Years ago, when I flew on a commercial plane for the first time, I noticed that the first class section was filled with business suits. That front section of the plane had the best dressed (over heated from layers) passengers. We all grow and evolve, hopefully, and first class is no longer the "suit" section. We don't want to be sweating it out in the air. No, we want comfort. When we travel, we often are arriving to our destination only to hurry up and get to a meeting. In this era, we no longer have to wear the suit-y suits to look professional. But, we do need to look polished. We want breathable, comfortable, as wrinkle-free as we can get clothing. And...When we get to our destinations, we don't want to spend the evening ironing our clothes for the next day.
So, Let's pretend (kinda) that I'm going on a four day trip to San Francisco to present breakout sessions at a business conference. Let's build a versatile travel wardrobe for my trip.
It's going to be between 55 - 70 degrees while I'm there. Here's my itinerary. I'm going to break down each day by event and what I need to wear. It is my goal to mix and match as much as possible with out it being obvious and boring.
Tuesday
Flight at 9am/ arriving at 11am
2pm - check in
3pm - meet with conference lead to review conference information and need-to-know details. I'll be presenting breakout sessions for two days on "wardrobing in the workplace".
6pm - dinner at Miller & Lux restaurant with a client that lives in San Francisco.
Wednesday
10am to 11am - tour of textile manufacturing plant
2pm - speak at conference about the differences between "Business Professional and Business Casual"
3pm - second break out session about the difference between "Business Professional and Business Casual"
7pm - Beachside BBQ (conference attenders)
Thursday
10am - Q and A panel - women in business
2pm - breakout session "dressing for your body type"
3pm - breakout session "dressing for your body type"
7pm - dinner at The House of Prime Rib on Van Ness Ave with Conference coordinator and other conference speakers
Friday
Fly home at 2:30pm arriving at 5pm
This will be a cram-packed group of days. I have not over packed or under packed. I have options to mix and match beyond my itinerary, if need be. I am prepared. We put together a versatile business travel wardrobe that I can use as a foundation for my next trip.
If you travel often, your luggage is an important tool of the trade. Protect your belongings with luggage from Travaloo. A travel steamer is a must when traveling for business. Because I have such hard water where I live, I purchase a new steamer yearly, just so I don't get out on the road with a steamer on the brink. This steamer by Jiffy is sold at a disposable price. Last, but not least, a functional toiletry bag is really important. This Samsonite toiletry bag holds all you'll be needing to bring along from makeup to shampoo to vitamins.
Traveling can be stressful, but when you make a plan and know your wardrobe options, you look good and feel confident. And if this is too much to think about, reach out and bring me in to help you organize your next trip's wardrobe.
Happy Wardrobing (and Travelling)!!
Fashion Consultant Kathy Banta
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