Travel Wardrobe Made Easy - Work Essentials with robin b.

​
So you have a long work trip out of town but you really want to fit everything into a carryon? The dilemma! It is hard to pack for a long work trip and not take your whole closet; but we have the solution to traveling efficiently in style when you are on the go! My current go to work staples with robin b. have made my work trip packing list easy!

I don't know about you but I am a stickler for only bringing a carryon when I fly. I hate checking luggage primarily because of the extra charge but also because I am always nervous I won't have my luggage when I land. So how do you pack for a long work trip in a small carryon? These are my tips that help me look put together but keep my packing to a minimum (and even leaving some room for souvenirs!).

1) Stick to a color theme - I always try to stick to a single color theme.  If black is my base color (like a robin b. black pencil skirt and a robin b. black pair of pants), then everything needs to go with these black basics that I pack.  When you have different colors themes in your clothes, you inevitably feel like you have to pack another pair of shoes or a different bag to go with each outfit.  Sticking to a single color ensures every piece you pack works well together.  And, for what it's worth, black is my go to staple because it very difficult to stain so it always looks fresh - even if I wear it a few times on a work trip.

2) Stick to a skirt and pants - As I mentioned above, I always pack a pencil skirt and a pair of pants of the same color in my carryon.  I use the pencil skirt and pants as the basics for the travel work week. I usually alternate wearing the pencil skirt on one day and pants on the next and repeat for as long as my work trip lasts. That way it seems like I am mixing it up even though I only have packed two basics. robin b. has some perfect work essentials that will easily pack in your carry on and amazingly stay wrinkle free! The robin b. classic pencil skirt is form fitting and just the perfect length for work.  The black skinny suit pants are equally flattering and ensure that your basics go seamlessly together.  I love these black basics because you can add your own flare to these work essentials to make them fit any personal style. You can also read all about why I love the fit and quality of these versatile robin b. pieces here.

3) Stick to non-bulky layers - As we transition seasons, it is hard to be prepared for every weather situation when you travel.  It is also hard to know whether it will be an arctic blast in the conference center (seriously - why are conference rooms always freezing?) Also, you may want to opt for a more casual look when you have a lunch or dinner off the clock so you want to pack pieces that can dress up for a business look and down for a casual look. But, you cannot have so many pieces that they fill up the suitcase.  This is how I solve this dilemma - I start with a basic layering top like the robin b. essential tee.  This black tee's classic look is the perfect base layer for your travel outfit (also available in white).  As you can see from my pictures, I have added scarves, jean jackets, suit jackets, and leather jackets - each pieces that helped me dress up or dress down this robin b. essential tee yet have enough pieces to layer to keep warm if needed. Scarves and thin jackets or sweaters make the best packing pieces to change the look without having to add another suitcase! 

4) Stick bags/shoes within each other - I know this one sounds a little crazy but I try to get the most bang for my buck by sticking handbags within handbags (largest bag on the outside and smallest clutch inside). Robin b. has some chic handbags (at fabulous prices) that may give you some ideas.  I also do the same with a pair of flats by sticking them in my running shoes or works heels. Shoes and bags usually take up so much space in my carryon so if I can "tetris" them together I can save a lot of space for my perfect robin b. workwear essentials in my suitcase.

If you want to make sure you are efficient in your packing yet still feel stylish every day of your work travel, you can get this robin b. pencil skirt, essential tee and other work essentials by clicking here.  

We also have an exclusive Professionals Professionals' deal going on now with robin b.! If you use code "POLISHED20" you will get $20 off your order of $100+ plus free shipping and returns! These perfect pieces will be the best travel essentials and a welcome addition to your work wardrobe!

Special thanks to robin b. for sponsoring this post.