What Not To Wear...When You Travel

As a meeting planning professional, I travel in clothes that are work appropriate because I have to represent my organization. In March 2006, I planned a meeting in Tucson, Arizona. My flight was delayed, and my luggage was lost. I arrived around noon, but my luggage didn't arrive until 3:00 am the next morning. What was I wearing? A thermal long sleeve shirt, jeans and Uggs (what can I say? It was still cold in DC). Thankfully, I received my luggage in time. Based on that experience, I learned early on that, a) don't get on a plane without a change of clothes if I'm checking luggage, and b) get on a plane wearing something I feel comfortable attending a pre-conference meeting.

My family and friends understand that I travel a fair amout. They also know, at least once every month or so, I will be off to some city like Rochester, Minnesota or Scottsdale, Arizona. Accordingly, I have developed an insane obsession with getting to the airport at least two hours early. What do I do to pass the time? People watch of course, and review the odd outfits people choose to travel in. Most are decent, some, not so much.

So, let's start with what NOT to wear when you travel:

1) I can appreciate a good hoodie as much as the next girl. However, knowing there is a time and place for this kind of attire, is half the battle. Take said hoodie below:

Do you really want to run into a business colleague in this?

 And not to mention....

Don't. Wear. Words. On. Your. Rear. End. Ever.

2.  Denim, has to be one of the most debated topics. Jeans are fabulous. Jeans work with everything. I fly in denim, so I can't very well tell you that jeans are innapropriate for travel. On the contrary, jeans can be flattering, contemporary, youthful and professional. To venture into this territory, you have to know the dfference between a pair of  clean and classics trousers, to the crap you wore on Saturday morning walking your dog while you were home on spring break. Know the difference. Embrace the difference. Would you rather be seen in this:

Now, on to what TO wear when you travel. There is a huge difference. Take note below:

(all pictures courtesy of sheknows.com)

You decide.

New Job, New Responsibilities, New Clothes

Revamping your wardrobe from college casual to business casual.

You're a recent college graduate, and one of the lucky few who landed a dream job in one of the worst economies in recent history. Congratulations! Unfortunately, you still go to work looking as though you dragged yourself out of bed 10 minutes before your 8:00am International Economics class, after a night of partying with your roommates.

The goal of this blog is to get all new degree holders to know and understand the concept of 'business casual" in the meeting planning and hospitality industry.

According to The New York Times, business casual means dressing professionally, looking relaxed, yet neat and pulled together. Or, as Wikipedia, the Internet encyclopedia, put it, business casual is a kind of middle ground between formal business wear and street wear.
As a Meeting Planner, I have been witness to some of the best dressed individuals in the industry, as well as the worst of the worst. You may not want to admit it, but physical appearance is your first and only chance to make a positive first impression. The meetings industry is very small. No matter what you do, or where you go, it is important that you put forth an effort to look professional, groomed, and presentable. Your new boss wants to know that you can hold your own at a cocktail reception and sporting events in box seats with executives and future business colleagues. So please. Take off your Old Navy (and I love Old Navy) circa 2000 t-shirt, and venture into the new territory of … (gasp), dressing for the real world (not MTV).

J.Crew makes some of the best business casual clothes out there for young, hip and modern women. Like this updated, crisp white shirt ($89.50) paired with classic khakis.

Lulu's offers moderately priced clothing for the budget conscious career girl, like this Navy print dress ($55.00).

What if you love the edgy, contemporary look? I am a firm believer of being yourself, but tailoring your signature style in the workplace is key (all courtesy of luckymag.com):

Happy planning!

The Mod Meeting Planner