Getting dressed during your time away from home on a business or pleasure trip can be a favorable and calming experience if you plan your packing. On the other hand, it can be very distressing to bring your most professional outfit only to realize at the last moment that you forgot to pack the matching blouse, accessories or the right color hose. A successful trip begins before you leave home since packing takes some thought. To make sure you dont have any unexpected surprises its better begin packing a day or two before you leave maybe something you will want to wear needs cleaning or you might need to buy another clothing item.

1. Stick to a basic color group for your pants, skirt and jacket. Add a blouse (with a collar) for a professional look. Include 2 pairs of shoes of the same color with different height heels, keeping in mind what you will be doing. For instance, if you will be doing a lot of walking bring comfortable walking shoes that look great with your suit.

2. Always take a carry on bag with a change of clothes and all your toiletries in case your luggage gets lost or delayed. Youll want to be ready for that important meeting.

3. Always take a dressy black dinner dress or a glitzy blouse or top, that can be worn with a skirt, for last minute invitations. Dont forget matching shoes.

4. Make a list of your appointments to decide what you will need to wear. Will it be strictly business our will you be engaging in more casual situations. Will you need gym or swim clothes?

5. Consider fabric. Choose clothes that are less likely to wrinkle and for those that will wrinkle, bring a small iron or steamer. Even though the hotel supplies irons you dont want to call housekeeping and be kept waiting when you only have a few minutes to spare.

Your professional image shouldnt take a vacation while you are en route. With this in mind, wear professional attire while traveling but not necessarily something that you plan to wear while doing business unless you are going directly to a business appointment when you arrive. Although it is important to look your best, wearing your best suit for several hours while traveling can give it a distressed look. Choose a professional suit but one that you wont need to wear to business meetings on that trip.

Copyright 2005 Sheila Dicks