Stylish and Travel-Friendly Clothing from Mark’s

When it comes to my travel wardrobe, I’ve always chosen function over fashion. I opt for items that are multipurpose, don’t wrinkle easily, travel lightly, and most importantly, are comfortable to wear for a full day in destination. As a result, my travel clothes are fairly basic, leaving a lot to be desired.

The folks at Mark’s contacted me and challenged me to find an outfit that would be both stylish and travel-friendly for the fall. Mark’s has been operating since 1977 in Canada and specializes in casual and industrial clothing and footwear. They carry a wide variety of brand-name clothing and footwear from Columbia to Levi’s. I was excited for the challenge and the chance to upgrade a few of my travel wardrobe items. Here’s what I chose:

Levi’s Perfectly Slimming Pull-on Skinny Jeans

To pack a pair of jeans or not to pack a pair of jeans? That is the question that has very polarizing opinions. Sure, your destination will dictate whether a pair of jeans is appropriate or not (leave them at home if you’re traveling to Southeast Asia!). But a pair of jeans when traveling in the fall is one of my must-haves. They can easily be dressed up or down and go with just about every top and sweater in my closet.

I picked up a pair of Levi’s Perfectly Slimming Pull-on Skinny Jeans. I immediately loved the fact that there was no zipper or button to have to do up. I literally pulled them on and away I went. Like any pair of jeans, they took a few wears to break in before they lost the stiffness that tends to come with a new pair of jeans. But they washed up nicely and got more and more comfortable with each subsequent wear. What I loved most about these all-purpose beauties is the stretchiness of the denim. They will be perfect for those culinary adventures where I eat my way through a destination!

Columbia Times Two Long Sleeve Hooded Flannel Shirt

I’ve long been a fan of Columbia clothing for my travels. They were even my go-to clothing of choice when I climbed Kilimanjaro in 2015. The quality is top-notch and their sizes fit me well. So when I saw the Times Two Long Sleeve Hooded Flannel Shirt, I figured it was the right combination of practicality and style. The raspberry colour was appropriate for fall and would complement the durability of the Levi’s jeans I had selected very nicely.

I liked the feel of the material against my skin and the hood added a rustic and cozy touch for a fall travel look. Another detail about Columbia long-sleeve shirts that I really like is the ability to roll up the sleeves and secure them in place. Whether it’s above or just below the elbow, being able to secure my sleeves at a shorter length means I don’t have to constantly fight to keep them pushed up when I’m in the middle of photographing or filming something, or just plain ole’ getting down to work.

Sung Alfred Sung Melton Peacoat

A good coat is essential when traveling in the fall, especially when the temperatures can drastically fluctuate in a single day. While the rest of my travel wardrobe tends to have a neutral or bland colour palate (read black and greys), I always like to add a pop of colour with my jackets. I was instantly drawn to the Sung Alfred Sung Melton Peacoat because of its red colour. Simply put, it has the wow factor. And what’s more fall looking than a sharply tailored, vibrant red peacoat?

The peacoat itself is well designed, with a thick wool outer layer and a fully lined interior (including the arms!). There’s also a removable quilted vest insert for extra neck comfort in the cooler temperatures and deep front pockets, perfect for me to stow extra camera batteries, not to mention keep them warm! The peacoat is also machine washable, so I don’t have to take it to a dry cleaner to have it cleaned. But really, the best part is this peacoat stands out as a highly-fashionable piece of travel wear, something this traveler could use from time to time.

Denver Hayes Larissa Lace Boots

Hands down, footwear is the most important clothing choice when you’re traveling. Happy, dry, and comfortable feet equals a happy traveler. I wanted a pair of shoes that could take on varied terrains from cobblestone streets to gentle hiking trails. I also wanted a pair of shoes that were durable and sturdy enough to withstand the hours of walking and video-work I’d do while wearing them. Oh, and a fashionable pair of shoes would be ideal so I could dress them up a bit if a destination or outing called for it.

So to complete the look, I chose a pair of Denver Hayes Larissa Lace Boots. The boots have a side zipper, making it quick and easy to take them on and off. The added feature of the laces ensured a nice snug fit so my feet were securely in place. There’s a padded arch inside the boots for extra support, and a rubber sole for added comfort while walking. The boots themselves come just above my ankle and allow me to wear them over a pair of skinny jeans or leggings, or under a pair of boot-cut jeans. They look smart sharp, but sacrifice comfort for visual appeal.

Final Thoughts

All-in-all, I was very happy with the outfit I chose. Not only was it very comfortable and versatile for fall travel but it made me look pretty stylish too (if I may say so myself!). Shopping in-store at Mark’s was easy. The staff were helpful and there were so many brands, styles, and sizes to choose from. Mark’s also offers a 100-day return policy for unused, unworn clothing in case you change your mind, which you know… happens from time to time.

Giveaway (Contest is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered!)

I always love passing along a good thing, especially when it comes to updating your travel wardrobe! I’ve partnered up with Mark’s to give one lucky reader a $100 gift card! Entering is easy, simply leave a comment below answering this question:

“What’s the one item of clothing you always travel with and why?”

Contest is open to Canadian residents only. Contest closes Monday, October 30, 2017 at 23:59 EST. The winner will be announced on Thursday, November 2, 2017 on my Instagram Stories.

Disclaimer: clothing and gift card provided by Mark’s, all views and opinions remain my own.