DRESS CODE: Business Travel Fall Wardrobe

I left sunny and warm Southern California at the crack of dawn a a few weeks ago for my usual week of business travel to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. It’s always a little challenging packing for a week of work especially when you can’t wrap your head around the fact that it’s going to be cold. I made some good choices and once again learned a thing or two about packing for the week. Here’s what I wore.

My alarm was set for 3:00 a.m. but I actually woke up even earlier since I was nervous about missing my flight. I was catching the early morning flight and heading straight to the office for meetings so I had to dress comfortably but professionally. I don’t have a picture of my outfit (the day was too much of a whirlwind) but I opted for stretch black dress pants, black suede loafers, a black top, and a beige boyfriend sweater. I included a scarf and packable rain coat in my carry on.

I made it through the day on less then 4 hours of sleep, powered through the meetings and checked into my hotel. Travel Tip: I preordered my dinner through Door Dash before I even left so I wouldn’t have to think about it while I was unpacking that evening. Three cheers for a delicious dinner, hot shower and comfortable bed after a long travel and work day.


On Day Two, I felt much better after a good night’s sleep. I wore a super comfy grey knit dress by Max Jeans, a black sweater coat and my black suede boots.

The boots are by Bandalino and there very comfortable. I wore them all day at the office and out to dinner that night.

It’s absolutely gorgeous in Washington. The fall air is crisp and the leaves are stunning. I don’t get to see fall leaves in my area very often. Every chance I get I snap pictures of the scenery.


On Day Three I opted for a neutral outfit. Although it as a nice change of pace, it was a packing mistake since I had to pack a pair of neutral shoes that I only wore once. The clothes are all from my closet; beige stretch pants, beige long-sleeve t-shirt and a cream cardigan from Ann Taylor Loft. I added a gold chain belt to dress up the comfy t-shirt.

The shoes are Anne Klein Finn pumps in taupe and I got mine recently at DSW.

On Day Four, I went back to my standard black pants and added a touch of fall with a fall multi-colored cardigan and orange scarf. The cardigan is from TJ Maxx (brand unknown) and the pants are Anne Klein (definitely one of my favorite pairs of black stretch dress pants).

This sweater is perfect for a Southern California fall outfit but the open weave was a little chilly in Washington.

I grabbed my packable jacket before I dashed to the office. Black Lyocell Jacket H&M.

On Day Five, I usually work half a day and then head to the airport. Luckily, it’s casual day in the office, so I wore jeans, the black loafers I wore on day one, a comfortable black cotton sweater top and the packable jacket above. The airport was mobbed, and there was a last minute gate change which required a mad dash to the tram balancing my coffee, purse and carry on but I made it and was happy to head home.


I’m heading back in a few weeks and I’m gong to do a better job planning my outfits to lighten my suitcase. My plan is to take only two pairs of office shoes and one pair of flats. I have to also take an outfit for a holiday dinner so I’ll keep you posted on what I wear on my next week of travel.

Thanks so much for stopping by.