Okay, let’s get real for a second. I’ve been on more than 30 work trips at this point, and every single time, I leave my packing to the last minute. I can’t help it—packing just overwhelms me. The sheer thought of trying to plan everything ahead of time gives me anxiety, so I rely on that good old time crunch to streamline everything which means I end up forgetting key necessities.
But here’s the thing—I know exactly what I want. I want to look professional, of course. After all, I’m representing my company and my team. But life’s too short to look boring, right? I love getting dressed up and looking cute because, let’s face it, I’m just a girl who loves a good outfit.
Still, I want my outfits to serve a purpose. I need to look polished, but I also need to feel like myself. And with the schedules being so jam-packed— breakfasts, back-to-back meetings, social hours, and keeping up with regular work in the hotel lobby—it gets exhausting. By the end of the week, I’m craving nothing more than fuzzy blankets and Netflix. Here is what I learned after the first 10 times of horrible packing. I focus on versatility and comfort of bottoms without sacrificing style to build a template that makes the packing a smoother process.
Written by Zayda Shavkatova
The Essentials: Professional Yet Pretty
Packing light is key, so start with bottoms that can be worn more than once and be styled in several ways. I keep a few game-changer items in my bag that give me maximum versatility. For example, the Lexington Wide-Leg Pant. These pants are a must-have. They’re cozy enough to wear on the plane (why are plane cabins always so cold?) and chic enough to wear straight to a meeting or dinner. The wide-leg silhouette is comfortable and stretchy—perfect for all the running around I tend to do—and the high waist lets me wear it with tops that need to be tucked or untucked so I can wear it several times. And there's the bonus of high waisted pants elongating my legs and making me feel taller. They look effortlessly stylish with any style top I pair them with.
I also love the Plaza Pencil Skirt. It’s structured, professional, and instantly elevates any look. I can pair it with almost anything, and it’ll still make me feel like I’ve nailed the dress code. Whether I’m heading into a meeting or grabbing dinner, this skirt adapts to whatever the day brings. No stress, just style.
Don’t Forget Comfort (Most Important)
Now, I’m all for looking cute, but after a full day of meetings and social events, the last thing I want is to feel uncomfortable in my own body. That’s why comfort
is non-negotiable. So shoes and pants that work well with those shoes are essential. My favorite brand to keep my feet stable and aligned are Vionics. Their casual sneakers work with every outfit I wear to the office and when I want a slightly more elevated look their loafers and flats are so easy to be in all day long. I pair them with the Steinway Flare-Leg Pant- a soft, breathable pant, made with cotton twill that feels amazing on your skin—it’s everything I want for a long day. The flare adds just the right touch of sophistication, without making me feel restricted. Whether I’m running between meetings or just trying to stay comfy in the hotel, these pants always have me covered. And they always look good with the sensible shoes I have to choose.
Packing Tip: Keep It Chic, Keep It Functional
Packing doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. It’s all about having foundational pieces that can be styled multiple ways. Once you have your perfect bottoms and favorite shoes you have plenty of room in your carry on to pack a variety of tops for each event. I love that I can mix and match and still feel put together, no matter what my schedule looks like. Versatility is key to looking great and staying comfortable on a work trip—and with the right bottoms, its easier than it seems.