<p>I have to fly for 5 hours (2 flights) and go directly to a super-stressful 4 hour business meeting with another full-day meeting the following day. We’re meeting with a project team employed by our parent company. The relationship thus far has been polite, but it’s clear that they don’t really want the help that we’ve been assigned to give them. This is the kickoff to gather technical details.</p>
<p>ANYWAY, my real question is what can I wear to end up at this "business casual’ (high-tech company) office that will withstand the travel. I"ll be travelling with 4 male coworkers who will likely be in slacks/polo shirts. I don’t want to show up all rumpled, but I won’t really have time to change.</p>
<p>I’m willing to purchase a new 'travel outfit". The office is in California and I feel like a pantsuit is overdressed. My “normal” work outfit is a sweater or shirt/cardigan with khaki’s or black pants, but everything I have will be a wreck after sitting for 5 hours!!!</p>
<p>Go to Chicos…get some Travelers wear…and a nice scarf you can wear with your outfit. It’s stretchy fabric, and can be dresses up or down depending on your accessories. It doesn’t wrinkle at all.</p>
<p>Macy’s also carries slacks and tops in a wrinkle free fabric, in solid colors like black and others. A sweater twinset sounds fine or a polo shirt (like your collegues) or light sweater and jacket or blazer that doesn’t wrinkle works well. If price matters you can compare Macy’s against Chicos or other travel gear.</p>
<p>Look at the [ANN</a> TAYLOR: Women’s Clothing, Suits, Dresses, Cashmere, Sweaters, Petites](<a href=“http://www.AnnTaylor.com%5DANN”>http://www.AnnTaylor.com) website for ideas. I like the idea of slacks (maybe navy for this time of year) and a twin set.</p>
<p>There are plenty of non-wrinkle fabrics. I’ve done what you are describing for my whole career, and it’s never been a problem- even back in the day of business suits for women.
The Limited has trousers in great fabrics that fit nicely and don’t wrinkle. They also have stylish sweaters/shells and light non-suit looking jackets to go with them. Nice flats or wedges will go with it all and you’re set.</p>
<p>“California” is awfully big. What part of California? What city? What type of business are you in? How do you know a pantsuit is overdressed?</p>
<p>Where I am in “California” jeans are ok, a pantsuit is fine, personally I wear skirts but I’m nearly the only one. But in a bigger city, dressing up is more common. SF for example, I believe they are most formal. LA somewhat so, certainly more so than where I am in the stix. I’ll bet you have something in your closet that would be appropriate and travel proof.</p>
<p>I’m a Software Developer/Team Leader in the energy industry. We’re going to Silicon Valley area. I know others who have visited the company and they report that jeans are common and no one in any type of “suit” was seen.</p>
<p>MOWC, I am in awe that you do this often and with ease. I dislike airplane travel I always feel “grundgy” when I arrive. I would LOVE to at least wash my face and reapply my makeup, but we’ll be on a tight schedule. </p>
<p>Thanks for all the suggestions! I’ll search through my closet, but I have a Macy’s with a Chico’s nearby so I will check both if I can’t find anything nice.</p>
<p>It will be VERY stressful as their are some company politics involved so looking nice will make me feel better (I hope).</p>
<p>Of course you have time to change. Carry on a suit bag, say “excuse me for a moment” to your co-workers after you get off the plane, and stop in the bathroom and change. If you plan ahead and have everything in the right order, you should be able to change and freshen yourself a bit in less than ten minutes. They’ll take that long to get their luggage, because you know someone will check a bag… You’ll have lots of time, what with Silicon Valley traffic ;-)</p>
<p>Alternatively: wear pants with some spandex (they hold their shape better) and just change your bra and shirt when you get there.</p>
<p>JJill carries a line called Wherever (I think). Very basic pieces that mix and match and don’t wrinkle. They are machine washable and dryable.
I have a pair of the pants (black) and a drapey jacket. Last year I added a maxi skirt with a yoga pant fold down wait band. I love them because they can be dressed up or down and are very comfortable.</p>