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Spending Smart
Straighten up and pack right
With a little planning, you don’t have to look frumpy when traveling on business
Business travelers cringe at this scenario: You’re called to a last-minute meeting in another city, and you’re on the next shuttle flight out of Logan International Airport. You’ve got about 30 minutes to pack, grab your presentation, and make it to the airport in time to board your flight, when you realize your best suit is at the dry cleaners and the clothes you’re wearing are spotted with stains.
It’s a tough time to worry about fashion, but first impressions are important, especially in the boardroom. So, the Globe went shopping. Our mission: find the perfect staple travel outfit for business people men and women to grab on the fly. The requirements: easy to pack, wrinkle-free, budget-friendly, and wearable year round.
With so many store options in the Boston area, it’s hard to know where to begin, but frequent travelers know this little secret: shopping at a popular retail chain means it’s likely that store will also be found in your destination, and that’s good news when something goes wrong and you need a last-minute wardrobe fix. So, we hit a few local favorites and here’s what we found.
LADIES
Your closet should be equipped with one pair of black trouser pants and one black wrap-dress. But if you’re bored with the same old black boardroom look, we’ve come up with a versatile outfit that works for any season.The staples: Georgio Armani once said, “I’ve always thought of the T-shirt as the Alpha and Omega of the fashion alphabet,’’ and we couldn’t agree more. A basic white cotton T-shirt is a must-have. Choose one with a hint of stretch (Lycra helps keeps the shirt in its original shape after washing) and a touch of sheen. Pair it with a basic black blazer for a classic look. We found a basic cotton T-shirt for bargain hunters at J. Crew online for $9.99. For black dress pants, you can try Old Navy where they sell for $32.50.
The Sophisticated: For something a little more sophisticated than a T-shirt, grab a silk shirt. We found something a little more fun and frilly: Pair your black dress pants with a BoHo Chic blouse we found at T.J. Maxx. Prices vary on designer clothes at this discount retailer, but we found a similar style shirt in the Downtown Crossing T.J. Maxx for $49.99.
The Sweater: Blazers are classic, but if you want a look that is more business casual (and a little warmer), we suggest the sweater shawl. Stay with a solid color for a classic statement and pair with tuxedo or trouser pants. Tip: Add a bit of color with a scarf or chunky necklace. We found a sweater at Banana Republic for $110 and a raspberry-colored necklace from Anthropologie for $48.
GENTS
The same old navy pinstripe suit gets boring after a while, so we found a way to mix it up while still looking professional. The suit will always be a staple for businessmen, but if you’re looking for a little more flexibility with your wardrobe, consider these alternatives.The
The Statement: Nothing says classic like the traditional argyle pattern. However, it takes a certain kind of man to pull off argyle pants on a golf course. If you’re not that man, opt for a pair of chinos and pair them with a golf shirt and argyle vest for cooler days. For cooler destinations, the argyle sweater for $79 at Banana Republic is a great layering piece.
The Sweater: The cotton, military knit, button-mock from Banana Republic is a great alternative to a basic sweater at $60. The shoulder tabs and front pockets give it a regal look, and it’s a great piece to throw on after a meeting and before your flight home.
© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.
