We Think These Are the 12 Best Sézane Pieces for Classic French Style

When it comes to authentic French brands, Sézane might just be one of our favorites here at MCO. This Parisian-founded company has only been around since 2013, but since then, they’ve developed a collection of French essentials that truly embody the classic, cool girl vibe of a Parisian woman. And not only that, they also periodically release limited new collections every season that offer fresh inspiration for that time of year. These releases always get a lot of buzz online, but what we’re truly in love with is their tried-and-true classics – the pieces that French girls actually wear, and that we love incorporating into our French-inspired outfits, too. These are the 12 pieces that we actually own, wear, and love!

1. Barry Cardigan

Cassie: The Barry Cardigan is a classic knit, and one of the most well-known Sézane staples. It comes in a number of colorways, whether you love a bright pop of color or something a little more neutral. It’s very similar in style to the Gaspard cardigan, which we’ll be covering in a bit! The main difference between the two is the neckline – the Barry has a v-neck rather than a rounded one like the Gaspard.

I purchased the Barry in a Size 2 – for reference, I’m usually between a Size 2 and 4. Sézane also recommends sizing down if you’re between sizes because of the slightly boxy shape. What I like about this piece is that it’s rather long, so it’s easy to tuck into high-waisted jeans. You can layer it over a t-shirt if you’d like, but I usually prefer to wear it on its own as a top. It’s also reversible – so if you like a low back, the v-neck can be turned around and you can have more of a boatneck fit in the front.

There’s just something about Sézane’s classic knits that feels special. I may be a self-described sweater addict, but I would still gravitate towards their knitwear above most of my other pieces. From the silhouettes to the brilliant colors to the quality construction, the Barry is a sweater I pick up to wear again and again.

PIN IT

2. Bobby Jacket

Carolyn: French girls love their trench coats, and Sézane has a great selection of coats that still feel unique, despite being classic wardrobe staples. The Bobby Jacket (wearing a size 2) is Sézane’s version of a cropped trench, which is perfect for transitional weather or warm falls when you need a light layer and nothing too heavy.

But what makes it stand out (and what I love the most) is the plaid interior lining! It’s a small detail, but it really sets this jacket apart from other brands. When you cuff the sleeves or leave the jacket open, you get the hint of plaid that makes this style feel all the more interesting – not to mention it’s perfect for English countryside fashion vibes!

PIN IT

3. Othello Cardigan

Cassie: This is probably no surprise, but there’s another classic knit that makes the list of our favorite Sézane pieces. The Othello cardigan is a fan-favorite that’s known for its softness – if you have any fabric sensitivity to wool, the Othello might be your best bet! The Othello is made with baby alpaca hair, which means it comes from the undercoat of an adult alpaca (never fear, no baby alpacas received a haircut for this sweater). It’s softer and finer than regular alpaca hair and wool blends, so it’s generally better for sensitive skin.

Compared to the Barry and Gaspard, this is a thicker style of crewneck cardigan. It also comes in a few colorways – in full honesty, I do have the Olive color in my cart right now! I already own it in gray, but it’s just that good that I would love to invest in a second color. It’s soft, just the right amount of chunky, and looks great tucked in or left out over jeans, trousers, and skirts. For this style, I went with a small instead of sizing down, which is the ideal, slightly relaxed fit for me.

PIN IT

4. Gaspard Cardigan

Carolyn: The Gaspard cardigan probably makes the list of Sézane’s top 5 most popular pieces. Their iconic knitwear comes in a wide range of colors and has mother-of-pearl buttons, a slightly boxy shape, and a rounded neckline. It’s easy to tuck in, toss over your shoulders, or wear as a top. Plus, just like the Barry, it can be turned around if you’d like to wear the buttons in the back.

This is another piece from Sézane that just feels special (whether you get a neutral like beige or a pop of color like red). It’s relatively lightweight, but it does still offer plenty of warmth. It’s the perfect piece to wear for transitional weather, and it’s easy to tie around your shoulders for a Parisian look if you get too warm.

Plus, thanks to its lightweight material, it can be worn as a top tucked into pants or jeans too – another French girl-approved way of wearing a cardigan. It feels very well-made for the price, and only has a small itch factor for sensitive skin. This is always up to personal preference, though, so you might just have to try it for yourself! I’m wearing XS in the beige and S in the red, and both sizes work for wearing alone or layering.

PIN IT

PIN IT

5. Loriane Top

Cassie: Now, moving on to something better suited for warm weather! This was a surprise find for me – I didn’t expect to end up wearing it as much as I have, but it’s been one of my most-worn pieces this spring and summer. The Loriane top (I have the Lanzarote print in XS) is light, easy, and made of a 50/50 organic cotton and linen blend. In the heat of the Midwest summer, I found myself reaching for this top again and again.

It has a slightly cropped length, so I usually wear it with high-waisted bottoms. I’ve styled it with a long white skirt, denim shorts, a mini skirt, and white jeans – and loved every look. It might seem simple, but the fit and fabric of this top make it a great piece to throw on and go.

PIN IT

6. Andrea Loafers

Carolyn: The Andrea loafers in leopard print are the perfect style to incorporate pattern into an outfit – and the best part is, you can wear them all year long for a polished, preppy look. These loafers run true to size, so no need to second-guess which ones to order. They have a cushion in them that makes them comfortable for going about your day, but perhaps not best for long distances. (I learned the hard way, trying to walk around the city in these shoes for the first time!)

