I’ll admit that I never owned the trench version of the ‘Clyde’. When my co-workers stepped out in it, I somehow assumed that it was a silhouette that would be a bit too boxy on my petite frame. “I need structure!” I assumed. (Mainly, a waist-cinching belt to give my shorter self a bit of shape.) Boy, was I wrong.
The ‘Clyde’ is described as an ‘oversized’ style on Sézane’s site. But that’s what surprised me most. The roomy and slightly tapered design was perfectly suited to my height. Also, my frame. I’m 5’2”, but I’ve also got a bit of an hourglass shape. I’ve got hips and a baby at home that I’m currently nursing. The reason for the info? Altogether, I need clothing with a bit of give in some places, but not all. That’s where the ‘Clyde’ was extra impressive.
I did size down (opting for a size 4 instead of my usual 6) and it was the right move. The coat was easy to button from top to bottom and felt fitted and flattering in the chest area, but with a cut that still provided plenty of wiggle room around the hips. It almost has a triangle shape, but one that feels tailored instead of like it has too much material. Sizing down worked in my favor especially in terms of the armpit fit and length, but it's probably worth cross-checking your measurements with the sizing chart to get the right fit for you. I found that, even when sizing down, I was still able to layer chunkier pieces like a sweater and blazer without looking bulky—a win.
There’s more: This is a coat that holds up to wear and tear. I found that even after toting a baby and chasing after my 7-year-old and wearing it on the New York City subway, it still looked quite pristine. It also stayed wrinkle-free, a testament to its quality. It’s lined, too, so it delivered when it comes to providing actual warmth, but this isn’t a style that will replace, say, a puffer on days with extreme cold. It’s more a stylish option to wear out when temps are cool (say 40s and 50s).
Bottom Line
Sézane is a brand that I’ve long adored, but there’s something about the wool version of the ‘Clyde’ that already makes it one of the most-worn pieces in my closet. I feel more put together simply by putting it on and it’s also something that feels fun to plan an outfit around. For example, just this week, I gave monochromatic dressing a try, pairing it with a brown wool dress and brown boots, with the coat anchoring the look. (I got so many compliments!) It’s an investment, sure, but one that’s in the range of similar wool styles. And the roomy (and figure-flattering) cut ultimately gives it long-term staying power in your closet.
