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Original poster

The Sezanne aesthetic on a shoe string budget?

80 replies

Niftythrifter · 04/04/2023 23:12

For those that like Sezanne but can’t or won’t pay Sezanne pieces I thought it would be a nice idea to post pieces that you think would fit the Sezanne aesthetic just without the price tag.

OP posts:
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Ohchristmastreeohchristmastree · 06/04/2023 18:02

There is a Facebook group called Sezane IRL or similar that I joined and it put me off ever getting anything from there.

Don’t get me wrong the ladies posting looked great, but they didn’t look as great as the styling on the website made the models look, in fact the clothes didn’t look that special at all on real life people. I concluded that I could buy the same kind of stuff from pretty much anywhere for a lot less money.

I also think Sezane has gone a little Boden recently. Too many bright colours for me!

I get similar from H and M, Mango, charity shops. Promod is another french site that is reasonably priced and does similar knitwear etc.

Emotionalstorm · 07/04/2023 19:04

I think the quality and finish at Zara, H&M and Mango is too awful for me to consider ever buying anything from there. I think the budget brands that meet the minimum levels for price point are probably Cos, Uniqlo, Grana, whistles. Sometimes they have some items that have elements of the Sezane aesthetic. Abercrombie also have some really cute items that don't have a eyesore logo on that are surprisingly well made.

UsernameNotAvailableNow · 07/04/2023 19:10

I moved bamk accounts a few times recently to get the cash incentives, and spent it all on Sezane. It didn't feel like real money so I didn't mind. The Scott trench coat is beautiful and was courtesy of LLoyds bank, then more recently First Direct has treated me to a couple of shirts. Very impressed with the quality.

Emotionalstorm · 07/04/2023 19:14

UsernameNotAvailableNow · 07/04/2023 19:10

I moved bamk accounts a few times recently to get the cash incentives, and spent it all on Sezane. It didn't feel like real money so I didn't mind. The Scott trench coat is beautiful and was courtesy of LLoyds bank, then more recently First Direct has treated me to a couple of shirts. Very impressed with the quality.

Yes I think Sezane coats are generally well made. The composition and finish are ok for the price point. I prefer The Curated and Tibi for coats but that's much more expensive so not comparable.

I have several skirts and dresses from Maje that washed so poorly. It's not about the money. I don't want to get attached to anything that is not going to last.

It's better to buy fewer and better made items than lots of poorly made pieces if money is an issue.

Emotionalstorm · 07/04/2023 19:18

ScentOfAMemory · 05/04/2023 12:55

I firmly believe that as with many middling brands that can't afford as agencies there's a lot of Sezanne employees on MN. (see also Me&Em, Hush, Toast, Mint Velvet, Saltwater, 4160 Tuesdays etc)

You are also likely to look like a 60 year old granny if you're not careful at Toast.

SpreadableCheeseOnEverything · 07/04/2023 19:22

@Emotionalstorm oh dear poor you not being able to contemplate buying anything from a budget brand 🙄

Emotionalstorm · 07/04/2023 19:26

SpreadableCheeseOnEverything · 07/04/2023 19:22

@Emotionalstorm oh dear poor you not being able to contemplate buying anything from a budget brand 🙄

But Zara isn't cheap. The amount of lose threads, pilling of clothes that are still on the rack and the poor sowing skills that are apparent will mean that you end up spending more on clothes overall than just going to Sezane or Massimo Dutti. It's a false economy.

Emotionalstorm · 07/04/2023 19:28

Also I have mentioned many budget brands above like Abercrombie, Cos, Uniqlo. I have brought a coat from M&S last year. I thought I would just mention that buying things that are poorly constructed can cost you more in the long run.

AchillesElbow · 07/04/2023 19:38

I love the idea of buying less but more expensive clothes. However, the reality of that for me would be 1 item every couple of months. That just isn’t enough clothing to keep my casual and work wardrobe together.

I don’t buy a lot but it’s only April and this year already I’ve HAD to replace my swimming costume, work trousers and work cardigan, and a plain white T-shirt because they were past the point of being decent. That’s without even thinking about buying anything particularly exciting or fashionable.

MissHavishamsMouldyOldCake · 07/04/2023 19:52

Emotionalstorm · 07/04/2023 19:04

I think the quality and finish at Zara, H&M and Mango is too awful for me to consider ever buying anything from there. I think the budget brands that meet the minimum levels for price point are probably Cos, Uniqlo, Grana, whistles. Sometimes they have some items that have elements of the Sezane aesthetic. Abercrombie also have some really cute items that don't have a eyesore logo on that are surprisingly well made.

