Table of Contents
- How To Systematize Packing For a Business Trip
- What To Pack for a Business Trip Packing List
- Take Our ‘Find Your Style Quiz’
- Pack for Your Next Business Trip with NLW
- Packing for Your Next Business Trip FAQ
⭐️ FIGURE OUT YOUR STYLE: Take our 5-question “Find Your Style Quiz” ⭐️
You’ve got an upcoming work trip, and it’s time to start planning for your travels.
For some, hitting the road is a career must. Conferences are your love language, and you always find new favorite spots everywhere you go.
For some, it’s a hassle. After all, on top of prepping projects or presentations, you now have the extra “baggage” of travel.
If you’re staring at your closet and unsure what to pack for your next business trip, welcome. You’ve come to the right place.
Press pause on stuffing every possible outfit you might need into your suitcase. Instead, sit down with our one-and-done women’s guide for stress-free work travel. We’re sharing our ultimate work travel packing list plus a seamless system to take the stress out of packing.
How To Systematize Packing For a Business Trip
Before we get into what to pack for a business trip, let’s tackle how to pack for a business trip. Many NLW clients start with packed-to-the-brim suitcases filled with items they “might” wear, only to realize they wear the same few pieces repeatedly.
Sound familiar?
With a streamlined system and a packing list for business trips (female edition), your suitcase will no longer be a chaotic mess. You can go from wearing mismatched, out-of-date business pieces to cohesive, polished, and put-together outfits. Just like in this client transformation below!
Use the Next Level Wardrobe Style System! (And no, this isn’t some awful packing cube sales pitch.) This is a practical, simple way to get dressed, improve your wardrobe, and pack for work trips. Here’s how to follow our system:
1. Get Your Perfect Closet Color Ratio
We are big believers in the hierarchy of colors. Take a look at this graphic below to see what we mean.
The idea here is to maximize versatility in your wardrobe through core colors.
- Core Colors | 45%
Black, white, gray, brown, and navy blue go with everything. They’re always business-appropriate and never go out of style. This is why they should make up the core of your wardrobe. (AKA, the biggest third). - Tonal Colors | 35%
The next largest section is tonal colors–shades, tints, and textures of the original core hues. This section also incorporates other neutrals, such as beige and olive. - Colors & Patterns | 20%
Then, the smallest percentage of your closet should go to accent colors and patterns—those bright, bold pops of seasonal or trending colors and prints that show off your personality.
Packaging for business trips becomes much easier when you get this perfect ratio in your closet. Suddenly, you have pieces that go with everything, so you can make more outfits with fewer pieces. Say goodbye to having to check an extra bag!
2. Quality Over Quantity
At Next Level Wardrobe, we encourage our clients to approach clothing with intentionality and to value quality over quantity. Use these as your guideposts as you prepare for your trip.
What does this mean in practice?
It means every item you take with you should be there for a specific purpose. Have a realistic idea of what your trip requires instead of over-stuffing your bags with “just-in-case” items. Remember, you’re going on a business trip, not a spontaneous adventure.
Approach your travels with a clear, concise plan. You’ll be more prepared and feel more put-together, and this will reduce your packing list for your business trip by a mile.
3. Prioritize Fit
Fit is everything. Even if you have essential items in the right colors to coordinate a dozen looks, you are back at square one if they don’t fit properly.
Business trips are often a time when you need to pull out work staples like blazers and trousers. These pieces tend to be more structured, meaning that if they don’t fit, it’s way more apparent than with something soft and stretchy.
Before you purchase, try our tips:
- Blazers
Try them on before buying them to ensure the shoulder seams line up with the apex of your shoulder. Also, check that the sleeves hit your wrist and don’t cut awkwardly in the middle of your arm or hang below your knuckles. - Pants & Trousers
Avoid pairs that show pull lines around your stomach and crotch. On the other end of the spectrum, you also don’t want to constantly pull up pants that are too loose or dragging on the ground.
The solution to all of this is investing in common alterations. We know it’s an extra step, but it’s well worth tailoring a few staple items to get that “fits-like-a-glove” feel.
What To Pack for a Business Trip Packing List
By applying those three steps, you’re now more prepared than ever before for your next conference. Now it’s time for our ultimate work trip packing list for women:
- A tailored blazer
- A white or neutral blouse
- Classic trousers
- A professional dress
- A knit top
- Comfortable flats
Scroll down to see why we picked these six items and our stylist-approved product recommendations.
