078: Burying the time capsule collection

What 14 brilliant dressers wore most this year.

Which is worse: an in/out list that lists “in/out lists” in the out section or a year-in-review Instagram Story that’s just straight ellipses along the top? This time of year sucksssssss for consuming media online. (Or at least, that’s the line as to why Magasin has been in a posting blackout since December 21st.)

I don’t think of myself as overly nostalgic, and all the invariable year-end publisher rankings read to me like jeremiads measuring any past-tense event by the writer’s own mortality. Bummer! I like to pocket the past as a tool for the future, so today’s send—which, yes, puts the year in review—is in many ways more about 2023 than ‘22; there’s only one of the two we have any influence on anymore.

The challenge, especially as one is setting up goals and resolutions and manifestations, is to expand the parameters of the imagination, something that can only be done by amassing knowledge. In regards to fashion, I try to cast my net wider, absorb more intel, and surprise myself by wearing something alien.

I had my eye trained to a set of particularly well-dressed people—each of them a scorching beam of stylistic wisdom—over the past 12 months, and a handful were kind enough to let me into their gripping worlds of wearables. Below, in their own words, find what 14 style-versed folks wore most this year.

Gillly Chan, @gilly.inc

“2022 was the year of the Jean Paul Gaultier matching set, specifically anything from the Soleil collection. I currently own three JPG sets. This one in particular was my most worn.

I love the versatility of having both a top and bottom that can be worn separately and together. Paired with an all-over print that works with different kinds of accessories and can be dressed up or down. I would describe my style as easy/eclectic with a classic element to the silhouettes which is what I believe JPG embodies.

My other most worn piece of this year would have to be my large Glam Slam Margiela handbag. I bought this bag on a whim from The RealReal, looking to add metallics (specifically silver) to my wardrobe. I quickly realized that this was the perfect size for an everyday bag and silver actually works great as a neutral.

There’s something so fun yet classic about this bag which is very indicative of my personal style. Will definitely be wearing a lot more silver in this coming year.”

Jordan Santos, @jordanrisa

“My Everyday bag from The Row is by far my most worn piece in my closet, ever since I got it in 2021. It’s a deep dark brown and pretty nondescript so it goes with everything. It’s timeless and big enough to fit everything I need, and I think I’ll use it for so many years to come. It’s made me realize how little I want and need the It bags that come onto the scene.”

Matheus Lima, @fatalbert69

“My most used piece for 2022 was my cobalt Bottega knee-high puddle boot. I’m a baddie on the move! From the office to a rave and these boots have gone through it and seen it all.”

Sissy Chacon, @sissychacon

“Amassing a sh*t ton of clothing is an occupational hazard for me and also one of those ‘be careful what you wish for’ situations. The anxiety caused by having too many choices was eased by a few rock solid pieces and repeat outfits I actually wore over and over in 2022 which included:

MNZ white Carlita skirt
Mara Hoffman popcorn pieces (Tavi skirt, Kiyoko top, and Sloan dress)

Michelle del Rio belt
MNZ Olympia wedges
The Row kitten heel thong sandals

Agolde low rise baggy jeans in both black and blue

The Row zip front boots
Labucq Joan high boots
James Street Mari long skirts”

Paris Starn, @paris.starn

“A lavender Pleats Please cardigan my boyfriends grandmother gave me. When she first gifted it to me, I was incredibly grateful as I always admired Pleats Please pieces but never owned any as I didn’t see myself as a Pleats Please girl and the pieces remain expensive even second hand. For the first few months of owning the cardigan, I couldn’t figure out how to style it in a way that felt like me and it sat in my closet.

Then I realized if I only buttoned one button below the bust and pulled the shoulders back (so that the button was at high bust level) the cardigan fit my body far better and was very versatile. I wore it often with high-waisted skirts with one half of the cardigan tucked in and the other half out revealing just a little bit of skin, or with low rise pants. The fabric was super versatile and it could pair with so many other textures and colors to make an outfit really stand out.

But also I actually have worn my bubble gum pink Roger Vivier low heeled patent ballet flats even more. Pink has always been my favorite color and I love patent as a texture, so they were a purchase that felt very me. They are a very chic piece that balances the line between subtle and eye catching—due to the short heel and classic shape, but also the bright/fun color.

These shoes can also work for most occasions/seasons; short heel = walkable, add a sock/tight = wearable in the spring and fall, wear with jeans/biker shorts and a sweater = dressed down, wear with a mini skirt/dress = dressed up. I loved them so much and am so impressed by how well they have held up, I’ve started purchasing more Roger Vivier shoes.”

Chloe Wise, @chloewise

“My painting overalls and Crocs tbh—my ugly old ones that say I heart NY. Here I’m wearing a boot from when I injured my foot, but we’re both wearing my painting overalls. I forget where they’re from.”

Tahirah Hairston, @tahairy

“1. Cargo Army Pants from Dave’s New York. I got them huge and then took them to my tailor to fit them perfectly. I was so tired of seeing cargo and army pants for $100+ and then finding these I was able to make my own. I loved experimenting with dressing these up and down all year.

2. Materiel Leather Trench from The RealReal. The past year has been about building a foundation for my wardrobe. I had so many standout pieces I loved but not a ton of items to pair them with. This trench was one of the latter. I also got it tailored so that it was oversized but not swallowing me.

