In today's fast-paced professional world, maintaining style and comfort while traveling for work can be a challenging task. We had the opportunity to sit down with Janet, the Senior Marketing Executive for the APAC region of a renowned global advertising, marketing, and public relations agency. Known for her minimalist approach and signature all-black wardrobe, Janet shared her invaluable tips on refreshing her look during numerous business trips while staying organized and stylish. Here’s what she had to say:


General Packing Tips


Q: Janet, you travel often for work. What are your must-pack items for a typical business trip?
A: The essentials for me are quite streamlined yet versatile. I always pack a black dress in wool or silk, black trousers in wool or silk, a black cashmere cardigan, a black cotton t-shirt, and black leather ballet flats. A subtle-tone silk and wool scarf also goes a long way in adding some variation without much effort.


Q: Do you have any packing hacks that help you stay organized and stylish on the go?
A: My primary hack is ensuring that everything I pack can be mixed and matched for different variations. Also, if I have a special event during the trip, I always pack two outfit options to be prepared for any last-minute changes.


Personal Style Influences


Q: You've always had a distinct and cultured sense of style. Can you share some of your style influences, especially when you're on the road?
A: This is a difficult question because my style doesn’t stem from a single source. It's an amalgamation of various influences and personal preferences that have evolved over time.


Q: How do you ensure your personal style remains intact during your travels?
A: I don’t consciously ensure it. I simply dress in what I like and feel comfortable with every day. Staying true to myself naturally retains my personal style.


Creating Different Looks with Minimalism


Q: I know you love wearing black. How do you create different looks while mainly sticking to one color palette?
A: Black to me is like a white canvas. By playing with fabrics, textures, shapes, silhouettes, and accessories, I can create a myriad of different looks while maintaining a cohesive color palette.


Q: What key pieces do you rely on to mix and match for various occasions?
A: Any piece that adds more structure works well with all-black items. Staples like tailored jackets, structured trousers, and versatile scarves can drastically alter an outfit without the need for multiple color changes.


Comfortable Yet Stylish Shoes


Q: You have a passion for shoes but prioritize comfort too. What types of shoes do you find essential to bring on business trips?
A: For business trips, I rely on my black Chanel ballet flats, black Gianvito Rossi 70 suede pumps, and Adidas Samba OG "Triple Black" sneakers. These shoes are both stylish and comfortable, which is non-negotiable for me.


Q: Any recommendations for stylish yet comfortable footwear?
A: The three pairs I mentioned earlier are my go-to options. At my age, I no longer tolerate uncomfortable shoes, no matter how stylish they appear.


Essential Bags for Work


Q: In your role, do you find it necessary to carry different bags for different events or meetings?
A: Absolutely. My choice of bags is based on the functionality suited to the nature of the meeting or event. Ultimately, my goal is to deliver my work efficiently; a bag should complement my outfit and serve as a functional tool.

Q: What are your go-to bags and why?
A: My favorite work bag is the Black Hermes Garden Party 36. It is durable, lightweight, and maintains its structure regardless of how much or how little I carry.


Integrating Lonoco’s Products


Q: How do Lonoco’s clothing and accessories fit into your travel wardrobe?
A: They are a perfect match for my travel needs. Lonoco's products blend seamlessly with my style and provide the versatility required for different professional settings.


Q: Are there any Lonoco pieces that you find particularly versatile or indispensable for your travels?
A: Yes, several pieces from Lonoco stand out for their versatility. For instance, the Black Blakely Tencel-Linen T-Shirt is ideal for destinations with varied climates, balancing comfort in both humid heat and cold air conditioning.


Expert Tips for Stylish Business Travel


Janet’s insights offer a practical and stylish perspective on business travel. Throughout our conversation, it became clear that strategic packing, versatile clothing, and comfortable yet fashionable footwear are key to maintaining a polished professional look on the go. As a minimalist who favors exclusively black attire, Janet shows how to refresh your look while staying true to your style. By experimenting with fabrics, textures, shapes, silhouettes, and accessories, she creates a variety of distinct looks, all within a cohesive color palette.


Lonoco Workwear Collection


Lonoco's workwear collection is perfect for professionals on the go, blending timeless and contemporary styles with premium materials and precise tailoring. Whether you are attending a conference that requires a little black dress or a site visit that calls for a more casual, sneaker-friendly outfit, Lonoco has you covered. Their versatile pieces ensure you stay polished and professional, no matter the occasion.


To explore these stylish pieces, we encourage readers to visit Lonoco’s collection and prepare for their next business trip in style. Happy travels!

 

Side Note: A Peek into Our Travels

 

From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beaches of Maui, these snapshots capture the diverse adventures I've shared with Janet outside our business journeys. Every image captures joy, exploration, and the bond we've strengthened through travel. Whether savoring local delicacies, exploring hidden gems, or indulging in some retail therapy, these memories create a vibrant tapestry of our experiences.

 

The individuals or third-party products referenced in this story have no affiliation with Lonoco and have neither endorsed it nor any products presented.

Sheila Yu