Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
Wondering what to wear on a business trip? Follow this packing list for a five-day work trip!
Packing for a Business Trip
Written By: Niki Landry
Here at TFG we focus a lot on traveling for pleasure, anticipating the needs of travelers and providing tips and guides for packing–but not every trip is a vacation.
Many women travel for their jobs, so their clothing needs are a little different from what you might bring on a relaxing getaway. To help alleviate your packing worries, I’ve outlined a wardrobe guide for the professional traveler.
This packing list encompasses what you would need to pack for a 5-day business casual work week and an extra outfit for an evening event. This list could work for a week of job training, a conference, meetings, or just working out of a remote office for the week.
Many of the items could also transition into a more casual setting if needed. Similar to other packing lists, I kept the color palette focused, worked in two patterns, and added stylish shoes to add interest.
Twill Pants | Pencil Skirt | Jeans
Bottoms
As always, start with your outfit bottoms. By selecting these versatile pieces first, you will create a foundation for the rest of your professional wardrobe.
For the purpose of this list, I chose a navy slim fit cropped pant, high-waisted black twill skinnies, and a blue sweater skirt. You can easily re-wear the bottoms during the week–just change out your top and shoes and you’re good to go.
These are the best travel pants for women and they’re perfect for business, too!
Stripe Blouse | Peplum Shirt | Turtleneck | Tunic
Tops
I have no issue re-wearing tops when I’m on a typical vacation, but for a work trip I like to keep it fresh every day. I kept the shapes of these tops simple with fashionable details like a leopard print, peplum hem, and tie-up shirt.
Many of these tops can transition easily into a more casual evening. For instance, un-tuck the white top and pair it with the black pants and flats for a weekday dinner.
Wear them with one of these travel-friendly blazers!
Shoes
Shoes are always the most important addition to my packing wardrobe, and the most fun to select! I chose a range of heel heights and styles to mix it up and give personality to the simplified outfits.
I own these nude heels, and I can’t recommend them enough. They are the most comfortable high-heeled shoes that I have tried in a long time. The block heels with ankle strap are a go-with-anything staple, and the metallic flats are a trendy addition to your everyday and travel business wardrobe.
Wrap Dress | Clutch | Earrings
Event
Sometimes business trips include an after work event, party, or social get-together. If you want your event outfit to pull double duty, then look for something that you can easily dress up with heels and accessories.
Wrap dresses are my favorite workplace option because they provide coverage but are also feminine. You can pair it with the block heels for daytime and switch to the pumps for night. Adding statement earrings and a clutch can also up the ante on this outfit.
Bags
When choosing your carry-on/personal item, opt for a bag that will work for both travel and work days–a bag that is roomy and neutral, but understated and professional.
With this packing list, you can easily fly carry-on only and avoid delayed baggage and fees, making your business trip a bit less stressful and allowing you to focus on your week ahead.
For more options, take a look at the best carry-on suitcases!
What are your best tips on Packing for a Business Trip? Please comment below!
For more tips, please read:
- 10-Step Guide to Packing in One Bag for Any Trip
- What to Pack when Traveling to Europe for Business
- Business Travel Essentials: 10 Products to Simplify Your Life
- Business Trip Packing List
LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
I hope you liked this post on packing for a business trip. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Author Bio: Niki is an interior designer and artist from Louisiana. In addition to her design work, she writes for local and online publications sharing her experiences and passion for travel. Niki is currently adding stamps to her passport while building her design practice, Niki Landry Designs.
I have a hard time packing for business trips because I want to look professional and fresh every day. There are usually evening events, and I’m on my feet 8-10 hrs each day, so shoes are important. How to meet all those needs in a travel capsule?? A blouse under a blazer one day can transition to being worn under a v-neck sweater another day; and the sweater can be worn by itself with a scarf on a third day. After many years, I’ve gone to a “uniform” pair of black pants that I wear with everything. My most important lesson — hard-learned and years too late — is that no one really notices what I’m wearing. It just has to please me. And with that, I’m going to go upstairs, repack my suitcase for tomorrow’s 11-day trip and pare down. Thanks for all the tips and tricks!