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It was a sweltering day during the height of the UK’s August heatwave when I went in search of new-in loveliness at the Sézane flagship store in Marylebone, London, but that didn’t stop me from swooning over the brand’s transeasonal pieces.
If you’re a from-afar fan of French girl style like me, then Sézane will be firmly on your radar. The Paris-based French fashion label is well-known for its laidback, unfussy pieces and keep-forever quality – two key pillars of any chic French wardrobe, many would argue. And, since we’re heading into September, you might say that Sézane seriously comes into its own come autumn – the brand is well known for its pretty knits and tailored sets, after all.
When it comes to my own transitional wardrobe from summer into autumn, I’ve adopted a sparing attitude. Keeping new pieces to a minimum and only investing in things I can see in my wardrobe in the long-term is really important to me – as is fabric quality and sustainability.
And since I’ve always strived to nail that nonchalant, no-effort-required style that the French girlies seem to nail every time (a girl can try), Sézane seemed like the perfect place to start. For the upcoming season, the brand is all about sleeveless knits, denim separates and classic prints like gingham and stripes.
My faves? A two-piece checked co-ord that can easily be separated to create different outfits – the more wear, the better – and a roomy tote bag in patent leather that's just calling to me for my daily commute. I couldn't resist trying a hero piece in the brand's dreamy suede ‘Will’ jacket, either, which nods to one of AW24's biggest trends.
Here's everything I tried on in Sézane for this week's Dressing Room Diaries…
The gingham co-ord
I'm always drawn to co-ords – mainly because they take most of the thinking time out of putting an outfit together, but also because you can mix and match them with other pieces. This gingham combo is distinctly more tailored than the linen sets I reach for in summer, but still feels lightweight since it's made mainly in cotton. I teamed it with the brand's Albane loafers, but I reckon some slimline midi boots would also work. Both pieces fit pretty snug – so if you prefer a roomier fit, size up.
The striped shirt, autumn edition
Ah, the striped shirt – my forever wardrobe staple. This camel colour-way is ideal for autumn, and pairs pretty perfectly with denim. I love the oversized fit and wide cuffs, which feel a little different to traditional shirt silhouettes. The Bilma is already billowy and boxy, so I reckon you're fine to take your usual size.
The suede jacket
Sézane's Will jacket is almost as iconic as its sell-out Clyde trench coat, and I can see why. Made in ultra-soft suede, that straight-cut fit is so easy to throw over shirting and denim (aka, the majority of my wardrobe) – plus, suede jackets are set to be everywhere this season, if the likes of Miu Miu and Gucci's AW24 collections are anything to go by.
The ultimate tote bag
I came for that gleaming, patent finish… and stayed for the sheer practicality of the Le Cabas tote, which would quite literally fit a weekend's worth of essentials in, I reckon. I'm eyeing it up as a potential work bag, since it would happily house my laptop. And that mahogany shine? Delish.
The denim jacket
Denim is my love language, so there was no way I could resist this button-up number, which feels more tailored than my own go-to denim jacket – a baggy menswear piece. I'd team this with jeans for a double-denim moment.
The knit vest
Another Sézane staple is a chic knit vest tucked into jeans, so I had to try. This shade is the comfortingly neutral ‘Vanilla’, which can be layered over T-shirts, shirts or dresses when it's colder – but worn alone with jeans and loafers, it's an ideal transitional piece.
The everyday crossbody bag
There, I said it – Sézane do bags really well. If you're a hands-free kinda gal, then a crossbody is just the ticket – I'd happily sling the Claude bag over all my oversized coats come autumn/winter.
After more Dressing Room Diaries episodes? Shop new in Mango, new in Free People, new in M&S and new in Rixo. For more from GLAMOUR's Fiona Ward, follow her on Instagram @ficlare.
