The Three Pieces That Changed the Way I Pack for Work Travel
Plus, a carry-on-ready curation for your next trip.
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There’s a time and a place to overpack. You’re going to want looks—and a surplus of options—if you’re luxuriating on, say, the Amalfi Coast. But if you’re headed on a business trip with little to no built-in free time, I advise you to lean more practical, less The White Lotus.
That said, packing efficiently doesn’t mean you have to look boring. Rather, the point is to curate a selection of pieces that require minimal upkeep and provide maximum outfit-pairing options. I’ve tested a lot of “travel-friendly” items in my day and have found that M.M.’s Everyday Crepe styles fit the bill best. I love the way these pieces are lightweight without feeling flimsy; they have this hard-to-describe substantial handfeel. They’re also machine-washable and impressively wrinkle-resistant, even after hours of flying.
These three styles have become my personal suitcase heroes:
1. The O’Hara blazer: I own five of these in different fabrics. The Everyday Crepe version is designed for travel, but I also wear it to the office all the time.
2. The Elena culotte: These are secretly comfortable and effortlessly chic.
3. The Carmela dress: This dress is somehow charmingly retro and deeply modern all at once. It’s also so flattering and elongating.
Of course, you need to pack more than just these pieces, but they’re the workhorse items you’ll wear on repeat. With this solid foundation, the rest will follow. Here’s my packing list formula for a four-day work trip (the average length of a business trip in the U.S.):
2 bottoms
3 tops
1-2 layers
1 dress
1 pair of walking shoes
1 pair of dressy shoes
1 pair of silver earrings
1 pair of gold earrings
Here’s the specific curation I came up with, featuring my Everyday Crepe go-tos and other M.M. favorites:
1. The O’Hara blazer
2. The Elena culotte
3. The Carmela dress
4. The Filomina shirt: The look of crisp poplin, minus the wrinkles.
5. The Brooke top: Beautiful gathering at the side serves as a built-in styling detail.
6. The Kylan top: A refreshing breeze in the form of a shirt.
7. The Larissa sweater: Features a cotton-silk blend and charming design details (including a back button placket) that makes it far more elegant than your average pullover.
8. The Milo jeans: Our #1 most popular jean. They’re better than denim.
9. GREATS sneakers: These are comfy enough for running through the airport and polished enough for business casual events.
10. The Deedra earrings: A fun change-up from your go-to gold hoops.
11. The Sansa earrings: On-trend and lightweight.
12. Prada slingbacks: I don’t actually own these, but they’re the aspirational alternative to my current black slingbacks (which I can no longer find!).
Here’s how I recommend wearing and pairing these pieces for a Monday-to-Thursday work trip:
Monday
Let’s assume you end up on the same flight as at least one of your colleagues. Translation: You shouldn’t show up in a matching sweat set. Instead, opt for essentials that will uphold your high standards of comfort while looking put-together. The elastic-waist Elena culottes are a no-brainer because they feel like athleisure and look like trousers—meaning you can rewear them over the course of your trip. I’m all about layering on flights (will it be teeth-chatteringly cold or agitatingly stuffy?), so I’d go with the breathable Filomina shirt layered under the O’Hara blazer as needed.
If you’re headed straight to the hotel post flight, take a minute to change into something a little more relaxed before enjoying welcome drinks in the lobby. The crisp Milo jeans plus the striped Kylan top will make you feel like you’re on vacation, and you can add your Deedra earrings for a little shine.
Tuesday
For a full day of meetings, style your Everyday Crepe separates as a full suit. The nice thing about the Brooke top is that it’s a formal-leaning blouse but doesn’t require any ironing after unfurling from your suitcase. A sleeveless silhouette is also a must for spring and summer travel, allowing you to wear your O’Hara blazer on top without overheating. You can absolutely tuck the Brooke into your Elena culottes, but as you can see here, it looks perfectly polished when untucked, too. To dress it all up, slip on your slingbacks, and don’t forget your gold accessories (the Deedra earrings and Laurna necklace). So easy.
Wednesday
You’re in the final stretch, and that calls for a pièce de résistance: the Carmela dress. Remember, it’s made from effortless Everyday Crepe, but I assure you that its chic contrast stitching and its matching self-belt will fool everyone into thinking you put in some major effort. Sharp slingbacks and chunky silver hoops round out this power look, and your trusty O’Hara blazer keeps you cozy in the air-conditioned conference room.
To transform this business formal look into an evening-ready ensemble, lose the jacket and add a red lip (here, I’m wearing Dior shade 999).
Thursday
Your only goal for today: Getting home in one piece—and catching a few Z’s on the plane if you’re lucky. Your trusty Elena culotte and a sophisticated pullover should do the trick, and if you run into any colleagues, you’ll feel proudly presentable. In fact, you’ll probably get a few compliments on how good you look after that marathon of meetings. If you do look a little worse for wear, just pop on a baseball cap and spritz some hydrating face mist.
Looking for more personalized advice? Click here to book a Packing List Appointment to work with a stylist.
Love the ideas and packing list suggestions ❤️
Just placed an order based on these suggestions. Love it!