1. Tailored Blazer
Product by Reiss, shop here.
A well-tailored blazer: classic and versatile for elevating any outfit.
A good women’s blazer is your power piece. It instantly polishes any look, whether layered over a dress or paired with your tailored trousers. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when dealing with unpredictable office A/C or moving between chilly conference halls.
2. White or Neutral Blouse
Product by Kobi Halperin, shop here.
A white or neutral blouse: polished and pairs with everything.
A lightweight, sophisticated blouse is a must for layering and keeping things professional yet effortless. You can keep your work trip packing list for females simple with one or two of these bad boys.
Need variety? This one from Kobi Halperin features pleated shoulder detailing. This subtle upgrade from the standard button-down adds a modern edge to your workwear.
Figure out Your Style in 5 Questions...
Get on the right path, save time and have outfits that fit perfectly. In just 5 questions, you'll discover your style type, personality and action plan. Start the quiz below.
3. Classic Trouser
Product by Sandro, shop here.
Classic trousers: Ideal for both meetings and after-work engagements.
Whether you prefer slim-fit or wide-leg trousers, the key to looking sleek is a pair that sits perfectly at the waist and doesn’t drag at the hem. Stick to core colors like black or navy to mix and match effortlessly.
4. Professional Dress
Product by MMLaFleur, shop here.
A Professional dress: versatile for formal and semi-formal settings.
From client meetings to cocktail receptions, a work-appropriate dress is the ultimate one-and-done outfit. The structured yet feminine cut of this one keeps it professional, while the dark emerald hue adds just the right touch of personality without straying from business formal.
5. A Knit Top
Product by Akris, shop here.
A knit top: great for layering or a casual professional look.
A lightweight knit top is your secret weapon for packing light while maximizing outfit options. Wear it buttoned up as a sweater or open over a blouse—versatility at its finest. We picked a neutral shade that plays well with the rest of your wardrobe.
6. Comfortable Flats
Product by Valentino Garavani, shop here.
Comfortable flats: perfect for long event days and being on your feet.
Your work trip isn’t the time to test out new stilettos. This is the time for a solid pair of office work shoes. Flats or low-block heels will keep you comfortable without compromising style. These Valentino Mary Janes have just enough detail to elevate a simple outfit while still feeling professional.
Take Our ‘Find Your Style Quiz’
NLW Style Role Models: Michelle Yeoh, Jennifer Anisto and Mindy Kaling
If you’re feeling:
- Unsure about your style
- Overwhelmed by where to begin
- Stressed about what to buy
- Panicked about what to pack…
We can help.
Your next step is to take our Find Your Style quiz.
In just five easy questions, you’ll discover:
- Your style direction
- Style role models (for all ages and sizes)
- A clear, step-by-step roadmap to kickstart your transformation.
Pack for Your Next Business Trip with NLW
If you enjoyed having your women’s business trip packing list and wardrobe sorted out for you, take the next step and apply for our white glove styling service. Our women’s one-on-one styling service saves you time and stress. We handle everything from top to bottom so you can focus on doing what you love.
Packing for Your Next Business Trip FAQ
Q: How do you pack for different climates?
A: Two words: Light layers.
Start with one essential piece you’ll need for each climate.
Here’s an example. Starting your trip in arid Phoenix, Arizona? Grab a classic tank top in a core color. Next stop: always foggy San Francisco? Block out the bay breeze with a cashmere cardigan. Heading to Toronto in the wintertime? Pack a timeless black or grey coat.
Pair these items back to business-ready trousers or pants and you’re ready for anything.
Q: Is there a set number of clothes you should bring on a business trip?
A: No. It all depends on the length of your trip, your itinerary, and even your industry. The packing list above will give you a good starting point. Customize it to fit your needs.
Q: What about non-work clothes for when you’re off the clock on your trip?
A: No trip is all business all the time. It’s okay to bring a couple of non-workwear items IF (say it with us) you know you’ll wear and need them.
For example, if you’ve scheduled yourself to hit a nearby nature trail on a free morning, go ahead and pack one workout look.
In fact, if you’ve followed all the above steps, you should have room in your suitcase for necessary off-the-clock pieces.
