The Art of Packing for the Short Business Trip

When your job requires frequent, yet short, business trips, minimizing your time in airports becomes a quality-of-life issue. In pursuit of this goal, many busy executives travel light, skipping the baggage claim by opting to bring only a carry-on tote. This can decrease travel time, but requires smart packing.To reap the most from your day and your suitcase, make a list of everything you’ll need, giving yourself ample time to pack. Stressed-out last-minute packers often forget crucial items.If you’re leaving in the morning and going straight to a meeting, dress accordingly – that’s one less outfit you’ll have to pack.For the remaining day or two, select one or two understated-yet-versatile pieces that you can mix and match with bolder items to create multiple outfits.For men, one suit can carry you through two days if you change your shirt and tie. Or if you pack a “trio,” such as that offered by Jos. A. Bank, which includes a matching suit jacket and pants, along with a pair of patterned trousers that can be paired with the jacket for a slightly more casual look.Women can follow much the same pattern by shopping for multiple matching pieces. Many brands, such as Ann Taylor, offer collections that include suit jackets with matching skirts – sometimes short, sometimes long – as well as pants. Pack a pink V-neck knit, a white blouse with a ruffled collar, and a red shell and you’re set for two or three days.Roll your socks, undergarments, and any casual clothing you will need. This will help to prevent wrinkles and, more importantly, will save space in your suitcase.Pack foundation garments last, using them to fill in the “holes” in your suitcase, rather than letting them occupy valuable chunks of space at the start.As for minimizing the need for clothing care during your trip, the secret is tissue paper. Fold it into your clothes, place it between items in your suitcase, stuff it into your suit armholes and inside shoes to keep them from being crushed.To further avoid wrinkles, choose synthetics over natural fibers when possible, or look for apparel specifically designed to be “wrinkle free” as discussed in the Q&A below.Which leads us to this week’s travel related letters.Dear Jordan,When traveling on business, how can I avoid wrinkled dress shirts?– Henry, Staten Island, N.Y.Dear Henry,A lot of the wrinkling depends on the material of the clothing; linen wrinkles more than cotton which wrinkles more than polyester, but linen is very dressy, and cotton typically breathes better.That said, retailers today are increasingly offering “wrinkle-free” options, such as the no-iron shirt offered by Brooks Brothers. The company recently introduced an exclusive no-iron women’s stretch shirt as well.For more no-iron shirts, check out stores such as Jos. A. Bank, JCPenney, and Nordstrom where you can find brands such as Van Heusen, Liz Claiborne, and Geoffrey Beene.Dear Jordan,I like to be comfortable when I travel. I’d like to know if you think it is acceptable to wear shorts on an airplane?– Gabrielle, Alexandria, Va.Dear Gabrielle,If you’re vacationing in the Bahamas, shorts are fine. If you’re heading out on a business trip, shorts are not a good idea. Here’s why: a lost suitcase can mean your travel clothes might be working double time, and if you show up at the boardroom wearing shorts, you’ll be greatly underdressed – and probably cold.

The Art of Packing for the Short Business Trip

The Art of Packing for the Short Business Trip

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