Brian Maynor November 20, 2013
November 20, 2013
November 20, 2013
Last week I had the pleasure of attending Houston Fashion. While I had a great time, the trip was very spontaneous and Tuesday night I found myself staring at my luggage and my closet trying to decide what to pack for my flight Wednesday morning. To say it was stressful was an understatement.
Luckily there are a few tricks I use when packing that ensure I have the most number of options with the fewest number of pieces. After all that is the ultimate goal right? We all travel for a purpose either business, pleasure or a combination of the two, so you need to be able to pull together outfits that serve all of those functions. Here are two storyboards with ideas on how to stretch a few pieces into several outfits:
1. Purpose. The reason you are traveling should dominate your wardrobe. For example if your trip is primarily business, like mine was, you need to make sure you have as many professional options as possible. The easiest way to do that is with a suit. You can wear it together or in pieces, giving you multiple options. My recommendation is always a blue or dark grey suit when travelling because it will work for both day and evening meetings, and camouflage the wear over several days better.
2. Theme. When you are standing in front of your closet it is easy to get overwhelmed with options and if you start pulling outfits blindly you will definitely over pack and not fit what you need into a single carry-on bag. Choose a color. Using one color as a guide when pulling outfits together you will ensure your wardrobe is cohesive and it will be easier to mix-and-match when you reach your destination.
3. Fun. Even on pure business trips there is downtime when you can relax and have fun, but this isn’t the time to break out the yoga pants and sweatshirt. You still need to feel presentable and focused, so dress up dark-washed jeans with a blouse or blazer. You can also trade in the dress shoes for some fun, casual ones. I recommend a flat or slipper to give your feet a break.
4. Dinner. Chances are on most trips you will go out to dinner. Whether it is with a colleague or potential client you want to look both relaxed and professional which can be a trick to balance. My suggestion is to pull the suit back together but pair it with a patterned shirt or sweater. The suit provides the professional tone while the top keeps it relaxed and comfortable.
5. Travel days. Stress is unavoidable when you travel. Save time and space in your carry-on bag by wearing your blazer. It will look less wrinkled than if you pack it, but you can always ask the hotel for a steamer once you arrive, or use the iron to smooth it out along with your pants. I also recommend loafers. Typically I prefer oxfords with suits for men, but they are heavy if you pack them, and a pain to take off at airport security.
Packing for a trip can feel overwhelming, especially if you have nothing to help guide you. The next time you pack focus your choices on the main purpose of the trip and use a single color. Not that everything has to be monochromatic, but you will save time and space using a theme. These eleven pieces can create well over seven outfits, which is pretty impressive.
Click on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
