From the Plane to the Meeting: The Perfect Business-Trip Looks
What will you wear from the plane to the meeting? (Photo: Thinkstock)
A big meeting is plenty stressful, but adding travel into the equation turns the volume up to 11. You’re already worried about having enough time to catch your connecting flight, so here’s one less thing to worry about — clothes. These looks can take you from boarding to boardroom and beyond. Bonus points: They also won’t break the bank.
Related: The Business Traveler: Best In-Flight Airline Amenity Kits
Banana Republic Wrap Dress
(Photo: Banana Republic)
Diane von Furstenberg nailed it when she invented the wrap dress, a cut and fit that flatters just about every woman’s body. But you don’t have to shell out DVF dollars in order to get the look yourself — this accessible spandex-rayon dress from Banana Republic ($98) comes in almost every color of the rainbow.
ASOS Top and Pants
(Photo: ASOS)
(Photo: ASOS)
Take separates from predictable to presentation-ready by slightly tweaking the color palette. With this ASOS shirt ($34.82), two shades of blue complement each other without clashing, and three-quarter sleeves are a major plus for travel, since they’re less likely to get splashed with water when you’re washing your hands in the bathroom or caught in a watchband when you’re checking the time. The slim ASOS pants ($42.56) make for a great pairing.
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Ann Taylor Dress
(Photo: Ann Taylor)
It’s hard to go wrong with neutrals, and when you mix them together you can keep the look from feeling too plain. This Ann Taylor dress ($120) combines nude and black, meaning you can probably wear just about any shoe or bag you own and not have to worry about accessorizing.
J.Crew Top and Skirt
(Photo: J.Crew)
(Photo: J.Crew)
Another great pairing: a smart top with a sophisticated skirt. And a skirt with pockets is always a plus, especially when you’re traveling and might need a few small items in close grabbing range. The dramatic collar of this J.Crew shirt ($54) offsets the plain white color and works for showing off a statement necklace or pretty scarf, and it looks great paired with a J.Crew skirt ($148).
Related: The Perfect … Travel Jacket
Anthropologie Dress
(Photo: Anthropologie)
This spandex and rayon Anthropologie dress ($168) won’t wrinkle midflight, and it’s also fantastically flattering. The navy color works for the office without being too flashy, while the pattern makes it slimming. Bring a blazer or scarf if you want to take the serious quotient up a notch.
Top Shop Mules
(Photo: Top Shop)
When it comes to accessories, gold is a perfect neutral. Paired with black, the gold on these Top Shop mules ($110) can take you from morning meeting to afternoon flight without scuffing up the floor. Their heel adds drama, but the thickness keeps them from going off-kilter if you have to hurry to make it to the gate.
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Ann Taylor Flats
(Photo: Ann Taylor)
If you prefer going without a heel, these Ann Taylor nude flats ($90) are the LBD of shoes — there’s not a single outfit you can’t pair them with. When they are combined with nude stockings, your legs will look longer and slimmer.
Top Shop Brogue
(Photo: Top Shop)
Brogues can sometimes err on the side of frumpy, but these Top Shop lace-ups ($55) manage to be professional without feeling heavy. Pair them with slacks for a reliable cold-weather look.
Anthropologie Scarf
(Photo: Anthropologie)
Even if it’s warm, traveling with a lightweight scarf like this one from Anthropologie ($48) is always a good idea. Temperatures may change, but a scarf will take up less room than a coat or jacket. Plus, if something gets spilled or rips on your outfit, the scarf provides a convenient — and pretty — cover-up.
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