Travel attire for Women

Keep your shoulders covered and your shirt buttoned up. (Photo: Goodshoot RF/Goodshoot/Getty Images )

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As a country, India has a love affair with bureaucracy and all the formality that goes with it. While other South Asian countries affect business attire appropriate to their climates, Indians stay buttoned up - even in 100-degree weather and humidity. For women on business in the subcontinent, this Western-influenced formality is a blessing, as there's no need to learn the intricacies of traditional Indian garb. However, even though you aren't wearing a saree, you still should cover up as if you were wearing one.

Business Casual or Formal

What level of business clothing you need primarily depends on your line of business. "Forbes India" counsels that suits are the way to go in the business world in India. This is particularly true for executives and those in sectors such as finance or government contracting. Tech companies, outside of higher-level or administrative meetings, stay toward the business casual side of the spectrum. For these businesses, a blouse or button-down shirt with slacks or a long skirt suffices.

Hemlines

In India, the most important thing female travelers must do is stay covered up, according to "Conde Nast Traveler." This is more important with legs than arms. None of the traditional Indian styles of dress show any leg, even if arms, shoulders or a touch of back are visible. The easiest solution is to stick with pantsuits or dress pants with a blouse. If you choose to wear a skirt, it must fall far enough past your knees that the knees remain covered when seated.