Sezane Review 2021: Winter Capsule Collection

I feel like I’m having a bit of a Sezane moment right now. In addition to ticking off a couple items on my seasonal wishlist from their Spring collection, I also recently purchased a handful of “basics” from their winter capsule. 

One thing I wanted to mention… While I try to take a slower approach when adding new items to my wardrobe, I find that Sezane pieces tend to sell out fast. Clearly they have a marketing strategy which works. So I’ll typically condense the consideration period by scrutinising their lookbooks in the days leading up to launch, add items to cart, think about it for half an hour (sometimes more), and then place my order. Usually I find myself rethinking more than half my initial wishlist. Plus free local returns for Australian shoppers, make me feel much more confident in purchasing. 

For those of you thinking of making your first Sezane order, or just curious about one of these items, I hope this review of both the items and shopping experience will be useful.

Sezane James Jumper

Wearing the Sezane James Jumper in size small

Starting with the first item; the Sezane James Jumper. This was one of the pieces which immediately caught my eye, and sold out before I had a chance to buy it. So second-time lucky, I made sure I didn’t dawdle. I feel like I go mad for stripes, and this felt so different to many other striped pieces already in my closet.

For one, it’s a super chunky cable knit. Then there are the matte tortoiseshell buttons with gold backing on the shoulder. Stunning. I also liked the fit, and was surprised when I checked the composition and noted that it is 100% merino wool (poly backing where the buttons lay). For anyone curious about the comfort, this gets a solid 10 out of 10. And it is super warm too. If you have sensitive skin this is one you can add to cart with confidence.

To me, it’s really the details that make this something special. One of those elevated basics I’m often talking about. I also spotted that it came in a sage/khaki green, which I think might be even more spectacular than the striped version…

Sezane Gatsby Mariniere

Wearing the Sezane Gatsby Mariniere in size small

I talk about elevated basics a lot. I mean a lot, a lot. When your outfits are as simple as mine, every little detail matters. It can change the silhouette, the vibe, the fit. And it’s why I tend to like items which are a little more special than their stock standard basic counterparts. And I know what you’re thinking… not another striped top. But, there were a few things that really drew me to this particular mariniere.

The Sezane Gatsby Mariniere has all the hallmarks of the Leontine jumper which I purchased last year, but feels far easier to wear. It’s a classic mariniere in ecru/navy. The elevated detail is the wide open boatneck, and the tortoiseshell buttons at the collar – almost like a henley. This is made from 100% organic cotton, but to me has something of a flax/cotton feel. The fabric doesn’t feel super smooth, there’s a slight coarseness. This actually gives the top structure and shape, particularly when wearing it tucked. I can’t say that I’ve found it to feel uncomfortable against my skin in any way.

Sezane Ronnie Jumper

Wearing the Sezane Ronnie Jumper in size extra-small

The item I was most excited to receive in my order, was this gorgeous “knitted” jumper. I was immediately taken by the scalloped square neckline; the de-bossed pattern all over; and the blouson sleeves – the latter of which I felt gave real balance given its otherwise slim silhouette.

While I would typically avoid anything with viscose in it, I was curious to see what the LENZING Ecovera viscose was like. To me, it feels like a silky smooth knit. It’s got some serious stretch to it, and I can already see that it’s one that will pull easily. Another thing to note is that there’s almost a “pointelle” element to the knit. This means that there are small patterned holes throughout the top, so you’ll want to wear a matching bra underneath – otherwise it can look a little funny.

It runs slightly on the large side so if in-between sizes I’d recommend going with the smaller of the two. I’m an AU6-8 (US2-4) and went with the extra-small.

Sezane Brut Sexy Eco-Friendly Jeans

Wearing the Sezane Brut Sexy Eco-Friendly Jeans in size 26

French girls always seem to make a cigarette jean look good. And while it’s not a style that I’ve felt has particularly worked for me in the past, I’ve really warmed up to slim/straight leg jeans since becoming a mum. I decided to add a pair of the “brut sexy” jeans to my cart to try them out once I spotted that they were made from 100% organic cotton. Just a worn of caution here – as shopping for denim is trying at the best of times – when denim is 100% cotton, it’s got zero give. The cut, the shape, the fit, it all needs to be perfect from the get go. 

