Sézane Essentials: What to Buy from this Popular French Fashion Brand

I’ve been a fan of Sézane for a couple of years now and usually pick up a few items every season. So it goes without saying that I’ve got quite a few pieces in my collection! If you are curious about how their staple pieces fit, I’ve rounded up several Sézane Essentials below!

And before you order, check out:

This post contains EVERYTHING you need to know about shopping at Sézane, including sizing info, fabric info, tips for ordering, where to shop, and more!

About Sézane

Sézane was founded in France in 2013 by Morgan Sézalory, inspired by her love of vintage clothing. The idea behind Sézane is to create high-quality, luxury pieces that last a lifetime, available at a fair price. They are also committed to transparency and ethical production at their ateliers. Sézane is also working towards more sustainable practices and materials, such as increasing the amount of eco-friendly materials in their clothes, reducing the amount of packaging, and implementing recycling initiatives.

Sézane Essentials

Most of the items I’m featuring below are part of the Sézane Essentials Collection, which is now called ‘Best Sellers‘. These are pieces that make up an iconic French Wardrobe and are usually brought back every year as a part of the Sézane core collection. The Sézane Essentials used to only be a couple of core pieces – more like a capsule collection. Now their essentials collection spans 11 categories with several styles in each category (which makes it kind of impossible to have every piece in your closet). But since I’ve been purchasing from Sézane for quite a while, I have a good amount of pieces from the Top 30 collection. Below, I’m sharing what I own from Sézane’s current Essentials Collection and what to buy from this popular French brand!

My measurements for reference: 34-28-38, 30D, 130lbs, 5’8″

Knitwear

Gaspard Cardigan

The Gaspard Cardigan is probably their most popular sweater and can be worn as a cardigan. Not only that, but it can be worn forwards or backwards, making this a very versatile piece. It comes in a variety of colors, but I love the neutral shades: off-white, grey, and camel. It’s made of a mix of mohair, alpaca, and polyamide, giving it a slightly fuzzy texture.  (A lot of their knitwear has a similar feel – it’s slightly fuzzy due to the mohair and also a bit stretchy.)  I’m wearing size small, which is my usual size.

2026 Update – The Gaspard now comes in a Cropped Version, which I think is great! Sometimes I feel like the Gaspard is a little too long when I wear it over a dress. I have a feeling the cropped version would be perfect! It’s definitely on my list of pieces to pick up next.

Betty Cardigan

The Betty Cardigan is another popular Sézane item that is a year-round staple. It’s made from 100% merino wool and is not itchy at all, in my opinion. I can wear it by itself or as a cardigan. Even though it’s knit, it’s light enough to work in the spring, too! The Betty is available in TONS of colors; some even have extra details like crocheting.

I originally bought the Betty in size small (seen below), but since then, I’ve gained weight and it’s started to feel too small. I bought another one in size Medium, and it’s a much better fit. I would suggest sizing up if you are between sizes or want a slightly longer fit, since it is slightly cropped.

Angie Cardigan

The Angie Cardigan is a fancy knit made from kid mohair, wool, and polyamide. I love the feminine details – the crochet on the placket and neckline, and the openwork knit on the front. Because of the mohair, it does have a fuzzy appearance and is itchy. I took a size small, which is my usual size. I tend to wear it as a sweater, but it does have buttons all the way down the front if you want to wear it open.

Amiel Jumper

My favorite sweater from Sézane is the Amiel Jumper. I love it so much that I have four in different colors! This sweater is on my Essentials list because it’s just so soft and cozy. It’s made mostly from baby alpaca, with polyamide and elastane mixed in. While I usually suggest investing in 100% natural fiber sweaters, I’ve made an exception for this one because it’s fuzzy and plush without being itchy.

Sizing on Sézane’s website says to size down if you are between sizes; however, I would suggest taking your usual size or even sizing up. I think this sweater should be oversized for maximum coziness! I take a size Medium in the Amiel, which is my larger size in tops.

Samuel Jumper

The Samuel Jumper is a lovely sweater to have if you like layering. It’s made mostly from baby alpaca and merino wool, with some polyamide mixed in. The feel is similar to the Amiel Jumper, just not as plush. Sézane keeps releasing the Samuel Jumper in different colors, so there are lots of options! I went with the vanilla shade because I thought it would be the most versatile. Sézane likes to style the Samuel Jumper without an undershirt, but I don’t think that’s practical for this sweater. I found the arm holes to be rather big so my bra is definitely exposed.

I do think the Samuel Jumper runs large. I’m wearing size small, but I feel like the XS would have fit better. I would have preferred the shoulder not hit as low on my arm, and it still feels a little big even with a layer underneath.

