Sézane’s Clyde Trench Coat vs. Scott Trench Coat, Reviewed by a Francophile Editor

• Fit: 17/20
• Quality:19/20
• Aesthetic: 19/20
• Value: 17/20
• Versatility: 19/20

Total: 91/100

I’ve had my eye on the Clyde for a while but was curious to see how it would fall on me as I tend to gravitate towards belted coats that will give me waist definition. The Clyde doesn’t have a belt, so the A-line cut feels like a tent. Others have said it looks better worn open than closed, and with that I agree. However, it is a solid windbreaker when buttoned. Despite the lack of a belt, I loved the way it moved and that it was long—it hit me at about mid-shin. The coat is less heavy and less structured than the Scott trench, which made it easier to layer with a thick sweater underneath without suffering too much loss of movement.

The style is definitely oversize—I typically wear a US 4 across the board, but found that a size 2 was still quite roomy, with space for the aforementioned sweater. You can style the sleeves by rolling them up or down, and I think because of the ability to layer with other clothing, I’d choose the Clyde as a key transition piece in my wardrobe. I can see it on its own being perfect in the early fall when it’s breezy but still a bit warm, and then allowing you to throw on a couple sweaters as winter settles in but isn’t yet cold enough for a proper wool coat.

My only cons are that I do wish it had a belt, and that the fabric dye has been inconsistent, particularly for the light beige color. On the website it does come off as a light cream/sand, but there have been iterations where in person (including the sample I received) that felt more olive and dark. This is a known issue, however, when I spoke to an employee in the boutique, and so hopefully it’s addressed.

Overall, I think this trench would work best with body types that are straight or angular, as the flowing fabric will provide a softer, flowy contrast.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 0 to 16
• Colors: 5
• Materials: cotton, recycled polyester

• Fit: 16/20
• Quality: 19/20
• Aesthetic: 17/20
• Value: 18/20
• Versatility: 19/20

Total: 89/100

The Scott is a more typical trench coat silhouette, complete with buttoned shoulder tabs and wrist cuffs. It was definitely a tad heavier than the Clyde and more stiff; the cut is boxy and rectangular without flow, hitting just below my knees. The back slit can be unbuttoned for a little more movement, but overall doesn’t escape the straight cut. Those who want a traditional trench coat should opt for this one—it’s also petite-approved by a petite style blogger I’ve been following for years, Jean Wang.

It has a belt and double-breasted buttons, though I found the belt to be pretty short compared to other coats I’ve worn. Unless you have a 20-inch waist, you won’t be able to do more than knot it, and because the material is stiff, it looks rigid when you tie it in the back. Due to the stiffness of the fabric, I’d say this is more of a fall piece as layering will be tough—I couldn’t move my arms much when I put a thick sweater underneath, but found a thinner cashmere crewneck was sufficient (though a tad chilly) on a 30-degree, sunny day.

As aforementioned, the cut is straight, and multiple people told me (upon my request for feedback) that it looked boxy on me, given my body type. It actually looked a lot better on my roommate, whose curves balanced out the coat’s angles. She’s also petite at 5’4’’, and it hit her just above the shins and didn’t drown her in fabric.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 0 to 16
• Colors: 3
• Materials: cotton, acetate, viscose, polyester