Going on a business trip? Here’s how to pack for success

Packing for a holiday can be stressful enough – how many outfits will I need? What’s the climate like? – let alone preparing to travel for business. There are plenty of factors you need to consider on a work-related trip, from the number of events you’re attending, to their various dress codes (professionalism often extends to after-hours events, too). Then, there’s the matter of finding the right suitcase – and fitting everything in without your workwear getting too creased in the process.

So, how do you best navigate the maze that is packing for a business trip? Let our team of experts be your guide…

Start with the right suitcase

by Felicity McGahan, founder of luggage brand Nere

“While I need to travel a lot for work, the novelty and excitement of travelling is still alive and well. I have perfected the art of packing through outfit-building, packing cubes, compartmentalised cosmetic cases – and an Apple tag in each bag for tracking. First and foremost, you need peace of mind, security and trust in the suitcase you’re using, as it’s your workhorse and travel companion. Stori is our bestselling range, and the carry-on in our new navy colour way is ideal for a short trip. For longer stays, we have just a rose gold suitcase in the Caype collection, which would make an extremely stylish choice.”

Consider jewellery to make outfits go further

by Marisa Hordern, founder of jewellery brand Missoma

“Jewellery is an essential when travelling because it’s lightweight, easy to pack and has the power to instantly upgrade any outfit. I love how many looks you can get from even one simple necklace – wear it solo for minimal styling or add in a chunky chain for a bolder layered look, for example. Talk about value for packing space.

“If I had to pick one must-have piece for travelling, it would be our Axiom Chain necklace, which is a great every day staple that you can dress up or down. It’s one of our most versatile styles and I love how many ways there are to wear it: layering it with pendant necklaces, linking it up with the Axiom bracelet to make the chain longer, or adding charms to personalise it.

“For me also, a good hoop is like a great red lip or statement nail varnish, in that it always brings a look together, wherever you are in the world. If I want to make a statement, then I love our Zenyu Chandelier hoops (worn on repeat by Kate, Princess of Wales for official engagements) and our super lightweight and seamless Hoop Air collection if I want something for everyday. No matter what the occasion, they’re the perfect finishing touch that give me that extra bit of confidence, be it for an important meeting or for cocktail hour.

“My number one tip? Make sure your jewellery is stored in your hand luggage – even if the airline loses your case, you can always accessorise!”

Pack a versatile capsule wardrobe…

By Meryl Chiche, founder of clothing brand Sessei

“When I travel for work, I never check-in my luggage as I am always scared it will get lost. I always try to build a smart wardrobe that will stretch across multiple days, with pieces that are versatile enough to adapt to different occasions.

“I usually include two or three shirts, our Charvey pants and Spencer jeans, as well as a couple of perfectly cut cotton t-shirts. For shoes, I usually try to keep it to two pairs: my favourite daytime sneakers (right now, I’m loving Acne Studio’s N3W Ws), plus a dressier option. I avoid bulky shoes, such as high boots, as they take up too much space.

“Personally, I steer away from clothes that are too ‘recognisable’ and instead choose minimalist pieces that I can then accessorise with statement jewellery. In a business meeting, and in general, I like people to focus on what I have to say – not on what I’m wearing. I like clothes to support my personality, not to takeover. If I stick to an edit of modern, minimal classics, I can create comfortable, elegant silhouettes that work for both professional and personal settings.”

…But always include a classic shirt

By Danielle Windsor, founder of clothing brand Yaitte

“A high-quality shirt is essential for a hard-working wardrobe. Timeless and distinct, our Buoy striped shirt has quickly become a signature for us, and features a boyfriend cut and dropped back hem. These elements make it incredibly useful, as you can dress it up or down with ease – it’s sleek enough for a meeting, but has enough volume to throw it on for a flight. Our Puglia shirt offers a more classic fit, but with considered details such as the elongated cuffs. It looks great tucked into high-waisted trousers for the day, and then unbuttoned with a flash of lipstick for the evening.

“I typically press my clothes before I travel, neatly fold them into the case and then hang everything up as soon as I reach my destination. If you’re worried about creases, a hand steamer can be life-saving, and is lightweight enough for hand luggage.”

Stock up on travel miniatures…

By Leanna Zaman, Boots beauty specialist

“I always prefer to use products I know and trust whether I’m at home or away, and beauty miniatures are an ideal solution for this. So many brands offer mini versions of cult favourite products so you don’t have to compromise your beauty regime when travelling. My go-tos are the Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm, Benefit Roller Lash Travel-Sized Mini and Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray.

“If you’re going on a longer haul trip and struggling for luggage space, then the Boots Airport Click & Collect service is fantastic: simply place an order online for your favourite beauty products and pick them up in an airside store, after passing through security checks. It’s a great way to avoid liquid restrictions when travelling with just hand luggage.

“My hero product is Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream – it’s a must-have multi-tasker. You can use it to moisturise and repair dry skin and chapped lips, but it can also be used to tame hair and eyebrows or hydrate nails and cuticles.”

…Or save space with multi-purpose make-up

By make-up artist Lisa Eldridge

“I prefer to carry my usual routine with me, instead of buying travel miniatures, so if you need to save on suitcase space I’d recommend investing in good quality travel containers that you will reuse again and again. The Cadence sets are great for this. As soon as I touch down, I’ll also put all my skincare and massage tools in the mini bar fridge. On the actual flight, as the eye area is so fragile and vulnerable to cabin area and dehydration, you want to stop any adverse effects in their tracks. I love the Dieux Forever Eye Masks, which are reusable.

“Whatever the weather, and wherever you’re travelling , you’ll still need daily sun protection. I love the Ultra Violette formulations, which also smell amazing. You can effortlessly streamline your make-up bag by packing hybrid or multifunctional products that earn their keep, such as my Seamless Skin Foundation, which works as both a foundation and a concealer. Lipstick can also be used as a blush; I like mixing my True Velvet Lip Colours with my Elevated Glow Highlighter for an easy, enlivening glow.

“I’ll always prep my daily vitamins the week before I travel, adding them to a portable pill box or organiser. Finally, as a make-up artist, I spend a lot of my day contorted in all sorts of positions, with my right hand held up for extended periods – as a result, I get a lot of tension around my shoulders and back. It’s a must for me, therefore, to pack my foam roller on work trips – I pop it in my suitcase and pack my skincare around it.”

Don’t forget to think about your wellbeing, too

By Sadie Frost, Amchara Health Retreat partner

“I travel a lot for business and pleasure, and very often there is a wellness element involved. I have been travelling to Amchara Health Retreat in Gozo for many years as a client and have recently become a partner in the retreat, which means I’ve been flying between London and Malta a lot more than usual.

“Travel is a wonderful privilege but it can be very taxing on the body, especially with changing time zones and weather conditions. I’m not particularly eager to lug around too many heavy bags when I go away, but there are a few things I never travel without that help keep me feeling fit and healthy.

“Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C sachets keep my immune system supported, especially on long-haul flights. I don’t want to pack a whole kitchen cupboard of supplement bottles in my bag, so I also stock up on The Elevator sachets by Sisterly, which are multi-functional.

“I’ve been practising yoga and meditation since I was 15 years old and have recently qualified as a Jivamukti yoga teacher. I find that doing a morning meditation and having a gentle stretch, followed by Jivamukti chanting and a more vigorous asana practice, helps keep me balanced and centred when I am somewhere new. If I can’t be bothered to take my own yoga mat with me, I like to pack this natural antibacterial spray to wipe down whatever mat I find myself on.”