Packing a suitcase
FOR THE WORKING TRAVELING WOMAN
Imagine you have a job that requires you to travel a lot. Lucky you, I would say, but it also brings complications. Packing, unpacking, doing laundry in between, being prepared for every situation – it really isn't that easy, especially considering that many business trips have to be done with only hand luggage. So for those who travel a lot (for business), pay close attention.
Packing
Let's start with that, because aside from what you pack, how you pack is also very important. We've mentioned it before; you roll your clothes instead of folding them. You roll outfits together, so if you're going to wear a skirt and a top together, you lay the top on the skirt and roll them up together. You can stuff socks and underwear into your shoes and fill the remaining corners with them. Wear heavy and large clothing items, as that won't take up valuable suitcase space.
Make outfits
This is the most important. Don't just take a pile of nice clothes, but take the time to create outfits in advance. Suppose you have to fly a lot but also wait a long time for connections at airports, have a meeting immediately upon arrival, and in the evening you're expected in evening attire for a drink with clients. During the flight and waiting, wear a tight black stretch jeans with a classic flat shoe underneath, like Repetto ballerinas. On top, a white silk blouse and over that a cashmere cardigan. That's quite an investment, but it's always worth it, because with such a cardigan, you look stylish and well-groomed in one go. Furthermore, you have a black blazer and a pair of perfect black pumps. So suppose you have to go straight to your meeting from the airport, then you only need to swap the ballerinas for the pumps, the cardigan for the blazer, and you're ready. For the evening program, you replace the jeans with a classic black skirt that you packed, let your hair down, maybe do something with red lipstick, and just like that, you switch from day to evening look with minimal effort.
Other items
Furthermore, I would keep it as much as possible to one style, so everything can be combined. Besides your black pumps and ballerinas, you can choose to bring simple strappy heels. They take up hardly any space and are just a bit more festive than pumps.
Pay attention to the fabric
Don't take neoprene items and try to limit wool items to a strict minimum, as those materials take up a lot of space. Cashmere folds easily, just like silk, linen, and polyester. Yes, they wrinkle quickly too, but those who travel for business often stay in decent hotels, and usually, they can help you with an iron at the reception. And what also helps a lot is to hang your wrinkled items in the shower, turn the water to the hottest setting, and everything will be nicely steamed for you.
Think in accessories
A little black dress with a big red statement necklace, loose hair, and red lipstick is a very different little black dress than when you wear it without the necklace, put your hair in a tight bun, and do nothing else. So striking colorful bracelets, necklaces, and rings are your saving angels.
Look for minis
And not just for your deodorant and day cream, but also for your hairdryer and straightener. Braun, for example, has super cute minis that fit in every suitcase.
