Business on the go: your guide to packing light and looking right

From boardroom to cocktail

Efficient packing will improve your business trips by removing the need (and the stress) for unplanned purchases in your destination city when you have little time to get around. I just know this because I’ve worked in the Travel industry for over ten years, and business trips were part of my life for that long time. Packing efficiently is not about trying to fit everything in one bag: it’s about looking sharp and staying organized.

I’ll share the most important things you need to pack smarter for the next business trip:

Build your travel capsule wardrobe

You need a capsule wardrobe for travelling. It should have the following core pieces:

Tops (5) Take as many in neutral or solid colours: white, black, navy, or grey. These will mix and match with ease to make several combinations without an immense wardrobe. Example: one white button-down, one black V-neck, two silk blouses in different colours, and one patterned for a smart casual vibe.

Bottoms (4). For formal meetings, wear dress pants or a pencil skirt. For a smart-casual look, wear chinos. For casual meetings, wear dark jeans.

Outerwear (3) A blazer for formal occasions, a cardigan for layering, and a lightweight jacket for unpredictable weather. A navy blazer can be both formal and suitable for dinners out.

Shoes (2 pairs) One formal, like leather loafers or pumps; one casual, yet capable of dressing up, like stylish sneakers or ankle boots.

Dress (1) Take one to wear for daylight conferences and then transition into the evening. A sheath dress in either black or neutral colours will suffice.

This minimalistic approach reduces not only what you need to pack but also simplifies deciding what to wear each day.

Smart ways to pack

Packing cubes are my personal favourites for sorting clothes. Use them in different colours for tops, bottoms, and underwear. You have different types to choose from, such as compression packing cubes, which are most helpful because of volume reduction: it reduces wrinkling while saving even more space.

Instead of folding, roll your clothes. This both saves space and reduces wrinkling. Upon arrival, a quick shake and hang, or flat lay usually does the trick for smoothing out minor wrinkles.

Colour coordination

Stick to one colour scheme by packing essential items in a few colours to base your wardrobe around. Not only is it easier to pack, but everything will match. Accessories like belts, ties, or scarves will add colour or pattern without taking up much space.

Multi-purpose items

Take pieces that can serve more than one purpose. A blazer suitable for both boardroom meetings and client dinners, or shoes that transition seamlessly from day to night. Scarves can also provide warmth if used as a makeshift blanket on flights.

Travel-sized essentials

Save space by buying your favourite toilet products in travel-sized containers or (if it works for you) purchase solid shampoo and conditioner to avoid breaking travel restrictions on liquids. Keep all these in one clear, zippered pouch for easy access when getting through airport security.

Now that you know how to pack efficiently for business travels, you’ll look professional while staying focused on your work. All you have to do is plan and choose things that give you maximum options with minimum clutter.