Over the course of ten days I visited a manufacturer of plastic and metal parts, an internet service provider, a small medical devices assembler, a number of computer consulting firms, and a fashion design business. In all except one instance I would have been woefully overdressed in a suit, and in many instances I was actually overdressed in a sport coat and slacks. If not for the anniversary party thrown by one of the above businesses, I probably wouldn’t have worn the suit at all.

As noted in my previous post on the subject, this is a marked departure from the past. So, the question is, do I dare ditch the suit next time or not? What do you pack for business trips these days?

Post from: EveryJoe

Whither the Suit

That has all changed with the advent of business casual. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like casual dress, and I am not a big fan of suits. Unfortunately, there are different levels of business casual, and it’s increasingly difficult to figure out what’s appropriate for any given occasion . That means it’s more difficult to pack as well. For example, today I will be meeting with a number of people who work in a very casual environment and whom I know fairly well. Excellent, no problem, I can dress pretty casually, and in fact I should, since we’re going to the biergarten later.

But … I’ll also be meeting one of the newer folks in upper management, whom I’ve never met before. Ok, so I also have to dress to make an impression on him, so that means what, a suit? A sport coat? Something in between? Add to this the international element, in that business casual is very different in different parts of the world, and getting dressed for a meeting can be more stressful than the meeting itself.

Now, I’ve figured out a solution, and I’ll let you know how it goes, but the point is that the old “uniform” approach to business dress would make this a lot easier, and my luggage would be lighter as well.

Anyone else have similar experiences? Tips?

Post from: EveryJoe

Sartorial stumbles