Objets d’Art for an Elevated Table
A curated collection of five-star linens, glassware, and beautiful embellishments.
A YEAR IN clothes is really a year in life — the explorer’s watch that helped you track new terrain on hiking trips, the special suit you rocked to your best friend’s destination wedding, the boots that kept your feet warm enough in winter that you still had stamina to hit the streets even if there was snow — and thinking back on what we recently loved to wear can remind us of the seasons, the events, the vacations, and just the day-to-day needs that defined our 2023. We’re a magazine made for travel junkies, so it’s always been our goal to suggest clothing that is stylish, sure, but more importantly, a wardrobe that will complement your life and assist you on all of your adventures. You responded by loving a wide swath of our recommendations, from sturdy French chore jackets to the best-of-the-best delicate cashmere because, likely, life is varied that way, and we need items for all its undulations. Here, a small list of some of the style staples you really enjoyed in 2023 — we hope they can be by your side in 2024 too. — Alex Frank
Shop at Heschung
Heschung Iseran Boots
My feet have been cold since last November, except when I’m wearing these boots, from a company that has been handcrafting boots in the Northern Alsace region of France since 1934. Interestingly, Heschung became the official ski boot supplier for the French Olympic team in 1968 and again in 1972. When I learned that this Olympic ski boot was the archetype for the Iseran, I wasn’t surprised — Heschung is still utilizing the same reverse-welted stitching today. Not only does this ensure a sturdy boot, but it also makes them extremely water-resistant and fully serviceable. Also, now, I live in Paris(!), so I just walk and walk (because Paris). I’m averaging 2, maybe 2.5, miles a day, and the boots are a dream. — Jeremy Malman
Shop at Noah
Noah’s Pleated Jeans
What do you get when you mix the billowy nonchalance of skater-friendly style with the smart, grown-up structure of a chino? Noah’s Pleated Jeans make you feel cool and cultivated all at once. They come in three basic shades — indigo, light wash, and black — so you can match your pleats with almost anything in your closet. It’s the perfect style to go from day to night, to dress up or dress down, to wear on lazy weekends, or to go out for after-work cocktails. — Alex
Todd Snyder Tobacco Linen Whythe Suit
Soft-tailored suiting — seen here in a relaxed, ’80s-inspired silhouette — captures refined Italian sprezzatura. — Alex
Shop at John Elliott
John Elliott Cotton Cashmere Pullover
John Elliott has become a bedrock of sleek, straightforward menswear that always feels top-notch. The Los Angeles-based brand’s got great flannels, jeans, and T-shirts, but its cotton cashmere crew sweater, with a distinct fisherman rib, is really on the money. It’s one of those perfect wardrobe staples that is basic enough to be wearable anywhere but — in cut, color, and quality — special enough that you’ll always feel premium. — Jeremy
El Capitán Classic Fit Micro-Pique Polo with Hyper-Cool Jade
Ever since a friend talked me into doing a “sustainability audit” on my closet — a process by which you closely examine what you own, what you actually wear, and what those things are really made of — I’ve made a concerted effort to be more thoughtful about the clothes I buy and where, 100 years from now, said clothes might end up. This is why it was such a delight to discover HyperNatural. The sustainably minded clothing company uses 95% natural and biodegradable fibers in all of its garments and plastic-free packaging (including no polyester product tags or care labels in the clothes). HyperNatural also employs fair and ethical production standards, dyes all of their fabrics without harsh chemicals or heavy metals, and runs their factories with closed-loop recycled water systems. The company partners with 1% for the Planet — a global organization whose members contribute 1% of their revenue to environmental causes. My spring go-to from HyperNatural is the El Capitán polo, a shirt made from a butter-soft cotton blend that includes jade stone and crab shells. Not only is it incredibly comfortable, but the fabric is also cooling, odor-absorbing, and good for your skin. Clothes that make you look good and allow you to feel good about how you’re spending your money? A win-win, all around. — T. Cole Rachel
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Shop at Garmin
Garmin Marq Adventurer (Gen 2)
If you’re less of a survivalist but still hoping to climb every peak, Garmin’s Marq Adventurer (Gen 2), a touch-screen watch with preloaded maps and features that monitor blood oxygen, elevation, and gradient, might be the pick for you. — Alex
Officine Générale Chore Jacket
Let the chore coat do all the heavy lifting. The robust design of the French worker’s jacket is another perfect example of a hypertraditional piece that will take you effortlessly through all Parisian pursuits, from protesting by day to a before-dinner apéro in a cafe at night. Pro-tip: The unstructured silhouette of these can be a little tricky. Buy big and have it tailored.
— Jeremy
Shop at Saks
Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere Jersey Blazer
OK, so we can’t always hang around the house in luxury sweatpants and hoodies — sometimes, we actually have to show up for meetings. The Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere Jersey Blazer is the best of both worlds: fitted enough to wear to the office but soft and cushy enough that you’ll feel entirely unruffled while there. — Jeremy
Axel Arigato Dice Lo Sneaker
These will cost you less than a less interesting pair of sneakers that are manufactured in a notably less-transparent manner. There’s no reason for them not to be in your spring and summer rotation. — Jeremy
Shop at Vollebak
Vollebak Titan Puffer
If I could only wear one thing, ever, it would be anything made by the lunatics at Vollebak. Something I have really come to value at this stage of my life is an authentic, wholehearted commitment to the right stuff, and the Titan Puffer represents the further evolution of that commitment. The madness that caught my attention here is twofold: First, the jacket is designed to withstand temperatures as low as -148 degrees Fahrenheit. Second, the Titan Puffer is lined with the same NASA-designed parachute material used to land the Mars Perseverance rover. The full nerd kit includes matching pants and cap. — Jeremy
Our Contributors
Alex Frank Writer
Alex Frank is a contributing editor at Departures. Based in Manhattan, Frank previously worked at Vogue.com as deputy culture editor. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, GQ, Pitchfork, New York Magazine, Fantastic Man, and the Village Voice.
Jeremy Malman Writer
Jeremy Malman is a part-time journalist and full-time dad based in Brooklyn. His writing explores topics including motorsports, design, fitness, farming, and fatherhood — in other words, some conceptually comical notion of modern masculinity. He also really enjoys traveling.
T. Cole Rachel Editor-at-Large
T. Cole Rachel is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and teacher with over 20 years of experience working in print and digital media. He is currently an editor-at-large at Departures.
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