Léontine Jumper

The Léontine Jumper is a 100% cotton sweater with small buttons down the front. This is one of my favorite year-round sweaters. Since it’s cotton, I can wear it on cooler spring/summer days and nights. I also like the weight of this sweater and how it lies. I’m wearing size small, and I think it runs TTS, but I would size up if you want more length on the arms and body because I feel like it shrinks a little after you wash it. I love it so much, I bought it in navy stripe too – this time in a size Medium.

Trenches + Parkas

Scott Trench Coat

Everyone needs a classic trench coat, and the Scott Trench is the perfect addition to any closet. I love that it’s a classic design with unique details that set it apart from other trench coats. It’s made from 100% organic cotton, lined, and water repellent. It also has a back slit with buttons, which I think is a cool detail.

I’m wearing size 4, which is my usual size. I would say it runs TTS , but if I were to buy it again, I would size up to a 6. That would give it a more relaxed vibe and be more comfortable when I’m wearing thicker sweaters.

HUGO PARKA

The Hugo Parka is a hooded parka made from 100% water-repellant cotton. I like the oversized fit and inner drawstring waist. It also has wide sleeves with buttons that allow you to roll them up and secure them with another button. But my favorite thing about this parka is the checked lining, which is similar to the lining on their popular Clyde Trench. I’m wearing size 4, which is perfectly oversized.

CLYDE TRENCH

The Clyde Trench is probably Sezane’s most popular trench style. It is a simple, oversized trench style with a classic collar, slanted side pockets, and a button closure down the front. And, of course, it has that popular check lining! This is a no-frills, comfortable trench, and I find myself reaching for it a lot.

I’m wearing size 4, and it fits nicely. Since it is oversized, you can get away with taking your smaller size. If you want that oversized trench look, take your usual size or your larger size. Another thing to be aware of is the fabric composition. The color I’m wearing (Camel) is 100% cotton, but some of the colors are a blend of cotton and viscose. Personally, I would go with a 100% cotton color.

Shirts

Tomboy Shirt

Everyone needs a classic button-up shirt in their wardrobe, and the Tomboy is Sézane’s laid-back take on it. The Tomboy is a relaxed button-up with feminine-masculine vibes. It’s available in A LOT of patterns, colors, and materials. I now have several Tomboy shirts in my collection. I find they are great for layering under sweaters. I take my larger size (6) because I like a more relaxed fit, and the sleeves aren’t as tight.

You can also get the Tomboy Shirt embroidered for free! Mine says “Mum of Boys” above! Occasionally, Sézane will offer FREE embroidering on some of their pieces. The Tomboy Shirt, Colette, Will Jacket, and more are eligible!

Max Shirt

Sézane now offers an oversized button-down shirt called the Max Shirt. I’m so happy they did because I’ve wanted a more oversized button-down. Technically, you could size up several sizes in the Tomboy, but you still wouldn’t achieve the same fit as the Max Shirt. So I think it’s definitely worth trying the Max if you want that effortlessly cool, oversized look.

I suggest taking your usual size in the Max shirt, and not sizing down, even though it is oversized. I take my larger size (6) now because I want that really oversized shirt look. I’m wearing size 4 in the photos below.

Bilma Shirt

The Bilma Shirt is a 100% cotton poplin shirt with an oversized cut and wide cuffs with a three-button detail. The wide cuffs give this shirt an undone vibe that looks oh-so-cool. The Bilma does come in other colors/patterns, but I really like the all-white version. I’m wearing size 4, which is perfectly oversized.

Chlo Shirt

The Chlo Shirt is a long-sleeved shirt with a high collar and embroidery on the placket and neck. I love the embroidery details and the scalloped hem – it’s just such a pretty top! Many of the Chlo shirts are made from 100% silk, like the one I’m wearing below. But there are many different fabrics and prints available as well. I would opt for the 100% silk options since they are only $5 more than the cotton versions. I’m wearing size 4, but I would take your larger size if in-between sizes.

Mariniéres

Colette Mariniere

A striped shirt is a French classic, and the Colette Mariniere is the perfect year-round striped shirt. What I love about the Colette top is that it’s 100% organic cotton, but it has a weight to it. It’s not quite a t-shirt and not quite a sweater. Usually, my striped tees end up looking a little worn out after a while. But because the Colette top is a thick cotton, it always looks nice. I also love the button detail on the shoulder. It’s a cute update to the classic striped tee.

I’m wearing a small size, which is my usual size. But since these photos, I’ve gained a little weight, and now I’m between a size 4 and 6. So, as of right now, size small is too tight for me. I would have to size up to a medium. Personally, I think you should size up anyway – especially if you want to layer shirts underneath.

