READ MY HONEST REVIEW OF SEZANE: PART 1 (TOPS, DRESSES, & ACCESSORIES)
READ MY HONEST REVIEW OF SEZANE: PART 2 (SWEATERS, TOPS, & COATS)
I don’t know if these ‘Sezane Review’ posts are still helpful for anyone. But, considering I put in a fairly large Sezane order recently (and I’ve put on a little bit of extra weight), I thought I would share how Sezane clothes — namely dresses — fit. Dresses are usually My Nemesis, but since becoming pregnant, I’ve had to lean on them to have 1. Anything that fits 2. Comfort. Jeans and a tucked-in top just don’t work on me anymore. LE SIGH.
And luckily for me, Sezane has a gorgeous series of summer dresses on offer right now. I’ve found that, lately, Sezane’s style has been a bit hit-or-miss for me (sometimes veering towards Old Lady?). But this summer collection? Swoon! I was so excited to style these dresses (and top… and bag), and as usual, some pieces I adore — while others went back.
Before we Begin: Some Essential Information
MY SIZING // YOU GUYS I AM PREGNANT. When I took these photos, I was about 20 weeks. I hadn’t put on too much weight, but it was enough that my usual size changed.
For reference, I am 5’5″, (now a) 36D, with a ‘straight’ body type — i.e. while my hips and chest are relatively proportioned, my waist is a little thicker to be considered hourglass.
In clothes, I generally wear a US Size 6-8, UK Size 10-12 (this has changed with pregnancy slightly, but not too much in these photos).
In the US, I tend to almost always buy a size 6, in the UK it can vary. This translates to me wearing a S-M in most clothes, falling somewhere awkwardly in the middle. With pregnancy, now, I’m definitely a true Medium.
Since becoming pregnant and thus putting on a little weight, as a general rule, I tend to order two sizes up from whatever the model is wearing. This trick doesn’t always work, but in general, it helps me choose the right sizing.
SEZANE SIZING // Is a little all over the place. Normally, I always found them quite big, so I would always order a Size S / Size 38 EUR / Size 6 US. However, since putting on my baby weight, I ordered most of these in a Size 40 (8 US), and they were still quite tight! But then, lo and behold, another dress, in a Size 38 while considerably more pregnant, and it fit perfectly. My biggest advice? It depends on the cut of the item. Tops tend to run big; dresses / pants more TTS.
MATERIALS // You will find that the material/price ratio can vary wildly. Some of the silk items are cheaper than the polyester. Make sure to check the ‘details’ section of the product listing to see its material. This is how you find the best quality on Sezane.
SHOP THE FULL POST HERE
NELLA DRESS IN COFFEE & ECRU DOTS*
SIZE ORDERED: 12 UK / 40 EUR
HOW IT FIT: SO TIGHT!
KEPT/RETURNED? RETURNED
When I ordered this dress, I was desperate to try it on. The beautiful cut; the polka-dot print, not too cloying; the tie straps (all straps are forever too long on me). But ohmygosh, was this dress tight. I went up from my usual Size 38 (read sizing note above, being pregnant and all). And I could barely get it up over my breasts! I am not wearing a bra in these photos, for reference, and it felt like a vice was gripped around my bosom. Plus, it was wholly unflattering. Perhaps a size up would have been better — and the biggest thing I’ve ever purchased in Sezane — but to be honest? I also wasn’t a fan of the scratchy polyester material, even if it is recycled.
Suggested Alternative: The Armelle Dress*, which has the most gorgeous draping in the back and many of the same details as the Nella. The cotton/linen fabric is not only better for your skin but means it’s a great summer fabric choice.
MAITENA DRESS IN ECRU*
SIZE ORDERED: 12 UK / 40 EUR
HOW IT FIT: TRUE TO SIZE, MAYBE A TAD SMALL
KEPT/RETURNED? WOULD HAVE KEPT IF NOT PREGNANT
Of all the dresses I tried on, this one was my absolute favourite*. The gorgeous embroidered detailing; the longer sleeves; the maxi length; the fact that it buttons all the way down, making it an alternative beach cover-up. This was also the dress that Nick did the most googly-eyes with, which is saying something. The 100% organic cotton isn’t too stiff (but definitely a crisp-cotton feel), and what I love so much about it is that I can see it as a ‘city dress’ and a ‘romantic beach holiday’ dress. So few dresses fit both of these categories! Making it a great capsule-wardrobe option.
The only reason I did not keep it is because of the fact that I am pregnant. It was already a wee bit too tight in the waist for me — and note that this dress has no give in the waist. Considering my belly has ballooned since then, it was a wise choice. But, if you are not expecting, I would say get this dress immediately.
