Melissa Gutierrez-Sullivan launched the sustainability consulting firm Flourish with a mission to leave the world better than she found it. Her work involves partnering with architects and design professionals across the country, all the while juggling life with two small kids in busy Los Angeles. It takes a versatile business casual wardrobe to traverse the boardroom, the airport and the playground, so we caught up with Gutierrez-Sullivan between business trips to learn her professional style secrets.

As a sustainability and wellness project manager, what’s a typical workday like for you?

My clients have all kinds of sustainability goals, from testing their water quality or adding daylight to their work space to making their building entirely LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. Starting with the design phase through to construction and certification, I walk them through achieving those goals.

So, on a typical day, you might meet with clients and check in on a construction site. It sounds like your business casual wardrobe requires a lot of flexibility.

It really does! My architect clients have a strong, creative sense of style, but in the construction world, people tend to be fairly casual. Added to that, I have two small kids. At the end of the day, if I’m going to swing by school and the grocery store, my clothes have to do triple-duty. If it’s between a jean or a white jacket, I’m going to go with the jean.

What’s your version of business casual?

I’m a born-and-bred LA girl, which really influences my sense of style—a little more color, a little more edge, a little more fun. In the summer, I typically wear a skirt and blouse or shift dress. Fall through spring, I’ll wear pants or higher-end jeans.

Your clients are all over the country. How often do you travel?

About once a month for a few days, usually for a conference.

Does your business casual wardrobe change when you’re on the road?

In the art and design community, suits are a little much. So, day to day in LA, I usually don’t get that dressed up. But if I’m heading to a conference, I’ll definitely pack a suit—or pants with a blazer—a colorful blouse, and shoes with a low heel.

Let’s say you’re traveling and expect to meet a potential client. What’s the first thing you pack?

I love blazers—add one to a blouse and an appropriately fitted pant, and they make the whole look more professional and powerful. Plus, they provide a really good cut and a feminine silhouette—especially in the summer when I can pair one with a dress. I’d also throw in a pretty, feminine scarf, not just to keep me warm but to give me a little flair in the day.

How do you accessorize with jewelry?

I love to start with a monotone look and then use signature pieces or colorful shoes to layer pops of color. Yesterday I wore an all-black blouse with black slacks, plus a blue high heel with a chunky blue necklace.

What’s the best piece of travel advice you’ve ever gotten?

My childhood best friend’s mom was a flight attendant. She told us not to be schlumpy when we travel. You never know who on your flight is going to attend your conference. I’ve really taken that to heart.

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