Packing Guide: Work trip, Europe, late spring, 2 weeks

How do you pack for a 2-week work trip in late spring? Find out the dress code. Choose wrinkle-resistant clothes that can mix and match, and layer, easily. Plan for cool, air-conditioned or rainy weather. If you're be walking a lot (check) or toting a lot of paperwork (check), bring some flat footwear. Pack one evening-worthy outfit (LBD & blazer), and comfortable clothes for the hotel or plane (stretch skinnies & tunic; yoga pants & hoodie). 

Scroll down to see what I packed and some of the outfits I pulled together, and for a list of fail-proof packing tips. Do YOU have any packing tips not included here? I'd love to hear them!

xx

What I packed:

{Hooded sweatshirt; two three-quarter sleeve cardigans; cashmere-blend tunic}

{Three blazers in neutral colours, including one long blazer}

{Bottoms in neutral colours - two skirts, shorts, stretch skinny jeans, dress pants}

  {Two three-quarter sleeve button-downs; four mix-and-match tops in fun prints or textures.} 

{Not pictured: nautical-style shirt and silk button-down added at last minute}

{Stretchy, wrinkle-resistant dresses - LBD, shift, maxi}

{Three camis; yoga pants, two casual tees, two workout tops, running shorts, two PJ shorts}

{Not pictured: floral cami added at last minute}

{Accessories: Camera bag/purse, laptop bag, sunglasses, hat, hosiery, two pashminas, two belts.}
{Not pictured: tote purse}

{Footwear - three pairs ballet flats, one pair pumps, one pair booties, one pair running shoes}

{Rainwear - trenchcoat, umbrella}


(Some of) what I wore:

{Get creative: I layered this top over my LBD.}

Packing tips:
- Luxurious pashminas can double as a blanket on a plane. Inexpensive ones can be used to sit on during a picnic.
- Bring earplugs to help you sleep in noisy places.
- Pack one or two full outfits in your carry-on in case the airline loses your luggage.
- Pre-pack your <100 mL liquids in a small Ziploc bag. 
- Stay organized by rolling clothes and packing them into large Ziploc bags. This is especially handy for backpacks or if you have to unpack and repack often.
- If space is at a premium, pack items in a vacuum-seal bag (but watch the weight).
- Plastic or cloth grocery bags are handy for leaky toiletries, soiled laundry etc.
- Pack snacks and an empty water bottle to fill once you're past security.
- Wear shoes that require socks so you're not going through airport security barefoot.
- Decant liquid beauty products into travel-sized containers.
- To the extent possible, pack wrinkle-free or wrinkle-resistant clothes.
- Pack small jewellery in pillboxes.
- Plan outfits in advance and photograph them to ensure you're not overpacking.
- If you make a packing list, bring a copy with you for the return (especially if you'll be staying somewhere where your stuff will get mixed up with others').
- Raid the dollar store. I've found everything from mesh head covers for a night spent outdoors in Australian outback to pouch-sized rain ponchos for a backpacking trip.
- Use every nook and cranny. I stuff socks or camisoles into shoes.

- Bring something comforting, like your favourite tea or fuzzy socks.

 

 {Geneva}