Sezane is one of those brands that I can’t help but go back to time and time again, and over the years, I’ve collected – and tried – many of their designs. Rather than highlighting some of the brand’s more popular pieces that you’re probably all well familiar with, I wanted to hero five underrated items I’ve bought from Sezane.
#1 | Sezane Gabano Coat
Wearing size AU8/US4/FR36
When I originally stumbled across the Gabano jacket, the first thing I did was a quick Google search to see if I could find any reviews or pictures of people wearing this outside of the website. And you’d be hard pressed to find even a peep. Which in of itself, told me that if it was good, that it would be a serious hidden gem.
It actually didn’t really strike me as the type of item you’d typically find on Sezane’s website (I’d moreso expect this style from a brand like Shaina Mote), but after mulling it over for a few weeks, I decided to bite the bullet. I was particularly intrigued by the fabric composition – a cotton and jute blend – and figured that the longer length would work well for me.
The fabric is quite sturdy and robust in nature. Almost slightly stiff, but you can tell that with repeated wear that it’ll give in all the right places. It’s unlined, which combined with the fabric composition heightens that raw, organic textural context of the piece, and it’s surprisingly a nice layer that does add a decent amount of warmth (perfect outer layer for mild winter days here in Sydney).
Details are of course everything – something Sezane does so well. I love the look of the extended oversized cuff, and the dark brown tortoise buttons add in a nice element of contrast.
A great option if you’re someone with a longer torso, or are wider around the hips as it falls to a nice length. Fits true to size but if you’re petite I would recommend considering sizing down (I’m 172cm tall for reference). Hard to believe this is still available in all sizes!
#2 | Sezane Keyla Cardigan
Wearing size S
When I think of Sezane knitwear, there are three iconic sweaters that immediately come to mind; the Leontine, the Betty, and the Gaspard (totally overrated IMO). But one sweater I haven’t seen anybody talking about, is the Keyla Cardigan, which I have in the black. It’s a 100% organic cotton cardigan in a “fancy” pointelle knit with crochet trim along the collar and placket.
It’s feminine and pretty, understated, and despite the open knit work, it still feels quite modest as you don’t get this overt sense that skin is peeking through (worn with a black bra here). It has all the lovely hallmarks you expect from a Sezane piece, which is why I’m surprised I’ve not seen this one spoken about in a big way.
My personal tip for anyone shopping Sezane knitwear is to stick to their 100% natural fibre pieces. They always hit the mark in a way their polyamide blended knits never have, and I like that there’s no uncertainty about how they’ll launder.
Fits true to size for a relaxed fit.
#3 | Sezane Martina Heels
Wearing size US9
Next unsung hero from Sezane that I had to mention are the Martina Heels. And, I almost wonder if the reason why people aren’t talking about these is because on the surface they seem like a basic court shoe. But there’s one detail that make these a real winner for me.
The silhouette is classic; a squared off toe, with a chunky block heel that has a bit of curvature to it. But the defining feature is the ruching across the vamp. You can see in the pictures how this looks when the shoe isn’t being worn; it’s the detail that I especially appreciate as someone who has wide feet as I’m always on the lookout for shoes that will accommodate without feeling too tight. This little elasticated detail has quite a margin of give making it highly suitable for those with wider feet (or bunions).
I’ve worn these for work and not gotten a single blister, and the thick heel allows your weight to be distributed quite evenly when standing. There’s a small amount of cushioning in the shoe but no built in arch support. The leather is very soft, which I appreciate and adds to the comfort (though on the flip side, they are a little more prone to getting scratched up). I bought the lichen green as I love these sorts of murky, difficult to describe colours, but this style also comes in a classic black too.
Fits true to size; I’m an EU40 and am wearing the US9.
#4 | Sezane Large Alfred Cardholder
Sezane’s bags have quite the cult following (my personal fave is the Claude), but I never see anyone mentioning their small leather goods (which are frankly, just as beautiful). Even the experience of opening up one of their small accessories feels special – encased in a minimal structured box, with its own little dust bag.
The design of the Alfred Cardholder is minimal yet practical. Four card slots, with a long pocket behind the slots, in addition to a zip up pocket. A good option for those who like to carry just the bare essentials.
Given my experience with their leather goods, I’d recommend opting for a textured leather as they tend to be more robust and scratch resistant. I’ve got the black croco here which you can run your nails over and it still looks pristine! That said, their colour selection is always something else; soft, muted hues you’re not likely to find elsewhere.
#5 | Kiana Hair Accessory
Final Sezane piece that I feel is underrated is the Kiana Hair Accessory. I spent so long coveting this, as to me it’s such a perfect way to make a statement, that feels reasonably understated due to the nature of the piece. The flower is made from resin, and has this marbled effect to the colour which means that no two pieces will be identical – you can just imagine how beautiful this would be to have in your suitcase if you’re headed somewhere tropical on vacation.
The size of it is really generous, and it feels incredibly sturdy and robust (which you’d hope, given the price point!). It does now also come in a few other colours, including a phenomenal fire engine red which is especially striking. As an alternative, the Kiana also comes in earring form which I think is nice if you’d prefer to make more of a statement around your face.
The coat looks stunning! Love it.