A marinière is one of my most worn and adored key wardrobe style staples. A quintessential piece with origins dating back to the 1850’s, it was first designed and worn as part of France’s official naval uniform for seamen and quartermasters. The marinière is also known as a “Breton” top, as many of the French naval officers originated from the Brittany region. Now, it’s a go-to piece for many of us seeking to infuse our outfits with a touch of that French girl style…
Wearing: Sezane Colette mariniere in ecru/navy; Sezane Perfect Slim jeans; Reiss leather belt in caramel; Chanel slingback heels; Chanel cat-eye sunglasses; Polene Numero Neuf mini handbag in noir.
And it’s not hard to see why, with a classic horizontal navy stripe set aside a cream or white background, round neckline and traditional three-quarter length sleeve cut. A marinière is versatile enough to wear for a variety of different occasions and consistently looks stylish. Today on the blog I wanted to share why the Colette mariniere from Sezane is one of my most loved and worn wardrobe pieces.
Quick Facts:
- Price: $135 AUD / $100 USD / 80€ / £75
- Material: 100% organic cotton
- Size range: XXS – XXXL
How my first impression has changed
When I first unboxed the Colette marinière, I have to admit I was slightly underwhelmed. This was largely due to the fabric. Made from 100% organic cotton, the Colette has a slightly rougher or raw texture compared to the softer non-organic cotton pieces in my wardrobe. I purchased this top as part of my very first Sezane order and have included this top in a range of Sezane review videos over on my YouTube channel, which I’ll link down below.
A three-quarter length style, I opted to select the cream/ecru and navy version from the French retailer, as I felt this was the most classic colourway. With three quarter length sleeves, it’s a classic, if almost slightly boxy fit, which at the time was a different silhouette from the more fitted top styles I’d purchased previously. One design detail I adored was the functional two button detail on one-shoulder, which sets this top apart from the endless marinière options offered by retailers.
I decided to keep it and try it out; after a couple of wears, I became used to the organic cotton feel and have now grown to love it. It’s quite breathable given the weight of the fabric and I’ve found that even in warmer weather, this top is very comfortable to wear. The high-quality of this top is evident when you wear it and it hasn’t lost its shape after machine washing. Sezane’s Colette marinière is truly a chameleon piece which I can wear to the office, whilst travelling and on the weekend.
What’s the sizing like?
In terms of sizing, I was considering purchasing an XS however ultimately sized down to the XXS and was very happy I did. The cut is slightly boxy which lends to a relaxed feel. I don’t wear this marinière as a layering piece – so if you feel you’d like to layer a shirt underneath this top then I’d suggest you consider sizing up. The XXS is roomy enough for me to push the sleeves up to my elbow and long enough to comfortably tuck into jeans or trousers.
What colours and other Sezane marinieres are available?
Another thing I love is that the Colette marinière is available in a wide range of colours, including cream/red, cream/light blue, cream/gold, cream/navy, cream/camel, cream/pink and more. I’ve had my eye on the cream/red version for a long time as I feel this would be another classic (and very French) colour-way, so that’s on my Sezane wish-list for a future purchase. In addition to the iconic Colette version, Sezane offer a range of marinières with feminine frills and varied cuts, such as the Gatsby, Gaël and Noan options.
Would I recommend this?
When it comes to Sezane pieces, the Colette marinière is easily my favourite item. It’s a top which I always recommend to anyone who is considering purchasing this piece or who is wondering where to start in terms of trying out items from Sezane. The versatility, high-quality and timeless French style means it will consistently have a place in my wardrobe and style across multiple seasons, for many years to come.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this review of Sezane’s Colette marinière. If you have any questions about it, then feel free to ask in the comments below. I’ll leave links to this top below along with some of my Sezane review videos on my YouTube channel in case you’re interested in watching.
