When packing for a business trip, the fewer choices you have, the happier you’ll be.

By Karen Leland

According to Lynda Patalano, wardrobe consultant and former national merchandise manager for DKNY, “The average traveler packs approximately twice the amount of clothing they need for a business trip,” often leading to overstuffed suitcases and, thus, sore muscles. Borrow a lesson from Hollywood and use these three easy steps to storyboard (movie lingo for “visually map out”) your business clothes before you get onto that plane, and your next business trip will be easier and more substantial in style.

Step 1: Pick your color palette.

Travel expert Anne McAlpin says that one surefire way to travel light is to limit your color choices. “Begin by choosing two basic, neutral colors—one dark, one light,” she says. “Black, navy, tan and grey all combine well with each other.” Brenda Kinsel, author of Brenda Kinsel’s Fashion Makeover, echoes this advice and suggests also adding a hint of color—a tie, scarf, sweater or accessory—to create some visual interest and flair. Kinsel cautions against white, since it can be easily stained, but says khaki (or tan) is an excellent second color choice since it creates a business-casual look for both men and women. For example, Kinsel suggests men pack a dark suit and a second pair of trousers in a lighter shade, allowing the traveler to go from a formal business meeting to a relaxed dinner with minimal wardrobe fuss. As for the trend of wearing jeans at off-site business meetings, Kinsel says if it’s acceptable in your corporate culture, it’s fine. Just make sure they are business-level jeans—dark and well fitting. “Unless you are managing a rock ‘n’ roll band, no low-rise, embroidered or sequined jeans,” she says.

Wardrobe Wisdom: Take into account the season and climate of the destination—lighter materials and brighter colors for warm climates, denser materials and darker colors for cool climates.

Step 2: Mix and match.

Next, start putting together outfits by trying on the clothes you have chosen and the accessories (belts, shoes, ties, jewelry, scarves, etc.) that might work with them. Kinsel says that while many women are used to planning outfits in this manner, it’s essential for men to think about what they are going to wear on a business trip. “Too many people don’t take the time to plan out a pulled-together look when they travel,” Kinsel says. “When you take the time to look put-together and successful, you give the impression of being trustworthy and competent.”

Wardrobe Wisdom: For women, pick accessories that can do double-duty and be worn with several outfits in multiple combinations for different looks, from formal-business to casual-fun. One key accessory for everyone is a good piece of outerwear and a scarf for colder climates.

Step 3: Create your storyboards.

Once you have determined what clothes are needed for the different business events you will be attending on an upcoming trip, write them down. Each page should include all the pieces in the outfit, the accessories and how the item will be used; for example, business-casual daytime, business-dinner evening, team playtime. Take the sheets with you for quick reference.

Wardrobe Wisdom: To download a free wardrobe travel sheet that you can use to storyboard your clothes, go to brendakinsel.com, click on the “Tips and Teasers” section and select “Wardrobe Workout Chart.”

If you practice storyboard packing, you can negotiate wardrobe challenges while still being lightly packed and looking your business best.

 

Fresh from the Suitcase

To achieve wrinkle-free clothes upon arrival, follow these power-packing tips from travel expert Anne McAlpin:

PUT YOUR JACKET IN A DRY-CLEANING BAG:

Lay your jacket (buttoned up) out on a bed or flat surface. Next, fold the arms back and place the entire garment inside a dry-cleaning bag without the hanger. The plastic acts as a buffer while the jacket shifts around in transit and prevents that awkward crease down the front.

USE A PACKING BOARD:

To prevent wrinkles, avoid putting garments directly onto shoes and toiletries at the bottom of your suitcase. Instead, use a packing board as a barrier. This creates a flat surface that clothes can rest on. To order packing boards in a variety of sizes, go to packitup.com or travelessentials.com.

STEAM IT OUT:

If your suit is wrinkled when you get to your destination, hang it on the back of the bathroom door and run hot water in the shower.

The steam from the water will take out many of the wrinkles.