I recently discovered a French brand that you’ll go nuts over: Sézane.
Before I dive into my full Sezane clothing review, I’d like to introduce you to a new series: That Charming Brand. This series will happen once a month, and is all about highlighting amazing brands that have one major thing in common: Sustainability.
As a lover of all things embracing style, but I know many of you are like me and question what effect fast fashion has on the environment. I’m trying to be better in what small, every day ways I can — a focus on quality over quantity, pieces that embrace style over trends to make my purchases matter more, and supporting brands who are making efforts toward driving change. This series is a little way to help champion brands who are making a difference, and with that, I’m proud to kick this off with one of my personal favorite french-style brands, Sézane!
Sezane Clothing Review
What Is Sézane All About?
Sezane clothing is for anyone looking for that certain French je na sais quoi in their wardrobe. High quality, perfectly curated styles that will last season after season; ones that fit and wear as well as they’re made. Each piece has that indescribable flare of Parisian style that is stylish yet has a level of ease about it. It’s effortless beauty; one that shines loudest because of its simplicity.
Sezane is fully sold online, which allows for them to invest in quality without the crazy high designer cost. Mind you, objectively speaking from a totally normal person like myself, pieces are still an investment. But they’re ones you’ll buy once and won’t need to buy again. As the French are know to do, Sezane has items that will help to curate a genuinely classic, head-turning wardrobe that you’ll feel great in. Tres chic!
One favorite I currently own is their Sarina Jacket, which is a tuxedo-style blazer that can be mixed and matched with just about anything. It’s well made, and the type of item that is as relevant now as it will be in 10 years. In terms of styling, I’ve worn it with a simple jeans-and-white-T outfit, with a flowy dress, and with all black items for a more professional look. It’s versatile and fits like a glove!
I also own their Gaspard Jumper, which is honestly one of my favorite wardrobe items. I love to wear the buttons down the back, which makes for an unexpected twist to this classic cardigan. This is the type of item you can wear year-round, in so many ways, and it never ceases to impress!
Pictured above is the Sezane Gaspard Jumper, which is a timeless knit that can be paired with pretty much anything!
Who Is Sézane For?
Women who, like me, love a fabulous French twist. Sezane pieces have that effortless, Parisian look that is famously hard to describe and ever-coveted. It’s also for those who want to support brands making efforts toward ethics and sustainability! See more about this below.
Sézane Sustainability + Applause-Worthy Efforts
The more I researched Sezane’s efforts toward sustainability, the more impressed I was with what they’re doing. The brand truly is practicing what they preach! Here are a few nods toward their efforts:
Lean production model and responsible stock volumes.
While this does mean that items can go fast on their site (buy quick if you like something!), it also means that there’s less waste on their end!
Transparency about where items are made.
2/3 are produced in Europe, the rest in places like India or Italy depending on the needs, but all are from modern workshops that guarantee the best working conditions for employees.
Continually evolving to include more innovative and eco-friendly methods and materials to create pieces, and they have made big efforts toward sustainability.
Here are some highlights.
- Responsible production model. They don’t produce crazy high volumes, and no item goes left unsold. Twice a year they release their Archives which includes pieces made from left-over fabrics and leathers. No intermediaries or distributors means their prices are accessible and margins below the industry average.
- Vegetable Tanning. One-third of their leather goods are produced using vegetable tanning methods, which is less polluting than traditional tanning. They aimed to increase this three-quarters by the end of 2019!
- Recycling Efforts. More than 10,000 pieces of clothing have gone on to live a second life as a result of their regular recycling campaigns.
- Eco-friendly materials. They’ve significantly increased the proportion of environmentally friendly materials, from 10% in the Autumn-Winter 2018 collection, to 40% for the same collection in 2019. By environmentally-friendly materials, they mean those with a truly minimal environmental impact, i.e. organic cotton, recycled polyester, linen, lyocell as well as certified materials.
- Reduction of Packaging. All their cardboard box manufacturing has been switched to cardboard made from recycled and/or from sustainably managed forests certified fibres.
Just released an eco-friendly denim line
And in the next 12 months, they’re going to be releasing a line made of 100% eco-friendly materials.
There’s a lot more information on their website that you can check out here, but I thought the above was pretty exceptional, especially in a world where brands are commonly turning a blind eye to the importance of their sustainability efforts.
Favorite Sezane Clothing Staples To Shop Now
Alright, now that we’re all on board the Sezane clothing train, let’s get shopping! All the items they make are swoon-worthy, but here are 10 items that I’ve really fallen in love with and have my eye on. These would make timeless additions to the wardrobes of fellow Parisian-lovers like me! Be sure to also swing by their “French Heroes” roundup to check out more suggestions.
Tomboy Shirt
Every woman needs one of these in her closet. No matter what your personal style, this shirt just works. Layer it, wear it on its own, roll it, let it hang loose. The perfect mix of feminine and masculine!
Sarina Jacket
This is the item from Sezane I currently own, and can’t recommend it enough! It’s one of those items where you’ll buy once and have for years and years. I love how versatile it is — looks great dressed down or up, layered with dresses or over simple tops. A wardrobe must!
Denim Pants
Denim in any wardrobe is a must, no?! Perhaps that’s the American girl in me speaking, but I’ve got a feeling that since Sezane is very into denim as well, that’s just a universal truth! Their denim is – you guessed it – a sustainable option and there are lots of darling fits.
Zig Jacket
A leather biker jacket that comes in brown or black. Effortlessly cool. Great for year-around wear!
Gaspard Jumper
Made from timeless knit, this is a perfect pick season after season. It pairs perfectly with everything from jeans to skirts. One of my all-time favorite items in my closet, Ever. (That’s saying a LOT, trust me!)
Conrad T-Shirt
A simple T-shirt, with a chic twist. An effortlessly cool piece made from 100% cotton.
Paloma Top
I have the Paloma Top, and it’s another one that can be worn with so many things! Over the summer I wore it on it’s own, and in cooler months I wear it under a cardigan. Either way, this silk top is absolutely lovely – the embroidery is perfection!
Classic Dresses
Whenever Sezane comes out with a new line for a new season, I go straight to their dresses. Every time, I fall in love with their designs, fabrics, and feminine silhouettes. So chic!
Now that you’ve had a proper introduction, are you as much of a Sezane clothing fan as I am? What items are you loving right now? Any other great French brands that you love? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
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