you want a black color palette, you would pick a few basics in black, gray, white or camel, and then only add in pieces that match those items, instead of introducing new themes. Keep reading for more tips.
• Try to bring only one or two pairs of shoes. Pick a pair of work-appropriate shoes and either a pair of comfy shoes for the trip or a pair of going-out shoes if you know you’ll have to attend a cocktail party or similar, dressier event.
• Play with jewelry. Stick to the same color palette (silver or gold), but don’t be afraid to pick out bolder jewelry, since it takes up much less space than clothes and shoes and will act as your outfit’s “flair.”
• Add one or two statement pieces. For special events, pack a patterned blouse or statement dress for variety. Just make sure it matches the shoes, jewelry and other accessories you’ve packed.
• Throw in one or two extra basics. If you’ve got room, Holly Denham, an accountant and frequent business traveler based in Tallahassee, FL, suggests “including alternate, basic pieces to be mixed in as necessary” so you don’t get stuck, “like a simple gray sweater dress, a white blouse or black cardigan.”
• Pack what makes you feel good. “Choose things that make you feel chic,” Denham adds. “Since traveling –especially business traveling—takes so much out of you anyway, you don’t want to have to worry about your clothes falling the right way or not fitting correctly. Pack the clothes and shoes that make you feel powerful and gorgeous no matter what.”
If you get stuck, just remember the color palette rule and throw in your favorite basic items accordingly, plus a statement necklace, dress or top to keep you fresh and fashionable as you travel.
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