Have Dress: Will Travel

Way back in 2008, we took a cue from Michelle Obama and signed onto the "dress is the new suit" mentality. Since then, however, I've converted pretty heavily to suit wearing- or at least the company of blazers almost daily. Suits are easy and don't take a lot of thought. Jacket, pants, shell, and you're out the door. Dresses do the same.

Now, taking a job where my travel schedule is about to ramp up, I had to think strategically about what clothes I might take with me on a plane. I've gotten the "tips for business travel" from many female colleagues and websites and here's what I'm discovering:

• Never check baggage - you'll run the risk of it being lost and being stuck in your "plane clothes" all the next day.
• Wrinkle free is key - who wants to use a cruddy hotel iron?
• Sleeves! - you never know what kind of rooms you'll be stuck sitting in, but chances are they'll be cold instead of warm. Wear something with sleeves or bring a jacket to ensure you have options

My travel schedule begins next week - and here's what I'll be putting in my suitcase. Not suits, dresses - wrinkle free, comfortable and professional.

I've had my eye on this Suzi Chin dress for a few weeks now. At $159, I wasn't sold, but it's on sale at Macy's for $111 so I ordered it yesterday - hoping it gets here before my flight leaves!

I've had this beautiful Calvin Klein dress in my closet for a while. It's my go-to "there's a client in the office" dress. It's Calvin Klein at Nordstrom for $98.

This one, I might just order today. What a beautifully professional look, while still bringing some color and sass to the ensemble. Maggy London at Nordstrom for $138.