There are few French brands that seem to have gotten under my skin quite like Sezane. Many of their pieces have gone on to be regular features in my weekly outfits, and there’s rarely a new collection launch that goes by where I don’t covet at least a handful of items. Which is funny, given my very first shopping experience was a bit of a disaster. At this point, I’ve probably tried close to 100 of their designs, so have become familiar with what to expect, and what I do (and don’t) like for my personal wardrobe.
So I thought it might be fun to run through the 10 best items to buy from Sezane right now. And truly, it was difficult to stop at just ten. Because after a decade, the brand has got a pretty good solid base of key styles at this point, so expect a handful of honourable mentions along the way.
PS. Side note, don’t forget that you can access their “archives” year round. This is a great place to take a peek or get a seasonal colour way at a gentle (aka reduced) price.
#1 | Sezane Leontine Sweater
It would be criminal to do a list of the best Sezane pieces to buy and not include the Leontine Sweater. You could count it as one of the brands most iconic knitwear pieces (aside from the Gaspard – which IMO, I’d give a miss).
This is 100% organic cotton, and comes in a number of different colour ways (if I were to get a second one, it’d be the navy with ecru stripe, no question!). There’s a small amount of synthetic on the ribbon backing of the placket (where the buttons are).
To me, it’s a good example of Sezane’s attention to detail at work. While it might be a classic design, the details feel modernised. The henley style with micro tortoiseshell buttons. A dainty juxtaposition to the rather relaxed, boxy nature of the silhouette. Blouson sleeves that add a bit of extra volume and look chic worn loose or pushed up the arms to maximise the effect.
What’s great about this is that you can throw it in the washing machine, lay/hang it to dry, and it looks and feels like new. The fabric does also soften up over time. To me, a total winner.
I’m wearing size S, and would say stick true to size for a relaxed fit. If you’re petite you may like to size down to reduce the amount of volume from the sweater.
#2 | Sezane Betty Cardigan
As far as their merino knit pieces go, the Betty Cardigan is my personal favourite. It’s again, another solid style from Sezane, evidenced by the fact that it keeps being released in new colours (with slightly elevated details).
The cardigan style makes it versatile; wear open like a little jacket. Wear it fully buttoned worn loose. Or top two buttons undone, tucked like a sweater.
There’s an elegance to the design, with the pointed collar, boxy fit quite commonly associated with those ladylike jackets, and the flat nature of the yarn.
I will say I do think that this is better for those with a short or regular length torso; mine is longer so I’m mindful about styling as it can cut me off awkwardly if I’m not careful.
I sized up to an M for a looser, boxier fit.
Honourable mentions go to the James Sweater; 100% merino cable knit sweater which is as warm as it looks. And the Titouan Cardigan; a 100% cotton cardigan which is so soft, and really easy to style.
#3 | Sezane Chlo Blouse
Sezane does a lot of beautiful, well cut blouses. But one stands out to me above all the rest. The Chlo Blouse (previously called the Chloe), which I’ve shared before as being one of my favourite pieces I’ve ever bought from the brand. This is 100% silk, so a little more elevated and special, it is the ideal work blouse. There’s a sense of femininity to the design, but also personality. Broderie trim around the neckline add a fashion moment, which has a slight Victoriana element when worn fully buttoned.
Again here we have another great example of attention to detail. As if the trim itself weren’t enough, the buttons are silk covered. To me, this extends the view that it’s a premium piece.
Perhaps my only complaint is that it’s dry clean only. High maintenance, so if that isn’t for you, I’d recommend looking at Sezane’s cotton shirts instead. Otherwise I love the fit, the way the collar drapes, the sheen of the washed silk.
I went with my usual size AU8/US4.
#4 | Sezane Marcelo Tank
One area in my closet where I’ll almost always consistently save in, are my basic tees and tanks. But curiosity got the better of me, and after much back and forth I decided to give the Marcelo Tank a try. And I’m glad I did as it lives up to the hype.
The racer cut is lovely, exposing more of the shoulder. The colour selection has both basics and some beautiful muted colours (along with the graphic b/w stripe I have). The cotton is organic, has some stretch, and despite being washed many, many times, still feels like new. I can’t say the same of some of the other, more expensive tanks I’ve ordered in the past.
All that for me says, if you’re planning to splurge on a cotton racer tank, then this is a good option. Far outranks the Conrad tee (which I’ve bought previously and it’s nice enough, but not as nice as the Marcelo).
Stick with your usual size. I’m wearing the size S here.
Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with these more affordable options: one | two | three
#5 | Sezane Martin Crop Trousers
For my petite girlies, these pants are for you. The Martin Crop Trousers. Another evergreen style on the Sezane website, and one you’re unlikely to need to get tailored. The inseam measures 68cm on these, and on my shorter legs (despite my height), fall to just above the ankle.
You’ll see the Martin Trouser often come out in seasonal colours (I loved the green tartan), so I decided to go with a playful option, this cinnamon gingham print. It’s a cotton and linen blend that feels robust and sturdy. Though that does mean that there is absolutely zero stretch.
