How to pack for a quick business trip....

November 6, 2005 7:36 PM

I am leaving Tuesday for an interview with a company in Chicago. I am flying out Tuesday afternoon, have a casual dinner Tuesday night to meet some employees, and then have interviews all morning on Wednesday before flying out in the afternoon. My question is, how should I pack?

I want to take a suit, a pair of khakis, shoes for the khakis and the suit (black shoes and brown), and two nice, button-down shirts. My thought is to wear the suit on the plane and use a rolling carry-on for my extra shoes and the khakis for the dinner that night, does this sound about right?

posted by phaedrus441 to Work & Money (8 answers total)

For me, plane seats have always resulted in rumpled jackets. Of course, maybe you're flying first class and have a coat rack.

If you're going to wear the khakis for the dinner the night you arrive, why not wear those on the plane and leave the suit for the next day's interviews?

I'm not really sure what you're asking. Are you asking if khakis are appropriate for a casual dinner? Probably, though it's hard to gauge without knowing what kind of job you're looking for and with what employer.

Also, while it hasn't been too cold lately there's been a lot of rain and might be more while you're here. Something to keep in mind.
posted by IshmaelGraves at 7:52 PM on November 6, 2005

Assuming you're staying at a decent hotel, you should be able to ask to have the suit pressed after you arrive.
posted by I Love Tacos at 8:08 PM on November 6, 2005

Response by poster: Great thoughts-- my concern was that in packing my suit, everything would become too wrinkled for the next day (and pressing a suit with the standard-fare hotel iron isn't my cup of tea). However, after looking into it, I can have it done by the staff, so I think I'll pack the suit... Thanks!
posted by phaedrus441 at 8:13 PM on November 6, 2005

Also, pretty much all hotels provide irons and boards in the room (either in the closet or you call housekeeping), so that you can give your suit and shirt a quick touchup for free.
posted by Philbo at 4:37 AM on November 7, 2005

Pack warm! It gets cold here :-)

Actually, it will be unseasonably "warm" (read: 40's-50's) this week. Maybe even in the low 60's on Tuesday. Crazy warm for November.

Good luck at your interview...
posted by twiggy at 8:24 AM on November 7, 2005

I'd suggest you consider the cost-benifit analysis here. You have a critical event - something you're doing that's going to have a possible huge impact on your life for years to come. You're pondering a course of action where if someone spills a drink on you on the plane you have to find an emergency cleaner, buy a new suit or look like an ass and potentially not get the job.

So you don't have to check a bag or iron?

Don't screw around on this. Use a suit bag and carry it on. Board last so you can lay it out in the overhead bins.
posted by phearlez at 8:56 AM on November 7, 2005

I recommend a hanger-bag for your suit. IANA man, but I prefer to wear something comfy (with no belt) on the plane and you want something fresh for the interview.

Chicago this time of year: often windy, often rainy, often a twenty-degree or more spread in temp over the course of the day. Bring a jacket, a sweater, etc. - lots of layers.
posted by mai at 2:41 PM on November 7, 2005

Four years ago I was in a very similar position, right down to the interview being in Chicago ... though I'd been mugged and had my nose badly broken two days before the flight, which distracted some attention from the rest of my appearance. That said, I did get the job.

Your suit should be immaculate for the interview. Pack it. Take a spare shirt. Put your good shoes in a bag in the case; do not fly in your good shoes. If you have time and cash, find a 'travel' suit in a fabric that doesn't crease easily -- many are impregnated with Teflon and have stain-resistance too -- and then pack it. Fly in a spare pair of trousers and pack the khakis too.

If you feel cold, don't show it. Style over comfort.
posted by Hogshead at 3:19 PM on November 7, 2005