Sezane summer review: Testing the French-girl favourite brand
What I kept and what I returned
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Over the past few years, I’ve been trying to branch out past my fashion comfort zone of graphic tees and jeans, to a more “grown-up” wardrobe (whatever that means). One of my favourite brands to find such wardrobe classics is Sézane, the French brand known for its chic yet sustainable clothing and accessories.
Founded by Morgane Sezalory in 2013, Sézane was the first French label to be sold exclusively online. The brand has since opened several brick-and-mortar locations across Europe and the U.S., with the occasional Canadian pop-up thrown in for good measure.
As a B Corp certified company, the brand prides itself on the use of eco-friendly materials – 75 per cent of its collections are certified for sustainably-produced cotton, wool, mohair and more. More than two-thirds of items are made in Europe, with leather goods made in Italy, Spain and Portugal, while many suits, coats and blouses are manufactured in Eastern Europe.
To see how some of Sézane’s summer basics stack up, I tried six popular styles and ranked them in order from most to least favourite. A word to the wise: Sézane creates limited runs of its seasonal styles to limit excess production, so if you see something you love it’s best to snag it before it sells out.
Ranking my favourite Sézane styles
Details on my Sézane rankings
Max Shirt
Why it’s my favourite: I’m a sucker for an oversized button-up, and the Max is just about the most perfect one I’ve come across. It’s roomy without looking sloppy and made from 100 per cent organic cotton.
My favourite part about this shirt is that it’s made from a thicker, Oxford woven cotton so it feels more substantial than other button-ups I’ve tried. You also don’t need to size up to get the oversized look, so stick to your regular size. I’m wearing my usual size 4, and could even get away with a size down for a slimmer fit.
Price: $180
Material: 100% organic cotton
Made in: Portugal
Sizes: 0 – 16
Rating: 10/10
Sandy Skirt
Why it’s my second favourite: If you remember the great leopard midi skirt craze from a few years back, the Sandy Skirt in this red rose pattern feels like an updated take on the trend. It’s perfect to dress up or down, like I did by pairing it with a denim jacket and sneakers.
I’m only 5’3” and I found that this skirt hit the perfect mid-calf length. It’s also lightweight and breathable but does require some special attention – wash in cold water and lay flat to dry to keep it looking its best.
Price: $210
Material: 100% viscose
Made in: Bulgaria
Sizes: 2 – 14/0 – 16 depending on colour
Rating: 9/10
Grant T-Shirt
Why it’s my third favourite: Buttons down the front make this tee look more special than just a basic black shirt. The square neckline is also a pretty (and bra-friendly!) detail. Pair it with just about anything in your closet – this is a versatile top that looks great tucked into jeans or skirts. Just be sure to size up if you’re between sizes as it has a figure-hugging fit similar to a bodysuit.
Price: $110
Material: 97% organic cotton, 3% elastane
Made in: Portugal
Sizes: XS – XXL
Rating: 8.5/10
Rome Shorts
Why they’re my fourth favourite: If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for a dressier alternative to denim shorts, add this style to your shopping list. The Rome Shorts are unique in that they offer the tailored look of trousers but in a warm weather-friendly cut. Thanks to the high-waisted, flared silhouette, this style is a great choice for those who carry more weight through the hips and thighs. Plus, they come with a chic removable belt to cinch your waist.
Price: $185
Material: Main fabric: 90% cotton, 10% polyamide; pocket lining: 80% polyester, 20% cotton (percentages are for the ecru colourway; other colours may have different compositions)
Made in: Bulgaria
Sizes: 0 – 16
Rating: 8/10
Diane Espadrilles
Why they’re my fifth favourite: Ever since spotting Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle wearing espadrilles a few years back, I’ve been inspired to dabble in the classic footwear style. They’re a more comfortable alternative to heeled sandals in the summer, and can easily be worn for daytime or evening events.
The V-shaped cut on the vamp of the Diane Espadrilles is my favourite detail about these shoes. They’re just a little higher than I expected them to be, with a 9 cm/3.5 in heel height.
Price: $180
Material: Pin: 100% cotton; Internal sole/lining: 100% vegetable-tanned smooth sheep leather; external sole: 100% rubber; heel material: 100% straw/rope
Made in: Spain
Sizes: 5 – 11
Rating: 8/10
Pippa Short Dress
Why it’s my sixth favourite: Don’t get me wrong – this stretchy mini dress is adorable. However, it’s quite pricey for what is essentially just a cotton T-shirt dress. Yes, it’s made with organic cotton, so it feels great and you can also feel good about the materials being better for the planet. However, at $210 you’d have to be pretty certain that you absolutely love this dress to keep it. Sadly, I was only on the fence so it ended up being a return for me.
Price: $210
Material: 94% organic cotton, 6% elastane
Made in: Portugal
Sizes: XS – XXL/XXS – XXXL, depending on colour
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