The Real Chic Life

I look forward to cozy season every year because of my love for knits. Wearing a cozy sweater on a chilly day is a quintessential part of the season that rivals my love for the starbucks fall menu and curling up under a thick blanket. I’ve collected a lot of sweaters over the years, but there’s one brand that seems to be slowly taking over my fall/winter wardrobe- Sézane. (Note- this is not a sponsored post, and all opinions are my own). If you’re unfamiliar with Sézane, it’s a French brand founded in 2013 by Morgane Sézalory, that is known for having a mix of classic, feminine, and bohemian pieces with a French aesthetic. The brand has a robust website as well as multiple brick and mortar locations across Europe and the US. There is even a pop up brick and mortar location close to me in Georgetown now. What I love most about Sézane is that many of their items feature high-quality fabrics like silk, mohair, and organic cotton at competitive prices compared to similar retailers. I also love their beautiful design details-things like buttons, collars, lace detailing etc usually have a feminine or luxe touch that makes each piece feel special. While they produce beautiful collections year-round, I feel like fall is when Sézane really shines. They have a very wide assortment of knitwear this season that comes in a pretty inclusive range of sizes from xxs to xxxl. These are my favorite Sézane sweaters that I currently have in my wardrobe, as well as a few items that are on my wishlist.

My favorite Sézane sweater is the Barry cardigan. This v-neck cardigan features a blend of mohair, baby alpaca, and polyamide and is made in Italy. It also comes in a wide range of colors. I have it in red and rosy beige, two colors that I think work well in any season. This is a classic piece that can be dressed up or dressed down with jeans, pants or skirts. I typically wear mine tucked into jeans with ankle boots or flats, and it always makes me feel effortlessly put together even if I’m going somewhere casual. Sezane’s Gaspard cardigan (which is probably their most well-known cardigan) is very similar but does not have a v-neckline like the Barry. I actually prefer the Barry to the Gaspard because I think the v-neckline is more flattering on my short and curvy frame. It’s important to pay attention to Sezane’s sizing recommendations online, and for this cardigan they recommend going down one size because it runs large. I think going down a size was perfect for me. Also if your skin is sensitive to this kind of fabric you may find it a bit itchy. If that happens but you otherwise like the style and quality of the sweater, try wearing a fitted long-sleeve t-shirt underneath.

And speaking of the Gaspard, I have this cardigan in camel. It features a round neckline and mother-of-pearl effect buttons. I think of this sweater as the Barry cardigan’s more demure sister. If you’re looking for a sweater that is versatile enough to work for the office or other conservative settings, the Gaspard may be the better choice between the two. Like the Barry, this is a timeless piece that can be dressed up or down. I sized down one size in this one too. Sézane recently launched a children’s collection, and the Gaspard comes in tiny sizes now as well. I couldn’t wait to twin with my daughter Charlotte, so I was excited to snag a camel Gaspard for her as well. She wears size 3T, her typical size in children’s brands.

The Betty cardigan is another fan favorite. It’s a soft, 100% merino wool cardigan and even though it’s wool, it feels light enough to wear most of the year. You can wear it as a top, or wear it open as a cardigan or light jacket. It also comes in several colors and prints; I have this one in the shade ecru. I love a sweater with a shirt collar because it always looks effortlessly chic. The length of this one is slightly cropped, so it looks great with high waist bottoms. I typically pair mine with high waist jeans. I took my true size. I’ve noticed several brands copying this popular design this year, but love the quality of the original.

If you watch any youtube review of Sézane, there’s a 90% chance that the Leontine sweater will be listed as a favorite item. This sweater clearly has a cult following. It’s an easy, casual piece that works in multiple seasons. The placket fastening adds an interesting element to an otherwise very classic sweater. I purchased the navy/ecru colorway and sized down one size. Although I found myself reaching for it often, I thought the sleeves were a smidge too short and would have preferred a slightly roomier fit through the body. I’m thinking about re-purchasing it this year in the ecru/navy colorway in my usual size instead of sizing down. I also really love the look of the Bree sweater, it’s a classic cable knit with a similar fit, but it seems to have longer sleeves. I missed the Bree while my size was in stock this season, but I’m hoping to catch it next time.

Most of my knitwear falls in the neutral shade range, so when I saw this Emile cardigan in a colorful wool and mohair blend, I was struck by how fun this pattern is. I decided to try something out of my comfort zone when I added this to my fall wardrobe. I haven’t had a chance to wear it yet, but I love it in person too. I also had my eye on the burgundy shade, which is of course perfect for fall, but it sold out quickly so I hope it restocks.

Those are my favorite sweaters from Sézane. You can view them all at this link. Have you tried this brand? If so, what are your favorite pieces?

Xo,

Courtney