The Sézane Clyde Trench Coat: An Effortless Layer for Fall
If there’s one piece I look forward to pulling out of my wardrobe as we transition into fall, it’s a trench coat. It’s easily one of my favorite transitional pieces, and perhaps one of my favorite pieces to style altogether.
I’ve always loved a layered moment, and there’s something about throwing a trench coat over even the simplest outfit that instantly makes it feel more elevated and put together. Whether it’s layered over a button-down and trousers, a knit with denim, or a dress and ballet flats, I love how naturally a trench works with so many different looks.
I also find the evolution of the trench coat fascinating. Originally developed as practical, weather-resistant outerwear in 19th-century Britain, it eventually found an entirely different place in fashion and everyday wardrobes. More than a century later, designers continue to reinterpret it, which is perhaps part of the reason the trench has remained such an enduring piece.
And this year, there’s one trench in particular I’ve been especially excited to add to the rotation: the Clyde Trench Coat from Sézane.
It’s a piece I’ve had my eye on for quite some time. Long, relaxed and slightly oversized, the Clyde takes a familiar wardrobe staple and shifts the proportions just enough to give it a more modern point of view.
With another season of layered looks just around the corner, I’m so excited to finally have it in my wardrobe.
So, in celebration of the upcoming trench coat season, I wanted to take a closer look at the Clyde, the story of Sézane and the new chapter currently unfolding at the brand, and share my own notes after adding the coat to my wardrobe.
A Little About Sézane
Sézane has become one of the most recognizable names in contemporary French fashion.
Founded by Morgane Sézalory in 2013, Sézane was the first French fashion brand to begin entirely online. Its story, however, began several years earlier with Les Composantes, Sézalory’s project centered around carefully sourced vintage pieces sold online. What began with vintage eventually evolved into her own designs, and Sézane was born.
More than a decade later, the world around Sézane has grown considerably, expanding beyond womenswear to Appartement Sézane locations, menswear through Octobre Éditions, interiors through Les Composantes and Petit Sézane for children.
And now, the brand itself appears to be entering another evolution.
Heading into Fall 2026, Morgane Sézalory has spoken about a new, more mature chapter for Sézane, with the latest collection marking the beginning of this next evolution for the brand.
I’ve been seeing quite a bit of conversation around the shift, and it has made me think about my own history with Sézane.
I’ve collected a number of pieces from the brand over the years, and while there are so many designs I’ve loved, it’s some of their most timeless pieces that I find myself wearing and recommending most. The Tomboy shirt, the Gaspard, the Betty, these are styles I continue returning to season after season.
My own style has evolved during that time too. I’ve become more thoughtful about what I add to my wardrobe, the silhouettes I feel best in and the pieces I know I’ll continue reaching for over time.
Perhaps that’s why I’m particularly excited to see how this next chapter takes shape. The focus on more timeless pieces and beautiful materials naturally speaks to so much of what I already love about Sézane, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the brand continues to explore that direction.
And speaking of timeless pieces, let’s take a closer look at the Clyde.
Meet the Sézane Clyde Trench Coat
The Clyde takes the familiarity of a traditional trench and plays with its proportions.
Rather than defining the waist with a classic trench belt, it falls long and loose through the body. A clean front and classic collar keep the silhouette recognizable, while its generous proportions give the coat a much more relaxed presence.
That balance is what initially caught my attention.
Even over a very simple outfit, the length and volume give the look a little more presence without requiring much else. It feels distinctly like a trench, just interpreted through a less traditional silhouette.
The Clyde has also become one of Sézane’s recurring outerwear styles, returning as trench season approaches. If you’re looking for something shorter, I also love the Bobby, a gorgeous cropped interpretation and another beautiful option to consider for the season ahead.
My Notes
Having had the Clyde on my wishlist for quite some time, I had a pretty good idea of what I loved about it from afar. What I was most curious about was how those proportions would actually translate in person, especially on my 5'4" frame, and how the coat would feel once I started wearing it.
I’m happy to say it has lived up to what I was hoping for. What has impressed me most is how substantial it feels without being heavy. There’s a beautiful weight and structure to the cotton, but it still moves easily when worn, giving the coat a really lovely balance between structure and ease.
There are also details I appreciate even more in person, particularly the check lining. I love the little glimpse of color it brings to the coat, and rolling the cuffs to reveal the browns, greens and blues has already become one of my favorite ways to wear it.
I ultimately chose the beige in a size 36 (US 4), and after spending some time with it, here are a few more of my notes:
Color: I went with beige, and I’m really happy I did. It brings a little lightness to an outfit while still working as a neutral, and I love the contrast between such a classic trench color and the Clyde’s less traditional proportions.
Sizing: I’m usually between a 36 and 38 in Sézane, particularly in tops and jackets. Because the Clyde is intentionally oversized, I chose the smaller of my two usual sizes and went with a 36 (US 4).
Fit: The 36 gives me the oversized effect I wanted without feeling overwhelming. There’s still plenty of volume and movement, so sizing down didn’t take away from the silhouette that drew me to the Clyde in the first place.
Layering: Even in the 36, I have plenty of room underneath. It works beautifully over a button-down now, with enough space for a sweater once the weather cools down.
Length & silhouette: I’m 5'4", and the Clyde falls around my mid-calf. Sézane lists the size 36, which is the size I’m wearing, at 44.9 inches from the shoulder. The longer length and oversized cut give the coat beautiful movement, and I love the way the proportions fall on my frame.
Fabric & weight: The Clyde is made from 100% organic cotton with a water-repellent finish. The fabric feels substantial and high quality, with enough weight to keep you warm as temperatures drop while still feeling light and comfortable to wear.
Details: The check lining is one of my favorite details, it brings a subtle touch of color to the inside of the coat. I especially love rolling the sleeves slightly to let the check peek through. The mix of brown, green and blue is incredibly easy to style for fall, while the classic collar and simple front button fastening keep the exterior understated.
How I’m wearing it: As the days get cooler, you’ll definitely be seeing the Clyde a lot more in my rotation. I’m looking forward to styling it over everything from button-downs and denim to trousers and knitwear, and letting it become that easy finishing layer I can throw on throughout fall and winter.
Shop My Sézane Favorites
I’ve gathered some of my current Sézane favorites below, including pieces I own and love, the Clyde, and a few styles I currently have my eye on for the season ahead:
Final Thoughts
There’s something about a great trench coat that makes me look forward to fall dressing, and after having the Clyde on my wishlist for quite some time, I’m so happy to finally have it in my wardrobe.
From the longer, relaxed silhouette to the beautiful weight of the cotton and the little glimpse of check lining at the cuffs, it has all the details I was originally drawn to, and even more of the character I hoped it would have in person.
What I love most is how naturally it fits into the way I already dress. I can throw it over a button-down and trousers, layer it with denim and a knit, or wear it over a dress with ballet flats, and each time it brings that effortless finishing touch I’ve always loved about a trench coat.
Having worn and loved Sézane for years, I’m also really excited about the direction the brand is taking and all that’s still to come. The Clyde feels like such a beautiful piece to carry into this next season, and one I know I’ll continue reaching for well beyond it.
With fall just around the corner, I’m already looking forward to all the ways I’ll wear it, and I have a feeling you’ll be seeing a lot more of the Clyde around here!
Disclosure: This post features certain items that were kindly gifted.
Looking for more inspiration? You might also enjoy:
With Amour,
M.