by Wendy
I don’t have to travel for work often, but when I do I pack light. I’ve learned a few tips from a handful of business trips. They all center around 2 pieces.

1. Black skirt. 2. Black pants.

You can travel extremely light by building multiple outfits around one or both of these items. Actually, any solid color can work for the skirt and pants – dark grey, navy, coffee brown. And while this post is focused on a business casual dress code, you could go more formal by ensuring either the skirt or pants (or both) is part of a suit.

Pretty simple. The only reason I bother to write a post about it is because on a 3 day/2 night work trip last month I noticed a) not everyone was traveling with carry-on only and b) someone’s luggage was lost and she was not a happy camper.

Here are a few packing lists to consider (adjust for length of stay, activities):

Day One – black pants, top, ballet flats, accessories, jacket (wear all this on the plane)

Day Two – black skirt, second top, accessories, second pair of shoes. Wear heels if you want, just ensure the flats you wore yesterday go with everything. Pack a neutral cardigan or jacket – not only can this change the look of outfits but seems like it’s always chilly in conference rooms. At least the temp is conducive to drinking lots of hot coffee to stay alert and avoid death by powerpoint. I digress.

Day Three – dress, accessories, jacket/cardigan, either shoes. (Side note: dresses are actually item #3 that help you pack light. One item of clothing = instant outfit. If you’re going for three days you could actually bring three dresses and still be carry-on friendly.)

Day Four/Five – repeat black pants and/or skirt, a third top, repeat one top, repeat accessories and shoes

So besides the plane outfit suggested above you are essentially packing one dress, cardigan/jacket, black skirt, two tops, one other pair of shoes, pjs, undies. Maybe a flat iron and small pouch of jewelry. That’s super easy in a carry-on. You should still be able to pack shorts or yoga pants, t shirt and tennis shoes if you plan to use the gym. On my latest trip, I didn’t bother with those because we were only there a short time and were going to be busy. I also wanted to save one of the front pockets of my suitcase for the laptop and chargers I had to bring.

Put your ziplock of toiletries and book in your purse/shoulder bag.

You might have 100 problems to deal with at work, but packing light shouldn’t be one of them.