I doubt most people consider Cos or Whistles to be budget brands

SpreadableCheeseOnEverything · 07/04/2023 20:01

@Emotionalstorm Cos is not a budget brand. It's insulting to those on a budget to insinuate that it is!

minipie · 07/04/2023 20:25

Meh. I recently did a large order from Sezane having been seduced by their Instagram ads.

Every single thing is going back.

Either the fabric was wrong (itchy mohair knitted dresses, odd bulky sequin top, see through linen tees) or the sizing is weird (jeans 12 inches too long - I’m 5’3 so used to things being too long but this is ridiculous) or it looked middle aged (printed viscose blouse). And then a bunch of blouses which were just way too big - somehow they look fitted on the model but are big and square IRL.

Meanwhile I ordered two things from Baukjen, am keeping both. Will be a go to in future.

minipie · 07/04/2023 20:27

Appreciate Baukjen isn’t budget either btw! Agree with the suggestions above especially La Redoute - I’ve got a few lovely and inexpensive things from there. Esprit is also worth a look, they do good sales.

UsernameNotAvailableNow · 07/04/2023 21:05

Baukjen are great but take 50m years to issue a refund so they are dead to me now.

notanicepersonapparently · 07/04/2023 21:58

https://www.oasisfashion.com/cotton-dobby-lace-trim-blouse/BAA05697.html
I love the Sézane lace blouses and this reminds me of them. I’ve not seen this irl though so I’m not sure about the quality. I’ve had a bit of a look through La Redoute and H&M as suggested by previous posters but I couldn’t spot anything suitable. If you could put some links in to things you think might appeal would be fab.

Cotton Dobby Lace Trim Blouse | Oasis

Style: BlouseFabric: Cotton DobbyLength: RegularNeckline: CrewSleeve Length: Long Sleeve

https://www.oasisfashion.com/cotton-dobby-lace-trim-blouse/BAA05697.html

HappyValet · 07/04/2023 22:13

I've never heard of Sezane, but snorted loudly at the idea that Cos or Whistles is budget. April fools was last week!

Emotionalstorm · 08/04/2023 00:26

HappyValet · 07/04/2023 22:13

I've never heard of Sezane, but snorted loudly at the idea that Cos or Whistles is budget. April fools was last week!

So only messages going into raptures about how Primark, TU or George are better than any of the expensive brands are allowed?

Cos is not the cheapest but it's not at the high end either. Sezane is mid range and Cos is below that.

Emotionalstorm · 08/04/2023 00:35

AchillesElbow · 07/04/2023 19:38

I love the idea of buying less but more expensive clothes. However, the reality of that for me would be 1 item every couple of months. That just isn’t enough clothing to keep my casual and work wardrobe together.

I don’t buy a lot but it’s only April and this year already I’ve HAD to replace my swimming costume, work trousers and work cardigan, and a plain white T-shirt because they were past the point of being decent. That’s without even thinking about buying anything particularly exciting or fashionable.

This reminds me of The Sam Vimes "Boots" theory of socioeconomic unfairness.

HappyValet · 08/04/2023 08:12

*So only messages going into raptures about how Primark, TU or George are better than any of the expensive brands are allowed?

Cos is not the cheapest but it's not at the high end either. Sezane is mid range and Cos is below that*

Eh no, but the word was budget. The reality is Cos and Whistles are way above the price point of many who might still want to achieve a similar look by shopping on the high street.

Original poster
Niftythrifter · 08/04/2023 08:21

@notanicepersonapparently that is a lovely blouse! Good spot!
o

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 08/04/2023 08:31

I wouldn’t recognise Sezane as I’ve never looked at the website or heard anybody in real life mention it, but Zara have loads of beautiful white broderie stuff in at the moment.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 08/04/2023 08:33

And whoever mentioned clothing making one look like a sixty year old granny, or viscose making one look middle aged, do fuck off, dears.

MerylSqueak · 08/04/2023 10:43

I saw this in Zara yesterday. It looked good but the colour did not suit me.

Marks have a lot of pointelle knitted tops in at the moment.

The Sezanne aesthetic on a shoe string budget?
Emotionalstorm · 08/04/2023 11:13

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 08/04/2023 08:33

And whoever mentioned clothing making one look like a sixty year old granny, or viscose making one look middle aged, do fuck off, dears.

This just applies to clothing at Toast. I like the quality but most of the things there make me look frumpy and age me. Occasionally I find something ok looking but I need to style it carefully.