Fall Basics, Parisian Style

Floral garlands on front entrance to Sezane store in Paris. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

L’Appartement Sézane…

During our visit to Paris in June, I’d signed up for a Paris Shopping Tour excursion to get some insider tips on favorite shopping destinations of stylish Parisiennes. One of the shops that Diane was very eager to show me was Sézane. Dubbed “L’Appartement,” the Paris boutique* is located in the 2nd arrondissement. It’s a charming space, and embodies the brand’s French and feminine aesthetic.

Paris Mon Amour tile inlay on floor in Sezane shop in Paris. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Diane told me this brand is popular not only for that aesthetic, but also for their quality and reasonable prices. Many of the pieces fall into that “simple, but with interesting details” vector that is one of the hallmarks of classic French style. I was familiar with brand thanks to their online presence, but visiting the shop was a nice opportunity to see their summer collection in person.

Fall Basics, Not Boring

Their Fall collection has just gone online, and while some of the styles are a bit too frou-frou for me, there were several pieces that caught my eye. I wanted to share with you right away, because their best items do have a tendency to sell out quickly.

Silk blouse with lace yoke from Sezane. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

I’m always on the lookout for tops that look good on their own but can also layer easily underneath a cardigan or jacket. The lace yoke and sleeves on this blouse add interest without looking too twee. Also available in Black and Burgundy.

Dark green silk shirt from Sezane with lace details on collar and cuffs. More at une femme d'un certain age.

Subtle lace details and a gorgeous dark green color elevate a simple silk shirt.

Fall basics: grey plaid blazer from Sezane. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

I love how the slightly blurred grey plaid softens the menswear look of this jacket. That shawl collar is a nice touch too…

Sezane button-front v-neck sweater in light grey. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

I was happy to see a few v-neck sweater options in the collection. In true French fashion, this sweater can be worn with the buttons either in front or back. Offered in several colors.

Dark green v-neck sweater with lace detail. More at une femme d'un certain age.

Not just another v-neck sweater, lace detail adds interest at the neckline. (Not sure how low this one is, but could always be worn with a nude camisole or light-colored tee underneath.)

Sezane black and white striped sweater. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

A different take on the striped sweater.

Just a note about the Sézane website: when you click on any clothing item, the display highlights XS size. But other sizes are still available, unless they have a diagonal line across the size box. You just need to click on the desired size to highlight.

They have some very nice bags and leather goods that are reasonably priced as well.

Sezane Claude saddle bag in chocolate brown leather. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

It’s hard to go wrong with a classic saddle bag.

Or a bucket bag. Both bags are made from vegetable-dyed cowhide, which will develop a nice patina as it ages.

*There’s also a New York location.

I’ll be keeping my eyes open for more “basic, not boring” pieces this fall, so stay tuned. And if you want to be sure to never miss a post, you can subscribe using the form below.

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16 Comments

    1. Hi Nancy, thanks! When I tried on a couple of the summer collection shirts in Paris, I recall that they did run TTS. I’m usually a Small in blouses/shirts, and fit, esp. through the shoulders. I’ve ordered that first lace top to try, and will report back.

      1. Even though I’ve lost quite a bit of unwelcome perimenopausal weight gain, there is no way I’d fit in a 12 in that lovely blouse. Pity, as I utterly love the colour and it looks like good silk. Even though many Italian women are very slim as well nowadays, I find it easier to find clothes that fit in Italy than in France. And I NEVER buy such garments online (small shoulders – big bust).

        To be more positive, I’m seeing many garments in that non-yellowish green, which makes me very happy! There are many colours I love this autumn.

        1. in italy , though the sizes are rather small ,
          the blouses are usually cut a bit fuller in the bust …
          pants have a longer rise …
          i love shopping in italy …lol
          everything seems to fit ….

          by the way Italy is up there with the lowest obesity rate in the world …

  1. Lovely…but as ever, the model has that perfect body that makes anything look amazing! Gearing up for France in late November….Christmas market magic. Let’s see what the winter clothing options have to offer!

  2. lovely line of clothing, I love the dark green silk especially. also the saddle bag, almost bought a similar one yesterday while browsing in Manhattan on our way to brunch. I may have to reconsider.

  3. I love all the looks from the site. Especially a gorgeous burgundy bag and boots, not shown here. And that green silk shirt and bag are delicious… makes me long for a green bag to go with my green silk shirt. Hmmm.

  4. I love your focus on “basics, not boring” and “simple, with interesting details.” Blah basics are easy to find, as are over-the-top, too much “stuff” designs. I can’t wait to see what you discover!

  5. I’m new to your blog and love all that you’ve featured here. I’m headed to Paris this week and this gets me more excited!

  6. I love, love this collection!!! I just ordered the gray v-neck sweater with buttons. I know this will be a great staple that I can wear in multiple ways. I love that I can wear the buttons in front or back – that will make some of simple, classic looks special. I love the simple, classic looks with the interesting details — that is a great way of dressing to achieve a chic, polished style. I also love the gray plaid blazer. I just ordered a Ralph Lauren herringbone blazer in light gray that I am looking forward to wearing this fall. I love your aesthetic and appreciate your sharing your finds and commentary. I am planning a trip to Paris and definitely plan to do the shopping tour. Thank you so much for introducing us to this French brand.

  7. I just ordered several pieces, yesterday, from them! They’ll be my first, so I’m eager to see the quality. How smart… and fun… to signup for a shopping tour! Great to know. Thanks, Brenda

  8. Ohlala. I have to disagree. The bags look nice but I found the quality disappoints. …P.S do hou kow the boutique Victoire?