Over the last month, I’ve transformed my style with just three pieces from the cult-favorite brand Sézane, all of which speak to fall and winter’s biggest trends: a suede jacket, a ladylike cardigan, and a pair of loafers. The reason I turned to Sézane for this mini-reset is simple—the brand’s ethos mirrors the way I want to get dressed now.
Maybe it’s age or being a creature of habit, but my ideal wardrobe revolves around a few well-made workhorses I can style a dozen different ways and still feel like myself. In the same way that I rely (perhaps obsessively) on my boxy white tee, barrel-leg jeans, and rotation of romantic-but-not-too-frilly dresses, I’ve rediscovered how satisfying it is to do more with less. My closet, much like my home, now revolves around essentials that feel intentional—nothing superfluous, nothing collecting dust. Each piece works hard, rotates often, and fits seamlessly into the rhythm of my life.
My Sézane must-haves
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You’ve probably heard of the French label, which was founded in 2013 as an online-first brand; it has since expanded into retail, with 10 locations in the United States alone. Its pieces are beautiful in their simplicity, distilling the Parisian-girl look into staples that are equal parts practical and romantic. (I recently started an antique home décor shop, Ça Marche, a name borrowed from one of my favorite French phrases, and the clothing brand embodies that same effortless harmony.)
All this is to say, this little wardrobe refresh has been just as much about rediscovering old favorites as it has buying less overall. Every outfit I styled with my new Sézane additions came entirely from my existing closet. Through this process, I reconnected with pieces I hadn’t worn in years, and I even stepped out of my comfort zone—loafers, who knew? It’s proof that getting dressed for a new season can feel inspiring, even when you’re shopping your own closet. Ahead, see how I styled the staples that became the foundation for my entire fall-winter wardrobe.
1. The suede jacket
This jacket is utilitarian in design but undeniably sumptuous—the kind of piece that feels special without ever tipping into “fancy.” The suede is buttery, with a soft drape that moves the way great leather should. I opted for a slightly oversized fit, which keeps it feeling relaxed and wearable, never too precious. What I love most is how it shapeshifts with whatever mood I’m in. Styled with jeans and a neck scarf, it channels that effortless French-girl polish I’ll forever aspire to. With a button-down, trendy boots, and baggy jeans, it leans unfussy and casual—the kind of uniform that just works. Then there are the days I pull on my riding boots and lean into an English countryside moment, or pair it with a midiskirt and textured sweater for something softer and more feminine. Somehow it grounds everything, whether worn loose or cinched—no small feat for one jacket.
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2. The laced loafers
I’ve long been anti-loafer. They’ve pinched my feet, felt too narrow, and frankly just never felt like me. (Years of ballet left me with dancer bunions that don’t exactly love structured shoes.) But these boat shoes completely changed my mind. They’re soft and roomy where most are stiff and unforgiving—and structured enough to hold their shape but flexible enough to be comfy from the very first wear (truly!). The slight lift in the sole is a small but mighty detail for someone five-feet-four who loves a little boost without resorting to heels. I started with barrel jeans and a tank top for a mildly breezy fall day. Then I moved to a fluid silk maxiskirt with an oh so charming bow-tie sweater, also from Sézane. Next, I teamed them with a floral midi-dress and my favorite vintage leather jacket—the kind of weighty, perfectly broken-in piece that makes everything look cooler—and finished with ribbed socks for a Miu Miu–esque effect. I even wore them with pleated trousers and a double-breasted blazer in that enviably casual way I always admire but never think I can pull off. And, without sounding too self-congratulatory, I actually did.
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3. The lady cardigan
The “lady jacket” is everywhere this season—but I’ve found myself drawn to the softer versions of the trend, like this Sézane cardigan. It captures that same polished feel even as it displays a relaxed sensibility that fits seamlessly into my wardrobe. The crocheted detailing gives it a handcrafted, almost heirloom quality that feels both nostalgic and fresh, like something you’d find in a Paris vintage shop but made for modern layering. What I love most is how it flexes between roles. Worn buttoned up with jeans, it reads like a refined top; unbuttoned over a turtleneck or dress, it becomes the perfect lightweight layer. I’ve styled it with boots and a chunkier sweater knotted over top (in the manner of a scarf) for a cozy day look, then paired it with a printed slip skirt and knee-high boots for dinner. (I’m currently obsessed with the navy-and-plum color combo.) It’s one of those rare pieces that’s both elegant and understated, depending on your mood.
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