3. Bottega Loafers. It feels so good when you’ve been eyeing something for a while and then you get it and it fits perfectly within your closet. These loafers were that for me.

4. Khaite Peplum Top. Another item I’d been eyeing for a while and I finally found on sale. It was so much figuring out all the different ways I could pair it with things already in my wardrobe.”

Monica Mendal, @monicamendi

“I stopped following trends in my late 20s after I left my full-time job as a fashion editor at Condé Nast. During those years, I was so absorbed by the pressure to buy into every little trend I saw coming down the runway each season that I never took a second to ask myself: Is this even me? Since going freelance five-ish years ago, I realize I actually have a very distinct personal style.

My go-to uniform always begins with an unstructured wide leg pant or trouser. My favorites this year are both by Attersee: The Relaxed Pants in fine stripe and The Satin Relaxed Pants in all colors are my go-tos. I'll pair them with some version of a structured blouse—this year (and always) by Kallmeyer, like this one for everyday or the Opera shirt for when I want to dress up a bit. Something that majorly changed for me this year was I grew out of my life-long obsession with bags. Now all I use is my Porto pouch and I have it in every color! It's so easy to take from day to night and honestly fits everything I need.

Finally, my jewelry has always been what makes me feel the most me! I have a gold ring from my grandmother, an evil eye bracelet, and my Spinelli Kilcollin ring that are basically glued to my body (and have been for years), and you'll always see me in some version of gold hoops, but this year I've added these cool enamel ear cuffs by Mexican brand Gala is Love into my rotation. I've been adding to my collection of Dezso charms for a couple of years now, which I wear as a choker around my neck over sweaters, blouses, bathing suits, etc!

Also, one of my closest friends Becky of Beck Jewels designed this amazing scuba-inspired ring that I haven't taken off since I literally bought it off her finger when we were having breakfast at Sant Ambroeus in Soho last December. She's a really special friend to me so I feel it has a protective quality to it...I can just feel her love and beautiful energy when I wear it. And what you realize as you get older is that style is way more about how you feel than how you look.”

Katie Merchant, @thankyou_ok

“I would say my most-worn pieces that are available to buy would be my Editorial Mag hat from Soop Soop (I have it in black but I think that colour is sold out) and my green woven Charvet belt. I've never really worn hats before, but I bought this one from one of my favourite shops, Soop Soop, and it goes with everything. I also love Claire Milbrath's Editorial Mag. The green Charvet belt also goes with a surprising amount, and it is very comfortable. I love all of the colours these belts come in— I want a red one next.”

Kouros Maghsoudi, @kourosmaghsoudi

“My most worn piece is by far my Jane sunglasses by Elisa Johnson. They’re perfect for both indoor and outdoor because of the weak tint. It’s been two years since my friend gifted me these and I can’t remember the last time I’ve left my house without them.”

Joanna Nikas, @joannanikasnyc

“My friends joke with me that I have a couple of pieces that I wear over and over again, ignoring 90% of my closet. And in 2022, the piece of clothing I kept coming back to was this Miaou dress in the color Mudd. The dress was part of a collaboration between two friends of mine, Alexia and Paloma. So I wanted to support them. Plus: I don’t have a ton of color in my closet, so this was a reach for me. But then I realized it’s incredibly comfortable—it actually has built-in boning which is really supportive—and can be dressed up or down really easily (I’ve worn it with boots, strappy sandals, and even Havaianas on vacation).”

Bradley Ogbonna, @bradogbonna

“These Snow Peak Takibi Spec denim jeans are my go-to pair of pants for both style and comfort. Also the classic GAP jean jacket that feels forever timeless. I never used to wear rings until I met this guy Paul when I visited Rebel Wine Bar in Brussels—he was a bartender in the evening but also has a very cool jewelry company as well. He made me this custom ring.”

Ariel Maroko, @arielmaroko

“In a ‘post covid’ year, 2022 remained practical yet feminine when it came to dressing up (and down) for me. I’ve always been pretty sporty on off days but found ways to submerge that practical side of my wardrobe into my more feminine pieces.

I wore these MNZ white perforated boots (from one of the many sample sales) to death. Paired with mini skirts and soccer shorts in the summer and eventually leg warmers and pleated skirts in the winter.

I embraced the bolero in 2022 when I found a pleated, creamsicle colored vintage La Perla bolero. I wore this a lot around the house with simple tanks and unitards.

There were a lot of variations of white or cream skirts. This Blumarine silk and mesh pleated skirt was on heavy rotation in the last few months of the year. Worn with simple sheer long sleeves, boots or sneakers, and leather coats.”

Miss Claire Sullivan, @missclairesullivan

“My most worn item of the year (and probably of my life) are my Margiela Mary Jane tabis. They have carried me through countless rave dancefloors, weddings, galas, bodega runs, beach excursions…I could go on. My best friend calls them my running shoes…which they are.

Second up comes my custom silk head scarves with trailing long tails, made by yours truly. Perfect babushka or bandana style…they can also be worn as a top, neck scarf, etc.

Lastly, is the Miss Claire Sullivan Pouf. One of my most versatile dramatic pieces, and I have it in three colors. It can be a skirt, a dress, a cape…really the possibilities are endless. I call them my emergency ball gowns, and I wear them everywhere.”

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Social image via Miss Claire Sullivan.