Packing for a Work Trip [8 Outfits in a Carry-On]

I’ve received some requests to share ideas on what to pack for a business trip…so today I’m sharing 8 outfit ideas I would pack for a work trip. And the best part? They all fit in a carry-on!

Whether you’re heading out on an overnight business trip or a week-long conference packing for business travel is always stressful compared to packing for a vacation. You want to ensure you bring enough clothes that you’ll have appropriate outfits for all the different events, meetings, and activities you’ll be attending. Plus, you want to conserve space and want everything you bring to arrive safely [which is why I’ve made sure everything fits in a carry-on!].

I’ve covered a variety of events for this mock trip scenario, in which I’ve included: two travel outfits, three business/suit outfits, two social event outfits and one casual day-off outfit.

What I packed to create 8 outfits:

The Langley bomber
The Delaney joggers
The Butler sweater
The Milo jeans
2 tanks (the Paige in black & ivory)
2 matching suits (the Yiyan jacket + Foster pant in black & the Yiyan jacket + Cobble Hill skirt in camel)
Low-heeled slingbacks (similar to the Irene)
Sneakers (similar to the Koio capri)
Work/laptop bag

And of course don’t forget to pack your toiletries, any work items needed [laptop/iPad, paperwork, etc.] and PJs!

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Outfit #1: Airport Outfit

My personal go-to airport outfit is an all-black look—and you can’t go wrong with a comfy pair of joggers. I also make sure to always wear a jacket/layering piece, since the plane tends to be cold. The Langley bomber can double as a chic layering piece during the trip.

M.M. LAFLEUR BOMBER xs | TANK xs | JOGGERS xs | SIMILAR SNEAKERS

Outfit #2: Work/Conference Day 1

This is one of the most gorgeous suits I own, and it’s perfect to pack if you’re in need of a sharp business professional outfit. If your work event requires less formal wear, you can easily switch out the pieces for mis-matched suiting separates or more casual items (i.e. jeans or a cardigan).

M.M. LAFLEUR BLAZER xs | TANK xs | SKIRT xs

Outfit #4: Dinner

These elevated but oh-so-comfortable pieces are perfect for styling a number of ways. Here, I dressed up the Butler sweater by pairing it with the super chic Milo jeans in tusk.

M.M. LAFLEUR SWEATER xs | MILO JEANS OP

Outfit #5: Work Event Day 2

If you’re going to be on your feet all day or your event requires lots of walking, a clean, minimal white sneaker is a great professional shoe option (that also doubles as your off-duty shoe!). I recommend dressing up your sneakers by pairing them with at least one suiting piece (blazer or trousers) to balance the more casual style of the shoe.

M.M. LAFLEUR BLAZER xs | TANK xs | FOSTER PANTS OP | SIMILAR SNEAKERS

Outfit #6: Dinner/Happy Hour

You may notice that I’ve been wearing these tanks on repeat—and that’s because they’re the perfect elevated staples for styling! The Paige is a minimalist piece, which makes it easy to layer with or wear alone. For a more casual dinner/happy hour outfit, you could instead go with a pair of jeans and some statement jewelry.

M.M. LAFLEUR TANK xs | SKIRT xs

Outfit #7: Work Event Day 3

I switched out the pants and shoes on the all black suit outfit, and it’s like a completely new outfit! I always love a pair of white jeans, because they go well with everything.

M.M. LAFLEUR BLAZER xs | TANK xs | MILO JEANS xs

Outfit #7: Casual Outfit for Exploring the City

Packing light is all about focusing on versatile pieces—and here, I’ve dressed down the pieces that were previously dressed up. I love that these Foster pants have an adjustable hem and are a perfect balance between professional and casual.

M.M. LAFLEUR TANK xs | FOSTER PANTS 0P | SWEATER xs

Outfit #8: Return Flight Home

As long as my flight home isn’t too early in the day, I like to spend some time sightseeing before I head to the airport. My trusty Paige tank and Delaney joggers are chic enough to wear around the city or out to lunch—and so comfortable, I might even be able to fall asleep on the plane.