BUSINESS TRAVEL CAPSULE

Marimo’s capsule wardrobe concept started a few years ago with a focus on business travel, as many of our customers have demanding careers that require them to look professional every day and travel across the world for just a few days at a time. Packing for work trips can be tricky because no one wants to overpack, yet it often happens as we try to be prepared for everything. I can relate to that!

Planning your wardrobe for travel means creating a business travel capsule to make packing easier. This involves selecting a small collection of versatile, stylish pieces that can be mixed and matched, helping you look your best without overpacking. Before my trips, I assess how many days and occasions I need outfits for, make a list and try on possible outfit combinations. From personal experience, I’ve learned that a well-planned business travel capsule wardrobe helps me pack efficiently while ensuring I look polished and professional on the go. That’s why I choose versatile pieces that save space in my luggage without sacrificing style. I focus on practical clothing that meets my work needs while remaining comfortable and adaptable for different occasions.

I love natural fabrics, and I know our customers do too. As natural fabrics tend to crease a bit in luggage, most people hesitate to take them on business trips - but don't. Here's a tip on how to take care of these pieces while traveling: when packing silk garments, place them between dry cleaning plastic bags and lay them across the width of the suitcase to minimize wrinkling. At the hotel avoid using an unfamiliar iron. Instead, run hot water in the bathroom and close the door, hang the garment there, and let the steam work its magic. Allow the piece to dry completely to ensure it wouldn't crease if you wear it - overnight would be the best. To make packing for your next business trip easier, I've put together some key points to keep in mind when creating a business travel capsule:

You need to understand your travel needs

Think about the length of your trip and the events you have during your trip - how many meetings, conferences, networking events etc. Check the climate of your destination and also think through the cultural expectations and dress codes.

Choose a coordinated color palette

Stick to colors that match each other. It’s good to have a neutral base color like black, navy, or gray for example and add a pop of color with accessories or layering pieces. Make sure that the colors are chosen so that the items can be mixed and matched with each other.

Pack multi-functional pieces

Select garments that can transition from day to night with easy styling hacks. For example, choose a versatile dress that can be dressed up or down. Wear it with a blazer for meetings and dress it up later with a crystal belt or colorful accessories. When you have time to explore the city, you can swap high heels for sneakers and the tailored jacket for a more casual one for a relaxed but still put-together vibe. 

For example, I recommend a statement belt. I’d say it’s my favorite accessory. It can cinch a blazer, dress, or skirt and instantly elevate the outfit. Pairing a belt in the same color as your top creates a cohesive look and is also great for petite women like me as it visually elongates the upper body.

Plan outfits ahead to avoid bringing unnecessary items

What I do and encourage you to do too, is try on all the possible outfit combinations beforehand to avoid packing those just-in-case pieces, because this is exactly what overwhelms the suitcase. I think this is the most important thing to do, because often we pack too many pieces and tend to wear only a few key items in the end. This perfectly illustrates that we don't actually need much for a short trip. We need outfits we feel comfortable and confident in, that work for our events. I understand it takes a bit time to try on all the possible outfit combinations, but that way you can be sure not to pack too many outfits, that everything will go together, and that you'll have pieces for all the needed days and events. 

Be creative

I encourage being creative when selecting and coordinating your business travel capsule, especially in more casual or fashionable business settings. For example, take a tailored blazer or conservative blouse and pair it with an A-line maxi skirt. Finish the look with classic pumps to achieve a polished and professional appearance. For evening events it's possible to change the top for a more festive one or add accessories like a bow to the back. By the way, pairing a high-waisted maxi skirt with a fitted top is another great tip for petite women - it also elongates your silhouette.

Looking polished and feeling comfortable throughout your trip without overwhelming your luggage doesn't have to be hard.  Thinking through all the outfits helps to pack only what you need. In business capsules, layering and good accessories are key.

If you're looking for some inspiration on how to create stylish outfits with one base item, please check our style guides.