What to Pack for Your Business Trips: The Essentials

Whether you are a frequent flyer or travel only once a year with your job, it’s great to have an organized business trip packing list when you go. Business trips can be stressful enough without worrying about work fashion.

We’re here to help with a simple packing list for your work trip that will take you from the boardroom to the beach without too much fuss. Remember, less is more when traveling for work and there is always the added incentive of leaving a little room in your suitcase for extras that you buy on your trip.

In-Flight Business Outfit Essentials

Your first hurdle when traveling for work? Catching your flight. Make your journey as comfortable as possible by wearing a soft jersey dress and oversized cozy scarf that doubles as a blanket. Slip-on shoes like these from Birdies are perfect for getting through security and you can slide them off under the seat in exchange for socks once onboard.

If it’s a cooler day, wearing a black blazer, such as this one from Anine Bing, is polished and saves you from having to pack one of your essential workwear pieces. For an easy addition that completes the look, try wearing the Machete Kate Hoops from our Summer Box of Style. You can style these lucite earrings for the office, the beach, and so much more.  

Another great business travel packing tip is to carry your work tote so that you can transport your laptop safely. Meanwhile, this accessory also lets you store all your travel documents, water, books, and anything else you might need.

The Essential Work Fashion Wardrobe

When planning your business outfits, start with a classic piece of women’s work fashion: a pair of sleek, straight leg pants and a trusty pencil skirt and go from there. Your tops should be a combination of patterns and solids, preferably in a neutral color like black, white, or beige to allow you to wear your pieces together in different combinations.

This will give you a lot more freedom when planning outfits for work and room for other things in your suitcase. If you’re sticking to the bare essentials when traveling for work, you really only need one pair of not-too-high heels that you can alternate with the slip-on shoes throughout your trip.

Off-Duty Outfits That Belong on Your Business Trip Packing List

The best part of traveling for work? You can often end up at scenic destinations where there is a good chance of a pool or beach. For your downtime, pack a pair of jeans that you can wear with one of your work tops, a swimsuit, and towel and you are good to go just about anywhere. The Rufus Terry Beach Towel from your Summer Box of Style is stylish and easily folds into your suitcase.

While you’re at it, don’t forget your Glo Skin Beauty SPF 40+. The lightweight cream is moisturizing and protects the skin from sun damage – A win-win! We’d also recommend a pair of fun earrings and a versatile bag that you can style from the beach to cocktails. The Danielle Nicole Macramé Handbag in your Summer Box of Style is just one example of a perfect travel essential.

Best Toiletries & Makeup When Traveling for Work

Wherever you’re headed, we recommend BYOC: Bring Your Own Conditioner. Don’t forget toothpaste, a toothbrush, and all of your typical toiletries. An eye mask to help you recover from the flight is a great extra. Tatcha’s Luminous Eye Masks work wonders for jetlagged under-eyes.

As for makeup, you don’t have to bring the whole cabinet when you’re considering what to put on your packing list for a work trip. Stick to the basics of concealer, mascara, and lipstick. If you make one powerful statement this season, let it be pumped up brows that signal you mean business. Benefit Cosmetics 24-Hr Brow Setter Shaping Gel from the Summer Box of Style will tame your eyebrows into place for the whole trip.

Don’t Forget Intimates!

Without sounding too much like a mom, don’t forget to pack undies and socks: one for every day, plus two more. Business outfits are necessary, but so is what goes under those and what you’ll wear at night. One pair of pajamas will suffice and a nice silk eye mask will shade you from the plane to your afternoon nap. Throw in a pair of exercise leggings and a sports bra and you can hit the ground running on this trip – literally. Bon voyage!