Personality is an intangible yet crucial asset of every individual. However, it does have a tangible aspect to it which incorporates looks and fashion. Altogether, it boosts an individual’s general aura and helps them stand out. And all of this takes even more of a central role when it comes to creating an impression in the field of corporate business. Employees traveling to foreign lands and corporations for business trips must understand the value of their attire. Their clothing along with how they present themselves casts a lasting impression on others. Therefore, it is of great importance for traveling employees to understand the role of fashion in creating a positive appeal to their prospects. Though it is easier said than done, especially for men. Hence, we are going to list out 8 tips to truly elevate your business travel attire for your next business trip or event.
8 tips to elevate your business travel attire
1. Blazers
Whether you are a manager or an associate, blazers are a perfect business travel outfit ideas to look professional. Though blazers are a hard carry-on, they provide the essential touch that is required for fitting into the corporate environment. They come in various styles such as single-breasted, double-breasted, or unstructured. Men can always go for classic navy blue, charcoal gray, or traditional black blazers. Some can also go with risque choices that could greatly pay off. Individuals should understand the right blazer is not only the style or the color, it is highly dependent on the fit as well. Blazers should not be too loose or too tight for corporate meet-ups.
2. Collared shirts with sweaters
A more subtle way to blend in with the crowd yet remain fashionable is using collared shirts with sweaters. Male employees can choose to wear v-neck, crew-neck, or cardigan-type sweaters. They can couple these sweaters with a go-to button-down or spread-collar shirt. It is always best to match the sweaters with a solid or striped shirt. Once again, the fit of the sweater and shirt combo will determine how it looks, more so than color or design, though pastel colors do work best.
3. Half-shirts with trousers and chinos
If you are looking to go a bit casual, while still maintaining the formal touch, you can always choose to wear a slim-fit half-shirt with a blending chinos. The look is great for catching up with colleagues or going out with the client to have lunch. Classic chinos include navy blue, beige, or khaki colors. These go great with black or white button-down half-shirts. You can also match patterned chinos with solid shirts or vice versa to add some design to your wardrobe.
4. Formal suits
Formal suits with matching ties and shirts will subvert things towards the strictly formal. Suits are best worn for high-profile meetings or events. However, you will have to ensure that suits are wrinkle-free. In winter, you can easily wear an overcoat over your suits to keep yourself warm and also remain fashionable and presentable
Suggested Read: Top Business Suitcases For Smooth Business Travel
5. Shoes
For a lover of the classics, derby shoes are perfect to match with a formal suit or shirts and trousers combo. If you want to go a little bold, you can purchase browns, navy blue, black, or olive green brogues. They are specially designed shoes with dot cutouts, perfect for parties and formal meetings. In case you are wearing a semi-casual and looking for more breathable options, you can also wear the old reliable sneakers. However, buying a pair of subtle loafers can elevate the business-casual look to a different level.
6. Laptop bags
Though briefcases are old school, nothing can replace the feel of a natural wood and leather polished briefcase. However, in the modern world, it is impractical to carry them all along with you on every business trip. Therefore, you can choose leather side bags or commonly known as messenger bags. Another great option is the sleeve cases. These cases come in various designs, patterns, and colors. Most of these are affordable but add greatly to the overall appeal of a professional look as opposed to a backpack.
7. Watches
While luxury watches can range from $4000 to prices with no ceiling above, you can always choose affordable watches that look great with formal wear. As a suggestion, you should try to wear a chain or classic leather strap with an analog dial in formal settings. But with the advent of technology and if you are a fitness enthusiast, you can purchase various fit bands. Ensure to keep the dial and color as subtle as possible.
8. Waist belt and cufflinks
You may think that these accessories are perhaps not worth investing in, but you may be wise to think otherwise. Waist belts should blend in with the overall wearable while the cufflinks provide the extra touch of royalty and professionalism. Investing in a good leather belt will make the whole set of your attire complete. You can along with a cufflink purchase a pocket square and a small brooch to look extremely formal. A semi-professional or usual business travel attire can be taken up a notch with just these accessories.
Fashion is just a visual statement or representation of what you carry within. It is always your personality that should speak for yourself. Hence, you should always go for apparel in which you feel the best version of yourself. Having said so, different settings demand different forms of presenting yourself and wearing clothing in accordance with the event and its importance is a skill in and of itself. As a last tidbit of advice, being a little overdressed is a lot better than feeling underdressed throughout.
Suggested Read: 9 Best Business Travel Hacks For Comfortable And Safe Trip
Business Travel Attire FAQs
Why is wearing an appropriate business trip outfit important?
Attire can be perceived as a visual representation of the personality and temperament of a business person while in meetings or business events. Therefore, dressing right becomes very important to leave the right impression and make it last.
What kind of clothing should you opt for?
One can never go wrong with a blazer, when it is informal, a shirt and sweater combo becomes viable and a full suit is always handy for the more formal and high-profile events and meets.
What kind of shoes go with business attire?
A classic option is the derby shoe, either navy, brown, or black. More experimental people can go for brogues and with informal outfits, sneakers can work but loafers take it up a level.
What constitutes the best accessories for business attire?
An appropriate laptop bag or briefcase and a watch that goes with your attire is always great. While belts and cufflinks can elevate a semi-formal or formal look to an extremely high-brow affair.