ZARRI DRESS IN BLACK*
SIZE ORDERED: 12 UK / 40 EUR
HOW IT FIT: TRUE TO SIZE
KEPT/RETURNED? EXCHANGED FOR WHITE
“God, this dress looks weird,” I said to Nick as I stepped into his office. “So tight on the bust, and sitting so strangely!” I then proceeded to take a hundred photos of me wearing the dress, in an effort to get one that looked good. Well, my friends, I only then realized that I had the bloody dress on backwards. Which I only realized when I saw another blogger wearing the dress and looked fabulous. Talk about embarrassing.
Once I switched the dress to the right way around — with the V in the back — it looked incredible and fit beautifully! I never expected that wearing the dress the wrong way around could yield such ill-fitting results. I mean, in good news, if your bust is smaller, you will have a dress that can be worn two ways.
I really loved this dress, but I decided that, inevitably, I wanted it in Ecru.* It looks a little more summer-beachy in this colorway, and I was in more need of a white embroidered dress.
ESTELLE DRESS IN OCHRE INDIAN FLOWERS*
SIZE ORDERED: 10 UK / 38 EUR
HOW IT FIT: RUNS LARGE
KEPT/RETURNED? KEPT
I couldn’t begin to tell you why, but when conjuring my Summer Capsule Wardrobe this year, I knew I needed gold and yellow. I just saw it: crisp whites, soft beiges, and muted goldenrod pieces, punctuated with brown leathers and gold jewelry. However, finding that elusive cute summer maxi dress in that shade proved nigh impossible — until I found the Estelle Dress from Sezane*. The cut is really beautiful, timeless even, and the print is perfect if you’re one who doesn’t normally love prints. (Why she styles this piece with the purple belt in the website photos is beyond me). It is quite long, though, so probably not great if you are under 5’5″ like me (it just stops from hitting the floor). A perfect throw-on-and-go summer staple piece for your capsule wardrobe!
JANE BLOUSE IN CREAM*
SIZE ORDERED: 10 UK / 38 EUR
HOW IT FIT: RUNS LARGE
KEPT/RETURNED? RETURNED
This was one of those few Sezane items that looks so beautiful on the model, but when I tried it on, I looked incredibly frumpy. I think Nick may have chuckled when I walked into the room to show him. Something about the ruching on the shoulders combined with the length of the sleeves that is just… too much? And while it did look infinitely better when I tucked it into jeans, it wasn’t enough of a boost to redeem it towards Wardrobe Status. Again, I loved the fact that it is 100% organic cotton, but with Sezane — whom always have such beautiful blouse choices — it’s better to wait for the right one than to settle on something not perfect.
Suggested Alternative: the Mina tee*, which I realize is a tee and not a blouse, but the beautiful lace yoke elevates this to a great fancy-jeans top. If you’re desperate for something a little more ‘Summer Blouse’, the Lexy Blouse* is also 100% organic cotton and has such beautiful ruffle details.
GABY WEAVED BAG*
AS EXPECTED? YES
KEPT/RETURNED? KEPT
As much as I said the Maitena Dress* was my favourite dress purchase, I think the Gaby Weaved Bag* may be my favourite summer purchase of the year. I’ve always had some form of ‘basket tote’ for the summer, but usually the ones I had were stiff basket weaves, becoming difficult on airplanes for Summer holidays and always, always ruining my silk items. The Gabby bag, while large and roomy, is collapsable, making it ideal for storing under your seat on an airplane. It also has — gasp! — front pockets, which are so handy for masks and phones (welcome to Post Pandemic Living). While the weave feels sturdy, my only slight concern is how strong the handles are — so far so good, I tend to pack my bags full. Time will only tell how it holds up.
BONUS ITEM: TOMBOY MOMMY SHIRT IN WHITE*
SIZE ORDERED: 10 UK / 38 EUR
HOW IT FIT: TTS, MAYBE A LITTLE LARGE (MATERNITY)
KEPT/RETURNED? KEPT
If you read my other Sezane Review post, you’ll know that I adore Sezane’s Tomboy Shirt* — one of their style staples for a reason. However, the non-maternity version was getting a little too fitted for my growing belly (and my maternity jeans). So I decided to try the Tomboy Mommy Shirt, to see how it compared. The difference is the sizing (a little roomier) and the cut in the front (longer), which accommodates a growing baby bump. In some ways, I actually prefer the roomier feel of the Mommy version compared with the normal. It’s great to wear untucked over jeans and be on your merry way.
AND AS A SIDE NOTE…
A little PSA for you all: my wedding dress, The Agnes dress, is still available on Sezane’s website*! If you’re looking for an affordable, beautiful wedding dress that somehow looks casual and dressy/timeless as the same time, look no further. I wish I could get married again to wear it. Sigh. Read the full review of the Agnes here.
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