How to Pack for Your Work Trip in a Carry-On
A mix-and-match packing list, plus my go-to packing formula.
Quick (fun) note: There are a bunch of new styles in the sale section of our resale site, Second Act, so you can snag pre-loved pieces at an extra discount.
Over the last few years, I’ve become a (self-proclaimed) very accomplished packer. I wasn’t always this way. In fact, in my sophomore year of college, I showed up at my dorm having forgotten my pillow, my toothbrush, and my laptop (yes, my laptop). But I’ve grown since then, and I owe it all to my trusty packing-list formula, which I developed after I started taking work trips on a regular basis.
The Formula:
2 bottoms
1-2 dresses
3 tops
1-2 layers
1 pair of walking shoes
1 pair of dressy shoes
1-3 occasion-specific pieces (swimsuits, wedding-guest outfits, winter jackets, etc.)
Here’s what it looks like in action:
The Kiki crewneck sweater: A cozy and versatile piece with personality. (Also a favorite of the M.M. team.)
Sansa earrings: Big, bold silver hoops that make any look stand out.
Sylvie twirl dress: An effortless and elegant style made from ultra-luxurious Italian jersey.
Alina muscle tee: Substantial, super soft Peruvian pima cotton makes this more polished than your average tee (and how fun is the color?!).
Marsha earrings: Just the right amount of shine.
Natasha contrast turtleneck: The versatility of a basic turtleneck, but way more interesting.
Ayla travel jacket: Polished enough for the office but not overly corporate. Made from OrigamiTech, a designed-for-travel fabric that’s machine-washable and wrinkle-resistant.
Veja sneakers: Incredibly comfortable and go with everything. These have been my go-tos for years.
Allyn kick flare pant: A right-on-trend shape in the most heavenly ponte you can picture.
Curtis statement trench: Carmen Sandiego would approve.
Bia pleated trouser: Wide-legged and widely adored (these constantly sell out).
Filomina Friday shirt: Looks like a crisp poplin button-down. Feels (and stretches) like a tee.
Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps: An excellent version of a classic black pump. You can’t go wrong.
This mix-and-match packing list offers way more outfit possibilities than I have time to share, so I’ve highlighted just eight of my favorites below.
For Travel Day
My ideal travel-day outfit has two key requirements: First, for obvious reasons, it has to be comfortable. And second, it has to use the bulkiest pieces on my packing list, thus saving me room in my carry-on. These outfits fit the bill. Having a chunky, textural sweater like the Kiki is such a luxury when you’re traveling, and—bonus—the black-and-white marled knit helps to hide stains. Stretchy kick-flare pants and crisp white sneakers are no-brainers since they’re comfy without being sloppy, and of course, a classic trench is the quintessential travel layer. If you want to look extra sharp en route, add a button-down that’s secretly as soft and stretchy as a T-shirt.
For Sightseeing
We’ll get to the office outfits in a minute, but first, let’s optimistically assume that your itinerary allows time for a little sightseeing. Opt for outfits that are casual but still polished enough that you wouldn’t be embarrassed if you ran into your boss. One fun idea (pictured on the left): Layer a berry-pink tee under a neutral crewneck sweater for a pop of color. Camel-colored pleated trousers add dimension, and sneakers keep the look from feeling overly corporate.
Another idea (pictured on the right): Start with a base of fitted, stretchy separates (like these kick flare pants and this cool contrast-piped turtleneck) and top with an oversized trench. Simple, neutral, and comfortable—but not boring.
For the Office
When it comes to office looks, you have plenty of options. Here are just two of them. First, go for that same sweater-over-button-down look you wore on your travel day, but this time, pair it with trousers and pumps. Depending on the temperature, you could wear the sweater on top with your shirt collar peeking out, tie it around your shoulders, or omit it altogether.
Idea #2: Wear the same turtleneck + kick-flare pant from your sightseeing day, but this time, add a cute cropped blazer on top. Pro tip: Swap the pants on these looks to double your outfit options.
For a Work Dinner
Work dinners come in many forms, so I’ve included a formal option and a more casual one. A dressy dinner is the perfect opportunity to break out the elegant (yet also very cool!) Sylvie dress made from luxurious Italian jersey. Just add a trench, pumps, and earrings, and you’re good to go. (P.S. This outfit plus the Kiki sweater tied around your shoulders is another great option for the office.)
For more casual meals, wear the Ayla jacket as a top (it’s high-cut enough that it’s not at all scandalous) along with the Bia pants and sneakers. Oversized hoops make the outfit feel fun and evening-y.
Want personalized recommendations on outfits for your upcoming trips? Try M.M.LaFleur’s free BENTO® styling service to work with an expert via text.
The one problem with this is that there is no fashionable true gym shoe for serious amateur athletes or workout clothes on your list. I workout religiously and work travel is no exception. I need Hokas for knee and back issues to workout (no cute Converse or Veja for the gym). Your formula works to a point. I never wear Hokas as a fashion sneaker so those go in my carry on. The work shoes need to be functional and stylish, usually somewhat funky (I opt for Docs, Sorel, or Fluevog.) I would love to pack pumps but they can’t trudge through an airport and I would not be caught dead wearing Hokas for fashion.
This is an excellent start. It seems like this trip is intended as two work days plus travel and sightseeing days? That would be helpful to know. Would also love to see a shot of the suitcase. Can you fit it all in your carryon rolly? Agree with the prior post that workout sneakers are key - the workout clothes are small but I guess one would need to wear running shoes on the plane (which is not a professional look).