And sadly, the fit of these just weren’t 100% right on me. I felt like I had a bit too much excess fabric in the seat/upper thigh, and area where you want your jeans to “hug” your figure. That said, the quality of them is really nice. The denim has a lovely hand feel. It’s mid-weight, and didn’t show my white knickers through the fabric. I also appreciate a good button fly (gives the jeans a vintage feel), even more so if it’s fully concealed. Sadly had to send these ones back, but if you have a similar body shape to the model, then you may find these work for you.

Sezane Gaby Bag

The final item I purchased as part of my order was the Sezane Gaby Bag. I don’t take bag purchases lightly; I have my favourites and tend to cycle through them on repeat. But… I’d been admiring this bag for over 12 months, and I thought that the raffia version looked really interesting.

Ultimately, another purchase I chose to return, primarily as I realised that in my heart of hearts, I would have preferred the leather. Notes on the raffia? A really good quality, doesn’t seem like the type to get significant wear in a short period of time – quite robust from that perspective. Loved the contrast leather straps. These have a really long shoulder drop so perfect for wearing over chunky knits/jackets. 

Aside from that the design details are fairly minimal. The interior is just one large compartment – not great if you’re the type who loses things, but perfect if you need the space (imagine this as a baby bag!!). There are two pockets on the front, the perfect size for the largest iPhone. And the shape is quite relaxed and floppy, something I imagine relaxing more over time.

Shopping at Sezane

One final thing I wanted to touch on was the shopping experience at Sezane.

#1 | Check the composition before adding to cart

This was my biggest folly the first time I shopped from Sezane. I was under the impression that it was a fully eco-conscious brand, and was surprised to find every item I purchased had some form of virgin polyester. My fault for not checking before adding to cart. Now, the first thing I do before buying anything is to take a quick squiz at the composition. Often, this will be a make or break purchase decision for me.

#2 | Every order comes heavily spritzed with Sezane perfume
I might have a pretty extensive perfume collection, but I’m also very particular. One thing I started to notice last year was that my orders were arriving and smelled fragranced. Almost like someone had worn my items out, returned them, and then it’d been sent on to me. You can probably tell my imagination was going wild the first time it happened to me as that’s not actually the case… Instead, each order is spritzed with Sezane’s EDP. And I have to say, I’m not a fan. I find the scent to be quite pungent and off-putting, so generally will air out my order before trying anything on.

#3 | Their imagery often makes it challenging to see how an item really fits

Hands up if you’ve bought something from Sezane only to find it arrived with a detail you weren’t expecting. It’s something that’s happened to me more than once, and has been a bit of a mixed bag. Usually the way I like to shop, is that I’m conscious of every little detail. Every flounce, button, glint, and trim. More often than not, I’ll find it’s something that affects the fit, and have to organise a return. As beautiful as their campaign imagery is, I do wish that they would simply shoot basic product imagery so you can get a real sense of the item. 

#4 | The returns process can be costly

Which brings me to my final point, around returns. Sezane recently began offering free returns within Australia, but prior to that, if you made a shopping mistake, you’d bear the brunt of the returns costs. Which in my experience, was often upwards of $70AUD. A costly mistake at that, right? From what I could see on the website, they offer free returns to the US, UK/EU and Australia at this time – I’d double check to be sure. If you have to return an item at your own cost, please make sure you pay for tracking.

They have the most disorganised customer service experience I’ve witnessed in all my years of shopping online, and will claim a parcel hasn’t been received at their warehouse (even if it has…), if you can’t provide a tracking number. And while it might cost more, it’s worth it for peace of mind. I’ve also found occasionally they’ll only refund part of your return, so you’ll need to follow up to get the full refund that’s due to you. 

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I hope that you found this updated Sezane review helpful, and I do just what to reinforce that this is just my opinion. If you’ve shopped at Sezane before, I would love if you could share your own experience down in the comments section below – both the good and the bad – so that we can all learn from our shared knowledge. Enjoy the rest of the week ahead! xx