Business dress codes differ per company and sector, even within the same city. London, Paris and Milan each have their own style associations, but company and sector culture matter more than the city itself. Dark trousers, a well-fitting shirt or blouse and a smart coat work in all three cities. Below you will find the broad lines per city, with a compact suitcase that lets you walk into any meeting at ease.
Why it pays to prepare
A business trip calls for clothes that fit in any environment. You often do not know exactly what the host wears, and you have little room to recover if you miss the tone. A good starting point is to check the dress code beforehand. You can always take off a blazer, loosen a tie or leave a coat open. The other way round does not work. Also take the weather into account and work with layers.
London: classic and sleek
In some financial and legal environments in London, formal clothing is usual. Dark trousers with a white shirt and blazer is a classic option there. The Hamilton in white is a shirt made of 100% cotton, and goes with the Frederick in black, a trouser made of polyester and viscose, among other fibres. For women, a blouse with straight trousers works best. Keep the colours dark and the cut clear.
Paris: calm and minimalist
In some Parisian business environments you see many calm colours and simple combinations. Straight trousers, a fine blouse or knitted top and a well-fitting coat are more than enough. The Delphine in white with 35% bamboo, 30% microfibre, 30% polyester and 5% elastane, goes with the Daphni in black, a trouser made of 95% polyester and 5% elastane. Add a scarf or one piece of jewellery and you are done. A lavallière blouse such as the Rosamund in pearl cream, made of 96% acetate and 4% elastane, gives the outfit a soft, feminine touch.
Milan: polished with an eye for detail
Milan has a strong fashion culture, but there too the business dress code differs per company. That does not mean you have to be overdressed, but a sloppy hem or a worn shoe does stand out. For men, choose a merino polo under a blazer, for women a fine-knit layer under a jacket. The Trenton in black is made of 100% merino wool, a material that stays fresh for longer naturally. That is handy if you have meetings two days in a row.
How do you read the environment on the spot?
Take the first meeting as a compass. On arrival, look at how your host is dressed, and adjust your second day accordingly. If everyone wears a blazer, take yours along. If people are more casual, you can go a good deal simpler. Also look at the space in which you are received: a meeting room with glass walls calls for slightly more than an open workspace. Match your formality to the host and the purpose of the meeting.
The time of day matters too. A breakfast meeting is often more casual than a dinner, and a lunch lies in between. For dinner, always take something you can adapt, such as a scarf or a tie.
The differences at a glance
| City | Tone | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | Classic, sleek | Trousers, shirt, blazer | Blouse, straight trousers, jacket |
| Paris | Calm, minimalist | Trousers, polo or shirt, coat | Fine blouse, trousers, scarf |
| Milan | Polished, eye for detail | Merino polo under blazer | Fine knitwear under jacket |
These are at most general style images, not fixed rules. Every industry and every company has its own culture. If in doubt, ask your contact person what is usual.
A compact suitcase for three cities
For two to three days you need little if you choose smartly. Keep the colours within one family: black, white, navy and grey. One pair of trousers, two tops, a layer and a coat go a long way. Pack shoes you can wear during the day. Many business travellers walk several kilometres a day, and a heel or a leather sole with little grip is not always a good idea on wet streets.
- One dark pair of trousers and a second in a different colour.
- Two shirts or blouses, in white and in a light shade.
- One fine-knit layer, such as a merino polo or cardigan.
- One coat that is formal enough for a meeting and warm enough for a queue.
- A bag or briefcase that closes and stays on your shoulder.
You will find more inspiration for the working week at Office for Women and Office for Men.
Coat, bag and shoes
A good coat is often forgotten abroad, while it is the first thing people see. Choose a dark coat in wool or a blend that looks neat, even after a day on a plane. A bag that closes is both safe and polished. And for shoes: clean, maintained and comfortable. Walking distances in big cities are greater than you think, especially if you go from station to office to restaurant. Choose shoes that are polished and comfortable enough for longer walking distances.
Practical details that stand out
It is the details that complete a business image. Clean footwear, an ironed shirt, a bag without visible wear and a coat that is not dirty. Take a small clothes brush, because lint and hairs show on dark fabric sooner than you think. Hang clothes up on arrival. Use steam only if the care label allows it. Whoever packs in good time forgets nothing and arrives without haste.
Shop the look
Hamilton: shirt, white
Frederick: trousers, black
Delphine: blouse, white
Daphni: trousers, black
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, pearl cream
Trenton: polo, black
Frequently asked questions
Is a suit required for business meetings abroad?
Not always. In London it is still common, in other cities a combined outfit with a blazer is often enough. If in doubt, ask your contact person.
Which colours work in all three cities?
Black, navy, grey and white combine easily. Also always check the dress code of the organisation.
What do you take in January?
A warm coat, a fine-knit layer and shoes that can handle rain. Choose layers, so you are comfortable indoors and outdoors.
