It’s that time of year: important buzzy business conference season! From Davos to Milken to TED, winter and spring are full of work travel to business conferences and gatherings. And since the whole point of these events is to network, make connections and show up looking your best, it’s also the season to wrestle with this pressing matter: what should men wear to a big industry or work-related business conference this year? Fear not, dudes. Our Menswear Editor has you covered. Here’s his roundup of 24 luxury menswear essentials to wear for all of the big work-related business conferences this year, including watches, travel bags, coats, accessories, and more.
Here’s how Guys can Bring Big Style to the Big Business Conferences this year
‘Tis the season for gathering! No, not your closest family and friends—we did that in December. With January, New Year’s resolutions and personal betterment also comes a rush of corporate conferences, annual meetings and trade shows. Industry elites and global visionaries (or enterprising tradespeople getting their innovations in front of industry elites and global visionaries) all come together for an exchange of ideas and corporate AMEX charges. T&E, baby!
The World Economic Forum (which you should always refer to as “the WEF,” pronounced to rhyme with the letter F) is the most renowned, with world leaders and changemakers descending upon the alpine ski village of Davos, Switzerland to address the most important issues facing the world today and sip glasses of water on stage.
But plenty of conventions are happening this month in other fields, too, like the Wine and Spirits Daily Summit in Palm Beach; the National Retail Federation’s Big Show in New York; and even the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ annual meeting in sunny San Diego (a real banger). Everyone’s a-meetin’.
So, how can guys show some style when the dress code is “professional” and let’s face it, a little staid? It’s about the small, but important additions to the dark, toe-the-line suit and tie.
luxury menswear essentials for the big business conferences and work-related events this year
Here we offer up 24 ways you can stand out from the crowd when you’re on the road attending corporate conferences, forums or really any business trip you find yourself on as we kick off 2023.
24 luxury menswear essentials for the big work and business conferences this year
1. No Time to Die 18″ Leather-Trimmed Carbon Fibre Carry-On Suitcase buy Globe-Trotter
This special-edition carry-on was created in collaboration with the latest James Bond film, crafted from lightweight carbon fiber. It’ll slickly take you from jetway to shaken-not-stirred martinis at the networking happy hour.
BUY NOW – $4,295.00.
2. Croc-Effect Leather Wash Bag by Saint Laurent
You owe it to the five-star bathroom you’re expensing to bring your grooming essentials in this five-star bag.
BUY NOW – $745.00.
3. Wool and Silk Euro Coat by Norwegian Wool
If your annual meeting isn’t in a tropical locale (sorry), a versatile coat with down lining and removable mock neck will get you through the January temps.
BUY NOW – $1,945.00.
4. Grain d’H Lined Writing Pad by Hermès
A huge upgrade from that yellow legal pad.
BUY NOW – $70.00.
5. Ecridor Milanese Mesh Ballpoint Pen by Caran D’Hache
The subtlest, chicest way to let your colleagues know you’re not messing around. Maybe don’t let anyone borrow this ballpoint pen, though.
BUY NOW – $225.00.
6. Leather Trimmed Garment Bag by Tom Ford
A perfectly tailored bag for your perfectly tailored suit.
BUY NOW – $2,990.00.
7. Eaton Full-Grain Leather Three-Piece Travel Watch Case by Charles Simon
If you’re rolling deep in the timepiece department, you’ll need a proper storage vessel to get all that swag safely to its destination.
BUY NOW – $1,290.00.
8. Reverso Classic Large Small Seconds by Jaeger-LeCoultre
The sleek if-you-know-you-know JLC Reverso watch to peek out from under your shirt cuff.
BUY NOW – $9,050.00.
9. Panama Cross-Grain Leather Pouch by Smythson
This leather pouch is excellent to organize all the random stuff that has to come with you, ideal for multiple currencies if your work is taking you abroad.
BUY NOW – $335.00.
10. Scarf and Eye Mask Cashmere Travel Set by Arch4
This travel set is for long-haul flights to mountaintop villages or when the hotel blackout curtains don’t live up to their name.
BUY NOW – $666.00.
11. The 929 Briefcase by Lotuff
It is possible: an unstuffy briefcase. This one is roomy too, for all the materials you’ll inevitably get handed.
BUY NOW – $800.00.
12. Black Cirrus Travel Steamer by Steamery
We throw around the word “essentials” quite a bit, but the moment you get a reliable travel steamer you won’t be able to travel without one.
BUY NOW – $145.00.
13. Silicone AirPods Case by Bottega Veneta
Take the opportunity to elevate a standard-issue case and bring a bright spot in your bag.
BUY NOW – $250.00.
14. BeoPlay H95 Adaptive ANC Headphones by Bang & Olufsen
Or if you really want the best sonic experience on your way to the conference, opt for Bang & Olufsen’s sleek noise-canceling headphones.
BUY NOW – $899.00.
15. Round Titanium Glasses by Matsuda
An understated pair of specs handmade in Japan signals you know what the hell you’re talking about.
BUY NOW – $410.00.
16. Carlton Round Acetate Sunglasses by Garrett Leight
Whether you’re up in the mountains or heading south, these sunglasses will keep you from squinting during an impromptu debrief in the courtyard.
Luxury menswear essentials to pack or wear at work-related business conferences, including accessories. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $385.00.
17. Classic 3-Fold Silk Tie by Marinella
If you must wear a tie, make a classic, hand-printed silk number from one of the Neapolitan greats.
Luxury menswear essentials to pack or wear at work-related business conferences, including travel bags. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $230.00.
18. Catch:2 Essentials Wireless Charger by Courant
Don’t be the guy who’s perpetually seeking an outlet, use this charger.
Luxury menswear essentials to pack or wear at work-related business conferences, including travel bags. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $90.00.
19. 7g Sterling Silver and Diamond Cable Bracelet by Le Gramme
We have very few opportunities to add a piece of jewelry to the mix when we’re keeping things “professional”, but Le Gramme’s thin cable bracelet brings the right subtle energy to a suit without too much bling.
BUY NOW – $540.00.
20. Leather and Stainless Steel Cigar Case by Brunello Cucinelli
Have Perfecto, will travel with this cigar case.
BUY NOW – $595.00.
21. City II Leather Oxfords by John Lobb
Classic, luxe and professional (and they better be well-shined). John Lobb will never fail you.
BUY NOW – $1,630.00.
22. Leather Slip-On Loafers by Zegna
If you can get away with a slightly more casual shoe, Zegna’s supple loafers will keep the whole look smart.
BUY NOW – $790.00.
23. Geranium Leaf Rinse-Free Hand Wash by Aesop
You’re gonna be shaking a lot of hands. Sanitize and smell amazing.
Luxury menswear essentials to pack or wear at work-related business conferences, including travel bags. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $10.00 (for 1.7 oz).
24. Lavender and Sage Deodorant by Salt & Stone
This deodorant long-lasting, natural and travel size. No sweat.
Luxury menswear essentials to pack or wear at work-related business conferences, including travel bags. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $20.00.
menswear essentials for this year’s big business conferences
That’s our take on the luxury menswear essentials to wear for the big work-related business conferences ahead this year, including watches, travel bags, coats, accessories and more. No need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe (although of course, that would be fun, too). Just add a statement coat or accessory – and let the networking begin!
