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Washington-based stylist Lauren A. Rothman, author of the recently released book Style Bible: What to Wear to Work, regularly helps her clients pack their suitcase for business trips of all sorts, from a meeting in NYC to a three-month stint in Asia. She has an entire chapter in her book demystifying packing for business travel, but she was kind enough to share six tips with Racked DC. Here are her suggestions for stress-free packing:
1. Think about your travel wardrobe. Dress for the role you want, not the one you were assigned. If you really make an effort and add a little style, you really can have a better chance at getting upgraded. It all begins with what you wear to the airport. The business traveler will often get some perks that the everyday person won't get.
2. Think about clothes that are going to be rewearable. Maximize the clothing in your carry-on by choosing one color palette, like choosing between black or brown accessories. If you are going to pack colors, pick neutral accessories like a metallic shoe or handbag. Pick fabrics that travel easily, like Lycra or wrinkle free. If you aren't traveling with those fabrics, bring your own portable steamer or arrange for clothes to be steamed at the hotel.
3. Choose your best outfits. The great thing about the business trip is I want to encourage my clients to really pack their favorite things. If you are traveling for work, maybe you are going to make a big presentation or close a big client. Really bring those outfits that empower you and inspire confidence.
4. Consider the demographics of where you are going. You want to be stylish but also comfortable. If you are going to be in a walking city, make sure you have the right shoes for that setting. In my new book, Style Bible: What to Wear to Work, I have a whole section on business travel and regional dress codes. If you are going from D.C. up to New York for a day of meetings, are you going to be on Wall Street or at a tech company? If you are traveling to Boston, or Chicago, or St. Louis, what does that look like? You really want to be savvy about it.
5. Bundle or roll the clothes in your suitcase. I like the bundle method, it's essentially a folding method where you almost gift-wrap your clothes one inside of the other. Rolling is also very effective. Both are good in terms of keeping your clothing with the least amount of wrinkles.
6. Dress in layers. For women, a little black dress can go daytime with a jacket, and nighttime with a statement necklace and a pair of heels. Having those layers available will help you get the most out of your wardrobe when you are traveling for business.
· "Style Bible" by Lauren A. Rothman Released Today [Racked DC]
· Style Bible [Official Site]
· All Travel Week 2013 posts [Racked DC]