Coats

Jefferson Coat

I was looking for a long, oversized wool coat and eventually decided on the Jefferson. I feel like this coat doesn’t get enough love because I think it’s the best wool coat they offer right now. It’s made from 100% Virgin wool, which is stronger and more durable than recycled wool. It also features a lining and traditional details, such as a classic collar and double-breasted buttons.

Johnson Coat

The Johnson Coat is a chic, double-breasted, mid-length coat. I really like the tailoring of this coat. I usually wear the Johnson Coat with my fancier outfits. It’s a classic that never goes out of style. I’m wearing a size 4, but I wish I had taken a size 6 because the sleeves feel a little tight – I can’t wear heavy sweaters underneath. Also, be aware that each color variation of this coat can be made up of different materials. The one I’m wearing is 100% wool, but others are a mix of wool and polyamide.

Will Jacket

Will Jacket in Denim + Suede

This denim jacket is definitely a staple piece. It’s a light jacket or overshirt that comes in a variety of fabrics – from denim to suede to linen. But what I love about it is the cut. It just sits so nicely on the body. The length is really great too – not too long and not too short. The Will jacket is released every year in a variety of colors and fabrics and always sells out pretty fast. I do have the Indigo Blue denim Will Jacket, but I prefer the suede one I just picked up! I have the Will in size 4, but if you are looking for a more relaxed fit, I would size up.

Tote Bags

Mara Bag

The Mara Bag is a structured leather tote bag with minimal details. I love its shape and get many compliments when wearing it. The smooth leather is also gorgeous. The Mara Bag fits a lot inside; however, because of its bottom, it is not really laptop-friendly. There are also no pockets inside, so organizing things gets a little tricky. The sliding straps look nice, but they aren’t adjustable and can only be worn over the shoulder. Despite these “downsides,” I still love the look of this bag and use it often.

Iconic Bags

Milo Classic Bag

The Milo Classic Bag is an update to their original Milo Bag. This iteration includes a brass clasp instead of a toggle. I think the update makes it really chic and timeless. I also think the size is great – not too big and not too small. It also has plenty of compartments – a large inner compartment and two smaller ones. There’s a zipper pocket and a patch pocket inside as well. The Milo Classic comes in several leather options, and now you can get the Milo in mini sizes!

Claude Bag

The Claude Bag is similar to the Milo Bag, except it’s a half-moon shape. It’s also smaller, and with the curved bottom, I find it a little harder to fit everything in it. The Claude Bag does come in a ton of fun colors, and that’s what always tempts me to get another one!

If you want to take a deeper dive into Sézane Bags, I have a whole blog post and YouTube Video reviewing my entire Sézane Bag collection!

Basket Bags

Justine Basket

The Justine Basket is a woven raffia bag with interesting leather details. I love that it has short handles to carry it by hand and long straps to wear over your shoulder. The interior has an attached drawstring pouch so you can keep all of your items secure! The Justine Basket comes in a variety of sizes and colors/designs. I have the regular size Justine in deep natural navy raffia and the Mini Justine in natural raffia. As far as bang-for-you-buck, I think the regular size Justine is more worth it. The Mini Justine is almost the same price but a lot smaller. And the large Justine Basket is almost $400, and there are other large Sézane basket bags that are less expensive.

Mary Janes

Paula Babies

The Paula Babies are a staple style from Sézane. They are slingback Mary Janes with a comfortable 2″ heel height. The Paula Babies come in many colors, which is why you’ll find Sezane fans with several pairs in their closets. I have them in patent black and patent camel. I’m wearing size 9, which is my larger size. I find they do run a bit small and might be better suited for regular or narrow feet.

Tailoring

Martin Crop Trousers

The Martin Crop Trousers are a 7/8th length, high-waisted trouser with a slightly flared leg. You’ll find they come in more colors, prints, and fabric compositions. The pair I’m wearing is linen/cotton. I’ve found they run small, so I had to size up one size to a size 8.

Skirts

Malia Skirt

The Malia Skirt is a straight-cut mini skirt that I find really flattering. The Malia does come in several patterns and materials, but I prefer their wool version. At 5’8″, I don’t find the skirt to be too short either. And if you take your larger size, the skirt will sit a little lower on your waist, so it doesn’t feel as short. I have the Malia skirt in sizes 6 and 8 because my weight has been fluctuating and sometimes size 6 feels a little tight.

Sézane Essentials YouTube Try-On

You can see some of these pieces in action on my YouTube channel!

I hope you enjoyed this Sézane Essentials Review! You can find even more Séane reviews and outfit ideas HERE!