Stick with your usual size – I’m wearing the AU8/US4 here. If you’re wider across the hips like I am, you may find the fit a little on the snug side.
Honourable mentions have to go to the Sandy Skirt; this is a classic slip skirt in a wrinkle resistant fabrication. If you’re after something silk (that’s affordable), I recommend this one from Quince (US only). But this cut is lovely, and I adore the ice blue I added to my wardrobe.
Also had to mention the Dila Skirt; a very pretty pleated midi length skirt which wraps across the body. This has so much wonderful movement!
On the topic of more feminine options, I of course can’t miss the Pippa Dress. A personal favourite – I adore the way it cinches across the waist and the side slit detail. Also washes extremely well.
#6 | Sezane Agnes Jacket
Blazers in general, are something that Sezane does well. Always well cut, and the lining adds to the premium feel. I’d been hunting around for an off-white evening jacket and the Agnes Jacket from the Editions Collection ticked all the boxes. I especially loved the sheen when light bounces off it.
Keep in mind that this one is acetate, though it has a silky appearance – the fabrication tends to differ depending on the colour way (and the season). So it’s worth checking the composition if you’re after a particular fabric (you’ll get wool in the winter, linen in the summer).
Across the board Sezane blazers tend to fit reasonably true to size. Often a bit boxier through the body, with a slim sleeve. Just the right blend of relaxed silhouettes with tailored elements.
I’m wearing the size AU8/US4 here which is a perfect fit. Have also tried the Michele Blazer, which is an equally lovely option and usually comes with matching trousers!
#7 | Sezane Scott Trench
If you want a really thorough review of the Scott Trench, my seventh pick, I recommend reading this review I shared a while back. My position still stands – this is a quality trench coat, in a very classic cut. Much more traditional in silhouette than the more oversized trenches which have been a la mode of late.
Thick, robust fabric, again featuring that beautiful lining to the interior. Large buttons that are sturdy and fit neatly into buttonholes. Pockets at the hip. A buttoned vent at the rear. All in all, this one is an easy yes if it’s been on your wishlist, and you want a trench which is knee length.
Personally, I love the khaki colour; a muted soft green with a bit of an ashy grey undertone. It feels interesting and unique – not a common option, yet a neutral just the same. The fabric is water resistant (not waterproof), which is fairly common for trench coats.
I sized up a full size to the AU10/US6 – would recommend the same if you’re a similar height to me (172cm), and are also mindful of wanting to layer knitwear underneath. For those who are petite, I’d recommend sticking with your usual size.
#8 | Sezane Claude Bag
Rounding out my list of the ten best items to buy from Sezane, I thought we could end with accessories. It’d be remiss to of course not feature one of my go-to bags, the Claude Bag. One I love for the size (practical, big enough for everyday), and the durability of the patent leather. I can literally scratch my nails back and forth, and not leave a single mark.
If you’ve been considering either the Claude or the Milo, I’d recommend the textured leathers if you want something that feels robust and will be more durable. Sezane’s smooth leathers are beautiful but do tend to feel a little precious as they’re more prone to marking up.
One of my personal favourite details is the adjustable strap, which can be set at one of three lengths. The snap fastening is secure and sturdy, in addition to being easy to change.
Only sign of wear on mine is to the clasp, which has a few hairpin scratches to it.
#9 | Sezane Vicky Loafers
For my wide feet girlies, these are for you. Sezane’s Vicky Loafers are a supple leather, cut wider across the foot than any other shoe I’ve tried from the brand. Comfortable from the get go, no breaking in period required.
I love the vintage elements; the way the stitching is puckered around the toe, and the aged gold chain across the vamp. There’s some minor support to the insole, and a low heel which gives you a little bit of a boost.
They’ve worn well too. No scratches to the leather that I have noticed, and it’s just gotten softer and softer with time.
Stick with your usual size – I wear an EU40 and went with UK7/US9. If you have narrow feet, you may want to give these a miss.
#10 | Sezane Paula Babies
Wrapping things up with Sezane’s most iconic pair of shoes; the Paula Babies. These are so popular, that they’re often sold out. In all colours. So I was pretty quick to add the black patent pair to cart when I saw they’d been restocked (personally also love the burgundy/wine hue, as well as the metallics!).
These have a rounded toe, sturdy block heel, and adjustable straps across the foot and at the heel – meaning you can customise to your perfect fit. The heel height isn’t so high that they feel uncomfortable standing in for prolonged periods, and just like with the loafers, there’s a little bit of cushion to the insole.
I found that the Paula does fit a little on the smaller side, for those with wide feet at least. I sized up a full size to the US10/UK8, this allowed more girth across the foot to accommodate and the adjustable strap at the heel meant I could easily tighten them as needed for a secure fit.
And that’s a wrap; the ten best items to buy at Sezane right now (along with a few honourable mentions I couldn’t resist). Any pieces you think I missed?
PS. If you want extra sizing advice or measurements, drop me a comment and I’ll do my best to get back to you! x