If you want to spice up your work outfits, these loafers look great with black trousers and a sweater or button-down. For a more casual look, pair them with jeans, a t-shirt, a red cardigan, or a trench coat. Parisian women love loafers and leopard print, so this is the perfect representation of two of their favorites in one shoe!

PIN IT

7. Conrad T-Shirt

Cassie: The Conrad t-shirt is a relaxed, slightly oversized tee. French women love their quality basics, and a t-shirt and jeans are two pieces they like to invest in when it comes to their classic, timeless style. The Conrad tee comes in both patterns and solid colors, depending on what you’re looking for. Another bonus? Sézane will embroider certain Conrad styles for free, so you can personalize your t-shirt with a symbol, your initials, a number, etc.

I purchased the Conrad in an XS, and although I sized down between sizes for this one, it still gives me that slightly oversized, boxy look I love in my t-shirts. I don’t tend to opt for tees that are too close-fitting; I prefer a more relaxed look, so this one is perfect for me.

PIN IT

8. Clyde Trench Coat

Carolyn: Besides their knitwear, Sézane might be best well-known for their trench coats, which makes sense for the Parisian brand. If you love the timeless look of a long, standard variant of the trench coat, this might be your new wishlist dream.

Although it is an investment piece, the Clyde Coat is one we think is worth the price tag. This is truly a classic French capsule wardrobe staple that won’t ever go out of style. While the neutral color means it goes with everything, the plaid interior (just like the Bobby has) makes it feel unique and special to Sézane, and to you. You can wear it with the sleeves cuffed to show off the pop of plaid, or wear it regularly, too. It has an intentionally boxier, roomier fit, and I’m wearing a size 2.

PIN IT

9. Justine Basket Bag

Carolyn: Sézane isn’t just famous for its French clothing styles – they’re also popular for their accessories, especially their bags and scarves. Although they have a great selection of leather pieces, their basket bags feel especially fitting coming from a Parisian brand.

The French basket bag is meant to feel as versatile as it is stylish, and the Justine bag certainly fits that description. The bag features double handles, an interior adjustable pouch, and plenty of room for all of your essentials and more. When I tell you this was my bag of the summer, I’m not exaggerating – I wore it everywhere: in Canada, England, and even back home in the Midwest.

I especially love the versatility of the different straps. It’s great for spending a day out and about, and can fit everything from a book to sunglasses to a snack, and more. If you’re looking for your new favorite summer bag, this has certainly become one of ours!

PIN IT

10. Tomboy Shirt

Carolyn: Parisian women love their button-down shirts – both for work and the weekend. Sézane has a number of different styles to choose from for this classic piece, including the Tomboy. The Tomboy has a more fitted silhouette compared to the oversized Max, and looks a little bit more tailored. The Tomboy piece might be better suited for workwear, or if you plan to layer a sweater or shirt on top of it. If you just prefer a slimmer silhouette overall, this is the shirt I’d go with!

I’m wearing a Size 2 in this shirt, and Sézane recommends choosing the size below if you’re between sizes to get that more fitted look.

PIN IT

11. Emile Cardigan

Carolyn and Cassie: This is another piece of knitwear that Carolyn and I both happen to own. If you love a thick, cozy, chunky sweater for cold weather, this is the style for you! The Emile is a slightly oversized piece made with long, slightly puffed sleeves. It has tone-on-tone buttons for a streamlined, monochromatic look.

Because the Emile is so thick and warm, it’s probably best for those who live in a cooler climate, or who have cold falls and winters. It’s a little trickier to style when it’s warm out, and it’s a little thick to wear over your shoulders for long periods of time. However, living in the Midwest, this is the perfect piece for the colder seasons. It’s great for layering over skirts, dresses, or jeans, and slips right over a t-shirt for added dimension.

PIN IT

12. Max Shirt

Carolyn: There’s another button-down style on our list that we love: the Max Shirt. If you prefer a slightly boxier, oversized fit when it comes to your button-down styles, this will be better suited to you than the fitted Tomboy. The Max is also a little easier to style in casual looks. You can wear it with leggings, over denim, or with shorts in the summertime.

Just like the Tomboy and the Conrad, this is a piece that can be personalized, free of charge. I own the shirt in a size 2, and Sézane recommends sizing down one size. However, if you like that oversized look, stick with your usual!

PIN IT

What We Didn’t Love Quite As Much

As much as we love the styles above from Sézane, in full transparency, there are a few pieces that we’ve tried and didn’t love. When it comes to Sézane footwear, sizing can be tricky depending on the style of shoe – both the Paula Babies and Low Ballerinas didn’t work for Carolyn – she needed a half size, which Sézane doesn’t offer.

In terms of clothing, the Josiana dress description says to choose your normal size, but it ran too small and too tight with the linen material. As for blouses, the Chlo Shirt can also be tricky, especially for petite women or those with a shorter torso. The ruffles can stick out in such a way that they emphasize a larger chest, and can look a little overwhelming on a small or short frame.

Classic French Style from the Source

Where better to find classic French pieces than from a true Parisian brand, founded by a French woman? Sézane is an authentic brand that encapsulates the effortlessly chic French style that we know and love. Although some of their pieces might be higher-priced investments, the construction and quality of Sézane’s staple pieces make the price tag worth it, in our opinion!

And when it comes to ordering from overseas, free shipping is offered when you spend over $250 from Sezane US online (they cover all duties and tariffs, too). You’ll probably find your shopping cart filling up with clothes you’ll actually want to wear again in no time!

French women always look so effortlessly chic… and now that you know about one of our favorite French brands, we’ve got tips to help you master their cool girl style. Up Next: How to Look Chic Without Trying: The French Way

Share: