When you leave for a work trip, you are often caught in a dilemma of what to pack. You need to juggle that corporate suit with that cocktail dress without busting your luggage bag. I have just the tips for you to do this balancing act!

Know Your Itinerary

In order to pack efficiently, you must first know exactly what you will be doing during your trips. You need to know which meetings require formal wear and which are the ones where you can be more casual. You don't want to stick out like a sore thumb by being the only one wearing a stuffy business suit when everyone has donned their floral shirts and colorful sundresses. Make the effort to check with a well-informed secretary or even your boss to find out the itinerary and expected dress code. Don't worry about seeming obsessed with wardrobe because appearances still matter! Also, check if you have time for non-business activities, as that will give you an idea on how to pack as well. Remember, the more details you have on your itinerary, the better you will be able to pack

Mix and Match Well

You’ve got limited space, so packing clothing that can be mixed and matched is the key for the business traveler. Whether you bring a pantsuit or skirt suit is up to you, just make sure everything else you pack can be worn with one or both suit pieces. Stick to black and grey for easy matching, and look for suits in wrinkle-resistant materials (in general, wool and synthetics are a safer bet than 100% cotton). Some of the more exotic resort destinations don't always have ironing boards at the ready and besides, you don't want to waste time ironing! Lounging by the pool or the beach during your free time is a better idea than being stuck in the room ironing your suit for the big meeting tomorrow.

Small Purse

You've got your carry-on luggage, your laptop bag and your big handbag but you will still need one more bag to make this trip ideal. You will need a small clutch that you can take with you to work dinners and events on the road. No matter how cute a laptop bag and your big handy day bag have no place at a cocktail reception. So choose a versatile bag that can work for day and night events, and steer clear of overly embellished bags.

Cocktail Ready

Chances are you won't be stuck in the meeting room all day, so pack two types of cocktail dresses in your luggage bag. The safe bet would be one black number that never fails you and another more daring and colorful variety for that final night when everyone is expected to let loose. Be aware of your travel companions as well because that will give you an idea of what to expect. Though the decorum is less severe on a business trip compared to being in the office, you need to remember that you still have to work with the same people once the trip is over. This means overtly sexy and flamboyant dresses are a big no-no. Many successful people tarnish their perfect reputation with one glass of champagne too many and a wardrobe malfunction. Business trips attract office scandals like honey to bees and trust me when I say word travels! You don't want to sour your congratulations on the successful business deal by colleagues with snide remarks about your partying ways, do you?

Wrap or Shawl

This is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing and it is a must!

This wardrobe staple can serve as a cover on a mild day or keep you warm in a chilly office building. It can also be a bonus in the airplane, substituting as a blanket or pillow in a pinch. A nice pashmina can even transform your outfit, so if you have yet to fall in love with this versatile piece, you will soon enough!

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

I would recommend stylish comfortable shoes, if that's not too much of an oxymoron. Since most shoes that are comfortable are going to look ridiculous with a suit and if you've got to run from the airport straight to a meeting - and don't want to tote extra shoes around — you’re best bet is to compromise. Look for a shoe you can pound the pavement in that can still work with professional attire. Consider a versatile wedge that can be worn with both pants and skirts, and add a set of gel inserts for maximum comfort. And pack a pair of casual wedges and a low sexy kitten heel to match cocktail dresses and a pair of sport shoes if necessary. If the trip is a short one, then choose a pair of good-looking sandals that will allow you to walk comfortably yet will complement your dresses.

Compact Toiletry Kit

With the current restrictions on carryon liquids, paring down your toiletry kit is often the hardest packing task. The smart thing to do is to buy a compact toiletry kit with a built-in quart-sized bag so you'll know exactly how much space you have to fill from the start. For short trips, buy small containers and fill them with face creams, shampoos and other hair products. Keep these mini-versions of your essentials packed at all times, so you can just pick up and go. The same goes for your make-up - buy travel size brush sets and essentials so you don't have to lug your whole make-up kit every time you travel!