How to Tailor Your Work Wardrobe When You Travel
Doing business in a new city? Stylish local professionals from New York to New Orleans tell us what ‘dressing for success’ looks like where they work.
You’ve got tickets booked for your next business trip and a solid presentation queued up on your laptop; now what are you going to wear? While different industries require different dress codes, knowing what the locals wear for work in a particular place can help you pack an outfit that will make you stand out—in the best way possible.
We asked stylish professionals from all over the country to fill us in on what business casual means in their city, how they handle local weather, and personal fashion tips for making sure you leave a good impression. Here’s what they had to say:
Staying Chic in Chicago
Name: Katy Accurso
Job: Technology Consultant
What I wear to work: To me, Chicago is business on the bottom and party on the top. For business casual, I will typically wear tops and jackets that I would wear over the weekend and pair those with a pencil skirt or tailored slacks to create an office-appropriate version of a fashionable and trendy look.
Don’t forget to pack: Comfortable shoes! This is a walking city—if you’re going to wear heels, bring a pair of flats or make sure your feet can withstand the heels you’re going to sport. That’s the biggest mistake visitors make.
Visiting during the winter months? Tailored, long wool coats are your best friend. You can layer up underneath, but the structure of a wool coat keeps your entire look put together, no matter what you’re wearing.
Edgy Meets Professional in Nashville
Name: Jasmine Sweet
Job: Marketing Manager
What I wear to work: As a marketing manager, I have to be innovative and driven. So, while most people here dress casually to work, I prefer to dress up. Your presentation makes a difference in your persuasion.
How the Music City does business: Nashville is an easygoing place that accepts all styles, from high fashion to casual to cowboy boots. A lot of people work or aspire to work in the music industry, so this town has a performance aspect to everything. Here, it’s okay to mix edgy with business—pair your rock-star jacket with your business skirt or your leopard pumps with your vegan leather skirt.
Working Woman’s Style in New York City
Name: Laura Behnke
Job: Sports Broadcaster and Fashion Blogger
What I wear to work: I don’t think you can go wrong with black skinny jeans or cropped trousers and a structured blazer. For a little added interest, I’ll throw on a pair of velvet ankle boots during the winter. One of the great things about this city is its diversity, so business casual attire provides an opportunity for people to show more of their style while still in a work setting.
West Coast vs. East Coast: My advice to anyone traveling to New York for a business trip is to bring clothing that is comfortable but also has a little flair or personal touch. While LA is known for its ultracasual style, NYC always errs on the side of formal. So if you have an outfit you have been waiting to wear, but it seems a little too fancy for back home, New York might be the perfect place to show it off—but only if it makes you feel fabulous! New York style is really all about what makes you feel like the most powerful and confident version of yourself.
NYC winter must-haves: I love New York City, but the winters can be brutal. We walk around so much, so staying warm is even more important than being stylish, though I believe the two can work together! I could not get through a winter without a faux fur vest. You can wear them under almost every coat or jacket you own and it not only adds a layer of coziness and warmth, but it also elevates the look.
- Laura Behnke
Anything Goes in New Orleans
Name: Lori Leday
Job: Editor of Felicity Magazine and Clothing Shop Manager
What I wear to work: I generally believe in balance when getting dressed. For example, if I’m wearing a blousy statement top, I’m usually going to pair it with a skinny jean or slim bottom. If I’m wearing a wide-leg pant or full skirt, I’d put it with a fitted blouse or bodysuit. However, fashion rules are often meant to be broken, so from time to time I mix it up. As long as you wear it with confidence!
On NOLA fashion: Fashion in New Orleans operates just like the city itself—it’s eclectic, diverse and unique. Overall, NOLA is definitely a more casual city, but because of Mardi Gras and many other out-of-the-box events we have down here every year, a local wouldn’t look twice at someone who happens to be wearing an over-the-top or elaborate getup.
Ready for Anything in Asheville
Name: Kirby Morris
Job: Department Sales Manager
What I wear to work: I’m a big fan of structured jackets. I think they’re a great layer to add to any outfit for a professional look, either layered over a dress or with your favorite skinny jeans and a white T-shirt.
Don’t forget to pack: Layers—mountain weather is unpredictable, so you never know when the temperature is going to drop. And if you have time to hit the Blue Ridge Parkway during your visit, it’s always about 15 degrees cooler up there. Also bring comfortable footwear. Asheville is a great walking city, so you’ll want to be comfortable walking from downtown to the South Slope to hit some breweries or roaming around the River Arts District.
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