DRESS CODE: Business Travel - Summer Fashion 50+

In the past 13 months, I’ve traveled for business seven times. Each trip is a week long and I’ve documented a few of the trips in my Dress Code posts. I’ve mentioned this before but I’m a Senior Marketing Manager by day and blogger in the evenings and weekends. I’m lucky enough to work from home for my marketing job so I usually only dress up for work when I travel to the corporate office in Washington state.


It’s a challenge picking out five outfits that are comfortable, packable and appropriate for the week-long schedule. Here’s what I wore on my most recent trip in July.


Day One: On the first day, I opted for these pretty white jacquard pants by Saint Tropez West. I got them from TJ Maxx online and they look summery and professional. I chose a basic black top from my closet by Halogen (Nordstrom Rack) and a fine knit  black & white summer sweater from H&M. Since I was wearing a lot of light colored clothes this week and I typically only bring one purse, I chose a dove grey leather and suede tote. Pedicure: Essie in Marshmallow. Shoes: Peep Toe Black Patent Pumps by Bandolino available at Macy's HERE.


The weather was beautiful in Washington and almost a little too warm. Sunny skies, temps in the 80’s and beautiful sunsets.


Day Two: On day 2, I had a jam packed schedule of meetings including interviews for an open position on my team. I went with a little more professional look. City Fit Cigarette Leg Pants in olive by Dalia (TJ Maxx), black jersey t-shirt by Eileen Fisher and a black wrap jacket (H&M). I added a little color with some pretty bracelets including one of my favorites a gold and crystal bracelet from Novica. Black pumps by Bandolino available at Macy's HERE.


Day Three:  On the third day, I had more meetings, a training session and lunch with some visiting managers. It was going to be hot this day, so I chose this black jersey dress that is the perfect travel dress. Roll it up to pack it, unroll it and hang it up in your hotel closet and it’s good to go. The dress was a little plain, so I added this silver chain belt, turquoise jewelry and a camel sweater. Dress (TJ Maxx), sweater (Nordstrom Rack).

Tip: I always take a few packable dresses as back up outfits when I travel. You may need them if the weather changes or you have a last minute dinner out.


Although all the trees are actually still very green, I found this pile of beautiful leaves that had fallen in the middle of summer on one of my walks around the hotel -  a desperate attempt to burn a few calories from all the meals out.


Day Four:  Hooray! No meeting today. I can get caught up on email and work. The only thing on my calendar is lunch out with my department to celebrate my birthday. I wore white cotton pants (from my closet), a new silk floral print top by Carla Conti (TJ Maxx) and wedge sandals. The top is cut in at the shoulders so I grabbed my super lightweight trench coat (Charlotte Russe out of stock) to head to the office. Definitely a more casual look on this day.


Day Five: Friday is casual day in the office or jeans day. Since I was going to the office and then straight to the airport I took full advantage of casual day and wore comfy jeans (Nine West Alec Slim Boyfriend Ankle Jeans), wedge sandals, and one of my favorite tops from my closet a black and white ombre top by DKNY. I added a lightweight black sweater for the chilly airport and plane.

Tip:  My general rule of thumb is to pay a more for pants and get a good fit and then buy a variety of pretty tops at discount shops like TJ Maxx, H&M, and Nordstrom Rack.

Another great week of travel and believe it or not, I’m heading back in about 3 weeks. Goodness, I need to figure out what I’m going to wear!

Thanks so much for stopping by.