A white shirt is absolutely the safest style staple to bring along your business trip. In fact, you probably already have a ton in your wardrobe. And you wouldn't have gotten your corporate job without it. You probably wore it when you defended your thesis during college/university or grad school. You probably wore it to the job interview that got you your current position. So when the time comes that you have to go abroad, make sure you have a good number of them tucked in your luggage!
Similarly, a well-tailored jacket/blazer is also a must-bring. Of course, if you've packed entire suits, this style staple is already part of the ensemble. But if you're one to dress in business casual instead of stuffy suits, ensure that this quintessential piece is in your luggage too. They often add a distinguished air to your look, one that can command respect even from the head honchos of any company you visit. Most especially when it fits your body well!
Men, don't just rely on your lucky tie again and again. That may work in your office at home with your colleagues tha you've worked with for years, but if you want to leave a lasting impact on your clients abroad on this business trip, changing up your look is practically mandatory. Go for cool and slightly quirky patterns, elegant prints, or stand-out colors. Silhouette-wise, in these modern times, the sleeker your tie, the better. However, it still has to look proportionate to the overall shape of your suit or blazer.
Ladies, as strong as you look in a well-tailored suit, changing up your look with a shift dress from time to time wouldn't be such a bad idea. Don't sacrifice your femininity for the sake of climbing up the corporate ladder. if you want to prove to the bigwigs in those board meetings that women deserve a place at the top, you gotta show that you're not afraid to be one even with how you dress. Just make sure the ones you wear in the office aren't too short nor too revealing!
Back to basics for both sexes. You already know that a well-tailored blazer/jacket is a must for any corporate wardrobe, especially when you've gone overseas on a business trip. What that's best to pair that piece with? A nice pair of slacks. A nicely cut pair that goes just a little beyond your ankles is the type you should invest in and pack in your suitcase. In terms of color, it's better to stick to classic neutrals.
Many times, as a sign of hospitality, your clients or colleagues might invite you to a gala dinner or charity ball. and as much as this is a social event, it's also work! The people you meet here might be important to the business at hand. So always be prepared by packing an evening suit (for men)/ gown (for women) in your luggage. It doesn't have to be flashy, just elegant enough to look appropriate for such a setting. Ensure that they won't get crumpled during your travel time by placing them in a strong garment bag.
You'll be surprised by how much business is done in a gym. What if, during your business trip, your clients invite you to work out with them? What do you do? You take the invitation, of course! So always be prepared by packing some work-out clothes. You may not realize it now, but they're really just as important to bring as your suit and evening attire. And even if you don't get invited to the gym, there's no harm in exercising during your free time on thi trip too!
Speaking of your free time, what you wear outside the office is just as important for you. When you're done for the day, it's always nice to curl up in your hotel in your comfy leisurewear. Maybe watch a movie or call the folks back home so that they won't have to worry about you. But what is leisurewear? For those of you who don't know, they're pajamas for bed, sweaters to keep you warm and toasty in cold climates, and the like.
Also, if you're lucky enough to get a lot of free time (or your company allowed you to take a few days off after work before rushing back home), why not see the sights? Even for just a little bit, you can be a tourist and see what this new city you're in has to offer to visitors like you. And in that case, you should pack a nice pair of jeans. A comfy style staple that will keep you stylish as you explore this new destination.
Finally, wardrobe essentials that people often forget to give a lot of thought: appropriate shoes. For men, this means high-quality leather shoes that your money can buy. For women, this means low-heeled shoes for the office and high heels for attending evening galas and the like. The totality of your look during a business trip is wholly important. You may not realize it, but your clients/colleagues will notice and take into account your footwear. So impress them in that department too!
Are you ready for your first business trip abroad? Make sure that you are by packing some wardrobe essentials that will help you leave a good and hopefully long-lasting impression on your clients and overseas colleagues. You never know, they might clinch your next promotion for you!
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