My new job requires extensive air travel, and although I consider myself somewhat of a seasoned traveler, I still haven’t mastered a suitcase strategy that enables me to travel light and right for daytime and evening commitments. I need a few lessons for the road to reduce my angst. Any advice?
—Packer with a Purpose
A: After talking with a number of well-traveled executives, it seems you’re not alone in your packing plight—many feel the same anxiety about packing for various business and social commitments while out of town, and especially for extended trips. A few tips: try not to pack at the last minute. If possible, do it at least 48 to 72 hours ahead, then take a second look the next day.
A good packer will pull something out, a bad one will put more in. Resist being a carry-on crusader and consider checking at least one bag, which will provide you the luxury of packing a few more options for business meetings or client dinners. The day of your flight, plan to wear whatever will take the most space in your suitcase, such as a raincoat/leather boots. Try to balance the color of your wardrobe selection so that it will mix and match, yet be close enough color-wise to pass for a suit. Go with those pieces in your wardrobe that you feel confident in and wear all the time. Although it seems obvious, pick two or three of your favorites that will make an appropriate fashion statement. Don’t forget your secret weapons, such as a multi-compartmental Dopp kit that unzips to become a hanging medicine cabinet. For women, consider wedge espadrilles that are light and flat for walking from one appointment to the next but smart enough to wear on the town, and consider taking a color-coordinated pashmina to accessorize a handbag or to wear as a shawl or scarf to complement a daytime or evening outfit. Reversible jackets for men and women offer additional alternatives for day and night. Finally, pack a hand-held steamer. It will freshen up any garment. Happy trails!
[If you have a question for Joan, send it to business@townandstyle.com. Joan Lee Berkman is a marketing and public relations consultant.]