My wish list from Sézane is never-ending so a self-imposed injunction is the only option to protect my bank balance. If I look, I know I’ll be tempted, and my budget can’t stretch that far very often. You guessed it, writing this was a struggle… I want everything!
However much I desire to fill my wardrobe with Sézane’s new season pieces, it can only be an occasional treat. For those in-between times, I’ve looked to the high street for pieces that also fit the French vibe and look.
Sézane and unusual, soft, expensive-looking fabrics go hand in hand. You’re paying for those extra details – cute buttons, embellishment, embroidery – that other brands on the high street may bypass. But when you’re after the look for less, that’s not to say it’s impossible to find good alternatives. There are Sézane dupes to be found for half the price, or more, that are still made from organic cottons and soft merino wools in vintage-looking prints.
Save up or splurge on the real thing, or have a browse on Vinted where you’ll find some great second-hand Sézane options.
Alternatively, fast-track your way to French style and that Parisian je ne sais quoi with these high street pieces below:
Sézane’s hero pieces (and the best lookalikes)
The Breton top
We might be moving out of spring and into summer, but true sweltering summer temperatures kick in a little later in the UK. And if there’s one positive thing about this, it’s that we get to make use of our trans-seasonal wardrobes for a little longer — including our beloved stripes and Breton tops. Sézane gets its Marinière top just right with a midweight fabric, shoulder button details and even the chance to personalise your top with embroidery. But, for an equally chic stripy alternative, & Other Stories have a striped Breton top made from cool organic cotton, which, like Sézane, also comes in a fresh green and soft camel stripe for the warmer months.
The cardigan
There are a few Sézane Gaspard cardigans around the Eliza office: a super soft, lightweight number which is ideal for trans-seasonal layering and fighting evening chills during summer garden parties. Finding one just as soft was never going to be easy, but this cardigan from Benetton is made from pure merino wool so stands a high chance.
The broderie top
How cute would these broderie tops look tucked into some flared jeans for summer? A simple nod to 70s styling and Daisy Jones And The Six.
The ruffled white shirt
Sézane has a selection of classic shirts, but if you’re looking for a pretty twist, this one stands out with its lovely ruffled collar. La Redoute has one similar (but with added lace) that’ll update a spring workwear look – just layer underneath your favourite trouser suit or wear it open with a tank top and denim shorts for a casual summer look.
The striped shirt
The striped shirt is another workwear hero. Sézane has a relaxed oversized style that would look perfect with smart denim or loose tailored trousers. The blue-striped version is sold out right now, making this Mango dupe your next best bet. Plus, it’s nearly £60 cheaper.
The denim jacket
In the UK summer, a denim jacket is a staple, but instead of the traditional cropped denim jacket of years past, wear a slightly longer one this season like this one from Monsoon.
The floral mini
The floral mini is one of the hardest dresses to get right, especially since murmurings of the death of the floral dress. Of course, Sézane has kept its cool and has an offering of floral mini dresses in vintage prints and natural fabrics that are different to the saturation of bright ditsy floral dresses high street is renowned for. The key to finding an alternative? Looking for floral minis that are also in muted shades and softer fabrics.
The floral shirt dress
Nobody’s Child is famous for floral dresses, but this shirt style felt particularly Parisian in the fresh green and subtle ditsy print.
The floral tea dress
This Finery dress is a close match for Sezane’s popular Ophelia dress. Steer away from trainers for summer and pair your floral tea dress with knee-high or cowboy boots for an edgier look instead.
The floral slip dress
Soft ditsy print slip dresses are a summer holiday staple, but you can style them up sooner by layering with chunky knits or leather bomber jackets.
The denim jumpsuit
If you’re looking for a denim jumpsuit that pulls in at the waist, and you have the budget, look to Sézane. Or for a more relaxed, and cheaper, alternative there’s Pull & Bear’s khaki denim boilersuit.
The hero bag
Sézane’s Milo leather bag is a gorgeous investment and if you choose the complimentary monogramming option, you’ll definitely want to keep it forever. But for a 1/10th of the price, you can snap up M&S’s faux leather crossbody bag.
The heels
Going out shoes don’t get much comfier than Sézane’s gold Gloria block heels. But if it’s Sézane dupes you’re after, look to Stradivarius who has a similar strappy pair for only £29.99.