Every season, Sezane draws me in. Those romantic colour palettes, effortlessly executed collections with subtle French flair, and chic tailoring. Even though many items read a little too romantic for me, there’s always something to appreciate and admire. And of course, the odd piece (or two, or three) that makes its way into my wardrobe.
In this post I’m sharing a close up look at the items I ended up adding to my wardrobe; aka the pieces that really landed for me (and why), along with anything that I’d change. You’ll also find sizing notes, remarks on fabric composition and structure, and garment measurements below too. Feel free to drop any other questions in the comments. Let’s dive right in…!
Sezane Ambra Cardigan
Wearing size T2
Quite possibly one of my favourite Sezane purchases to date… up there with the Gabano jacket (the Hector Coat looks like a seasonal refresh on this style, FYI). As a general rule of thumb, I avoid Sezane knitwear that is blended with polyamide. I’ve been burned a couple of times in the past and at the end of the day, my preference across the board is natural fibre knitwear. So I was beyond thrilled when I noted that this cardigan was a blend of super kid mohair and merino wool – the first time I’ve ever chanced upon this composition on their site. It immediately made it into my cart, though I will say the sizing gave me pause; T1, T2 and T3. I’m assuming this is something like XS/S, S/M and M/L, or maybe even S, M and L. Because I tend to size up for knitwear I took a chance and opted for T2; I prefer a slouchy fit for my sweaters, anyway. I think on reflection the T1 also would have been fine but I’m not disappointed by the size, it fits well for that slouchy, relaxed vibe. The yarn is super soft and fluffy, it feels light as a cloud and is not scratchy at all. Basically, this far exceeded my expectations. While it doesn’t have any buttons, you could easily use a brooch to fasten it shut, or even a rope belt at the waist.
It measures 63 cm underarm to underarm laid flat, and is 53cm long (note, it does seem to sit slightly higher at the back than at the front when worn).
Sezane Livie Babies
Wearing size US9
In part influenced by all the glowing reviews, last year I bought a pair of the Paula Babies. One of Sezane’s “icons”, and in person, it’s easy to see why. But in practice I found that I never reached for them, which I think was down to the really thick chunky block heel, and straps across the foot which added extra visual breaks into an outfit. I think, they just felt a little too fussy for me. What I wanted out of the Paula Babies, I could see in the Livie Babies. And I’m happy to report that my suspicions were right. I’ve gone on to wear these a considerable amount since buying them; being a slingback style they’re easy to slip on, and I adore the high shine element they add to an outfit. Surprisingly wide cut (perfect, as I have wider feet!), and have not had a single blister with these shoes. I like that the heel gives you a little bit of lift, but they feel approachable enough to wear as an every day flat. Low key hoping that these get released in more colours…
Fits true to size, I wear my usual US9.
Sezane Gloria Low Sandals
Wearing size US9
I’ve been quietly coveting these sandals since mid last year. So many times I added the pale blue or gold pairs to my cart, but never went through with the purchase as they broke one of my shopping rules; that if a shoe has an ankle strap, I won’t buy it. Clearly they’ve been living rent free in my mind for long enough, that I figured I should just go ahead and actually see so I can stop thinking about them. I was right that the ankle strap just doesn’t work for me, but I’m wondering if a simple adjustment at the cobbler will render them a solid workhorse for spring/summer – shortening the strap so they’re a slingback (see image on left for comparison). The leather on these is pretty firm so I do think they’re best for regular to narrow feet, though I am sure there will be some slight give. Overall, a beautiful sandal, and I love the vintage design of the strap across the toes.
Fits true to size; I’m wearing the US9.
Sezane Ancellin Trousers
Wearing size AU8/US4
What drew me to these trousers was the potential for them to be a solid wardrobe workhorse. Essentially a classic cotton chino, in a slightly untraditional hue; a cool toned, light walnut brown. The cotton has a brushed, sueded effect that gives them a soft touch on the hand. I had this inkling, when I ordered them, that I might be able to to a minor alteration to change up the look. Turned out my intuition was right. There’s a cuff at the ankle, which can create a visual break in your outfit or draw attention. You can carefully unpick the stitches either side to unfold the cuff for a full length pant. This makes these perfect for tall girls! The only thing I would change? The rise. They are a standard mid rise on me (FYI I have a longer torso for my height) so would likely read as a high rise for someone more petite or with a shorter torso comparatively. Fits true to size; if you have tried the Martin Crop Trousers these are roomier cut across the hip.
They measure 38cm across waistband laid flat, have a 28cm rise, and the inseam is 70cm (cuffed) or 74cm long (if you remove the stitches as I have).
Sezane Le Crop Jeans
Wearing size AU10/US6
Personally I think these are one of the most flattering denim styles Sezane has on offer. When I think of a high rise, it’s *this*. A much warmer brown compared to the Ancellin Trouser, these are the perfect colour match to the Ambra Cardigan I shared above. This is the second time I’ve ordered the Le Crop Jean from Sezane, and I learnt from my previous experience. They run a little on the smaller side, so if you’re in between sizes I would recommend going with the larger of the two. I wear a denim size 26 and I went up to the AU10. For context I’m widest across my hips and just felt like they were a little tight in the crotch in the AU8. The 10 does have a bit of room at the waist but they feel comfortable – nothing a good belt can’t fix!
These measure 35cm across waistband laid flat, have a 30.5cm rise, and 67cm inseam.
Sezane Josiana Dress
Wearing size AU8/US4
I’d been looking at a few different mini dresses in this silhouette, and what really pushed this one over the line for me was the colour. A lovely rich sienna hue; a bit of a departure from my usual safe bet of black or white for this sort of thing. The design is pretty simple; an a-line silhouette with spaghetti thin straps. Sadly, no pockets (that would make this dress *perfect*), and perhaps the one thing I really wish they’d taken care to do is a full lining. The dress has a partial lining at the bust, and while the linen is thick and fully opaque, I just think this would have finished it off nicely (especially for the price). Overall I am happy with it; it’s chic, and easy to style up or down depending. Also, there’s enough slack on the straps that you can let them down (if needed), or if you wanted to shorten them, it’s a pretty easy fix especially if you have a sewing machine or sewing kit handy. I stuck with my usual size; I could possible have gone down a size as I have a bit of room at the bust but I think that might have also impacted the length. If you are a larger cup size I would stick with your usual dress size to accommodate at the chest.
It measures 43cm laid flat across bust, and is 82cm long from the strap, or 63cm from bust line.
