Before deciding on what to pack, check the weather and the dress codes at the country you’re flying to. It is wise to ask for briefing notes from the host, especially if you are unfamiliar with the country’s culture and dress codes. Business wear does vary across cultures and industries, so if the conference you’re heading to is a bit outside your comfort zone, check out photos from last year or research the country lifestyle to catch a glimpse of the styles people wear to work and out.

Wardrobe pack:

If the event is formal, you will need to pack at least one formal suit for the day and one semi formal or smart casual outfit for the night. Since you will be with work associates and clients, you will want to look professional after hours too.

Make a list for your outfits’ planner with the following in mind. Venue/function, time of the day, people you will meet. These factors will determine the style of outfit. You can go from a crisp, tailored business suit to separates, depending on the formality of the event.

Day 1: For a smart outfit that will take you from day to night in a professional setting look for shift dresses or crisp, tailored style dresses in your best neutral, solid colors. A dress is one item that can be dressed up or down and you won’t need to bother what to pair it with. For day, add a classic blazer to the dress, stockings and closed high heel pumps. For night, add some glamour with an elegant shawl in a vibrant color, embellished shoes or sandals and some dramatic accessories.

Day 2: Another staple that will work well is the pencil or straight skirt. Choose one in a dark, neutral color. For day, pack a crisp, tailored white shirt and a cardigan plus the stockings and high heel pumps worn in day 1. For night, switch the shirt for an evening blouse in an elegant fabric like satin or silk, add the embellished shoes or sandals and some dramatic accessories.

Grooming pack:

You don’t need to carry all your makeup kit along, but make sure you have the basics as concealer, foundation, loose powder, blush, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara and gloss. Don’t forget your face and hand moisturizer, you need to apply a richer one if you will be sitting in a stuffy air-conditioned room all day.

Now is not the time to leave your hair styling products behind. Pack a smaller amount of your favorite shampoo and conditioner in travel pack sized containers if they’re a lot to carry. And to avoid disappointments, do bring your own hair dryer and brush even if the hotel has one.

Suitcase:

Make sure to pack all your items in style and separate the accessories, shoes and handbags in their own bags, away from the clothes. One easy way to pack is to roll the items to save space. Another way is to place the items in the middle of the suitcase flat down with any sleeves or hems hanging out. As you put the items over each other, you start folding the sleeves and pants legs back in. That shall avoid wrinkling. Either way, hang all the clothes straight after unpacking to ease the ironing.

Finally, throw in a scented candle and some aromatherapy pillow mist for getting some beauty sleep!