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By Benn, May 18, 2010 3:00 am

Every business trip poses a series of challenges. This article will focus on one dilemma that is a part of every business trip – packing. In order to determine what to pack, check the weather forecast for your destination and determine what amenities your hotel(s) will provide.

Before you do any actual packing, we strongly suggest a list. Take into consideration the length of your trip, the business attire needed, the amount of free time available for non-business activities and personal preferences for recreational items and sleep wear. Once a list is made, select an area where you can lay out what will be packed, and check them off your list.

Keep in mind the following with regards to the business wear items. Shoes are heavy, so try to minimize the number of shoes you bring. Select suits or trousers that require only one shoe color. Additionally, comfortable shoes that can be dressed up or down, you will further reduce your shoe requirements.

Likewise, clothing that can be worn for both business and casual activities will help keep your packing requirements to a minimum. If your agenda requires business casual clothing, wool trousers and fine gauge knits such as mock turtlenecks and polos are quite versatile. If a shirt and tie is required for your business meetings, select a few buttondown collar woven shirts. These shirts can also be worn as casual items for leisure activities. Non-Iron dress shirts and performance blazers are particularly appropriate for business travel. Bring two neckties for each shirt packed, since ties are lightweight and can vary your look from meeting to meeting.

Make certain, before packing, that all clothing is clean and pressed. Unless you are utilizing a garment bag, we suggest that all items be packed folded and tightly rolled. Alternatively, folded dress shirts may be packed in the packaging used by your laundry service. Fold and roll all your garments before selecting a suitcase. Once you have done so, choose a suitcase that will be tightly packed when you are finished. The less room items have to move around, the less likely they are to wrinkle in transit. Invest in a travel steamer. This inexpensive item can prove to be extremely valuable if the need arises to remove wrinkles. We also strongly recommend that all toiletries be sealed in plastic bags or a waterproof carrying case before they are packed.

Whether or not you check your bags, always pack a carry-on piece with essential items, in case your luggage is temporarily misplaced. At a minimum, include underwear, socks and a clean shirt. Additionally, make certain that you have identification tags on all of your bags, including carry-on pieces. Once you arrive at the hotel, take the time to properly unpack and store all garments in dressers or closets.

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By Scott, December 22, 2009 2:33 pm

Wool suits and wool trousers made from 100% wool have been favored by consumers and apparel makers alike for years and years. Here’s why:

A natural fiber, wool comes in many different weights and thicknesses allowing you to wear it year-round. With small gaps of air in its fibers, wool controls the climate you wear it in. It breathes, which synthetic fibers can’t do. Because of this, wool is not only comfortable on the skin, but it’s also odor-free. And to top it off, wool is easy to care for. Creases hold well, even on lightweight wools worn during the summer.

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By Allen, November 18, 2009 9:16 am

The most basic color matching involves selecting a tie to wear with a dark suit and a white dress shirt. It is difficult to go wrong with this combination and your main decision is whether to keep with subdued tones or go for a brighter look.

The same holds true for matching a fine gauge knit with a pair of dark trousers. If you are wearing a colored solid dress shirt, select a patterned tie that uses the dress shirt hue as a secondary color. Use the same logic if you are wearing a patterned pair of trousers (glen plaid, houndstooth, etc.). Select a knit or woven shirt that matches the secondary color in the trouser pattern.

Matching a patterned suit or sportcoat with a dress shirt and tie is more complex. A few options are acceptable. You can select a shirt that is a lighter shade of the primary suit color and match it with a tie that emphasizes the suit’s secondary tone. For example, if you are wearing a light brown sportcoat with a burgundy over bar, you might select an ecru dress shirt and match it with a small-patterned tie with burgundy as the primary color. Or, you can select a shirt color that emphasizes the burgundy in the sportcoat, and match it with a tie that has a light brown as the secondary hue.

As with most elements of business dressing, select color combinations that you are comfortable wearing.

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By Allen, November 16, 2009 2:21 pm

1. Invest in quality tailored clothing that will last. Buy conservative suits and basic trousers that won’t be out of style next season, and use fashion dress shirts and ties to personalize your fashion statement.

2. Find a good tailor and treat him/her well. Proper alterations on suits, trousers and sportcoats are important to your appearance.

3. Be a bit more adventurous when matching shirts and ties. A large patterned necktie will work very well with a small patterned dress shirt, and vice versa. For example, pair a bold paisley tie with a micro-check dress shirt.

4. Make certain that your shoes are shined and appropriate for the rest of your outfit. For example, don’t wear penny loafers with a suit, or cap toe dress shoes with chinos.

5. Make sure your accessories work together. Your belt should match your shoes and your socks should coordinate with your trousers.

6. Make yourself “perspiration proof.” Always wear an undershirt under your dress shirt, and carry a handkerchief to wipe perspiration from your hands or brow.

7. Purchase a small, fold-up umbrella and keep it in your briefcase at all times. Nothing takes the smartness out of a man’s appearance like an unexpected rain shower.

8. Unless you are in a profession where artistic flair is expected, always try to err on the side of dressing too conservatively.

9. Emulate (but do not copy) your boss, or other senior executives at your company, when deciding how to dress.

10. Never wear anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or not yourself.

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By Allen, November 11, 2009 10:45 am

Shoe colors for business traditionally range from black to burgundy to shades of brown and beige. It makes sense to stay within these guidelines, unless you are extremely confident that you can “pull off” a different color. Black is the most versatile color, since it complements a nice variety of suit and trouser colors.  Also remember to coordinate your shoe and belt color, as well as your trouser and sock color.