I’m 5’2” and Can’t Stop Reaching for These Petite-Friendly Pieces from Sézane

Name: Sézane Rachel Coat
Brand: Sézane
Price: 370 USD

Channeling my inner French girl

Author image: rachel bowie christine han photography 100

By Rachel Bowie

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Published Feb 4, 2026

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Rachel Bowie/Sézane

My long-term love affair with Sézane began with a long-distance meet-cute. I was in Paris and, at the top of my itinerary, was a trip to the flagship L’Appartement Sézane, located on Rue Saint-Fiacre. As my then-boyfriend waited outside, I relished the chance to comb through the latest drop—at the time, the collections were much more limited than they are now—touching and feeling the quality of the pieces along the way. My jaw was also on the floor at the sight of the brand’s iconic sweater bar IRL. Oh la la.

But was the French-girl brand well-suited to petites, specifically my 5’2” frame? That was the question as I headed into the fitting room ten years ago, and continues to be as I shop for Sézane’s styles today. I’m lucky that the passage of time—and popularity of the brand—has led to not one, but two locations opening in New York City, a mere subway ride away from where I live. But while a more frequent range of collections now comes and goes, I still find myself reaching for several core (and petite-friendly) styles. Here, my favorites, plus my honest review.

Rachel Bowie/Sézane

1. Sézane Gaspard Cardigan

Sézane

Sézane is known for its sweater bar, and following a try-on session of knitwear a couple of years back, the versatility of the Gaspard cardigan in particular continued to live rent-free in my head. After all, it’s a sweater that is designed to be multi-use (you can wear it buttoned up in the front or the back). It also comes in the most vibrant color range (navy, black and mottled gray are on offer, but I couldn’t help but gravitate toward the punch of color that is red). It runs large, per the website description, so I stuck with a small instead of sizing up for just a touch of roominess—a nice feature in sweaters, even as a petite. The crop hits just right—not too short, not too long—on my 5’2” frame and is easy to tuck into jeans without adding a ton of bulk. In general, I appreciate the lightness of the knit in that it is easy enough to wear on its own, but also layers well over a turtleneck for added warmth.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXS to XXXL

$120 at Sézane

Rachel Bowie/Sézane

2. Sézane Harper Dress

Sézane

A little black dress is a wardrobe staple, but there was something about the gold button detailing that spoke to me when it came to this ribbed number, made of merino wool and cotton. I also know from my colleague (and fellow petite), Stephanie Maida, PureWow’s senior commerce editor: A slit has a figure-lengthening effect since it helps draw the eye vertically. After trying on this style, I was so pleased with the result. The high neckline, the long sleeves—even with all that fabric, this design lengthens me without swallowing me up. The hem hits a bit longer on me than the model, but is still above the ankle and cute.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XS to XXL

$225 at Sézane

Rachel Bowie/Sézane

3. Sézane Max Shirt

Sézane

If there is a category secondary to its knitwear where Sézane really shines, it’s button-downs. Behold, the Max shirt. The lightweight fabric (a cotton blend), the oversized structure, the mother of pearl buttons—I adore it. Still, it’s the overall fit—the length of the sleeves, the placement of the chest pocket—which, if you look closely, you’ll see hits just right across the board. In this vertical stripe pattern, the Max shirt also has a lengthening effect. (Not to mention feels decidedly French.)

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 0 to 16

$125 at Sézane

Rachel Bowie/Sézane

4. Sézane Chlo Shirt

Sézane

Since the day I walked into Sézane in Paris, this is the style staple—part of the brand’s core collection—that I continue to buy on repeat. Yes, the range of colors helps (I now own this shirt in white, orange, even black), but it’s the delicate lace detailing that draws the eye upward, which helps someone shorter like me stand a bit taller. There’s more: Like with the other button-up, the buttons hit at all the right places so there’s no gapping, while the length of the sleeves and the crop of the top make this particular design extra flattering on a petite.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 0 to 16

$140 at Sézane

Rachel Bowie/Sézane

5. Sézane Rachel Coat

Sézane

Given this coat is called the “Rachel,” how could I not test it out? But also, this fall/winter season, there’s been quite a bit of buzz about whether a cropped coat actually looks cute when you’re petite. After trying a few waist-length styles, I’ll admit that it depends on the fit, but this pick—available in the warm olive pictured here—feels surprisingly cute and stylish on my frame. Yes, it’s a puffer, but one that doesn’t add too much bulk; the crop also hits right at the top of my hip (a tiny bit lower and it would have quickly become too frumpy-feeling). I also like that it comes with an adjustable waist tie so it can nip in a bit more and hold its place as you wear it. The high collar draws the eye up, adding visual interest, and protecting your neck from the cold. Overall, another petite-friendly win.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 2 to 14

$370 at Sézane

Rachel Bowie

Senior Director, Special Projects and Royals

Writes and produces family, fashion, wellness, relationships, money and royals content
Podcast co-host and published author with a book about the British Royal Family
Studied sociology at Wheaton College and received a masters degree in journalism from Emerson College

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