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There’s a reason these loafers keep selling out. The Caroline Loafers by Sezane are that rare combination of classic, quirky, and wearable – and from personal experience, they’re more comfortable than they look, which is saying a lot given Sezane footwear doesn’t always get a good rap when it comes to comfort.
Sezane loafers*, Sezane suede jacket (sz S), Anna Quan top* (sz AU 8), Nobody Denim jeans, Saint Laurent belt, Loewe bag, Status Anxiety sunglasses*
After being inspired by some fashiony people whose opinions I trust (read: whose wardrobes I’d happily raid), I opted for the smooth leather pair because I wanted something low-maintenance that could handle everyday shenanigans. They’re available in three versions – glossy chocolate (my pick), coffee suede, and sandstone suede – all beautiful neutrals and while the suedes were tempting at first, I decided the richness of the glossy finish would be slightly more season-less.
L: Sezane loafers*, Uniqlo Heattech top* (sz S), Uniqlo skirt* (sz S), Uniqlo trench coat* (sz S), Anna Quan socks*, Songmont bag*, Status Anxiety sunglasses* R: Sezane loafers*, Uniqlo Heattech top* (sz S), Uniqlo jacket* (sz S), Uniqlo jeans* (sz 26), Parisa Wang bag*, Arms of Eve earrings*, Status Anxiety sunglasses*
Design
The Caroline is essentially a boat shoe-meets-loafer hybrid (see my loafers round-up here for comparison). It features lace fastenings, a 1.5cm platform & subtle 3 cm heel (this means a lot when you’re a shorty like me!), and a polished finish that nods to classic French style. They’re crafted in Portugal with a soft leather lining and a rubber outsole.
It carries a playful but refined energy – a touch “old lady in Saint-Germain,” a bit whimsical, and entirely chic. I’ve worn them with everything from tailored trousers and denim to midi skirts and dresses, and they never feel out of place. Scroll on and you will see visual evidence of this. They have that knack of making an outfit look intentional, even when you’ve just thrown something on.
Wear & Tear (Comfort & Sizing)
What really seals the deal is the comfort. I’m a US/AU 6.5 and went for the FR 38. At first, I assumed they should be fitting snugly like my Gucci Jordaan loafers, so I popped in a pair of inserts that came with one of my Bared Footwear shoes – but I quickly realised these weren’t built to fit like traditional loafers. They’re more relaxed, almost in the spirit of a boat shoe, so I removed the inserts and haven’t looked back.
The leather softens beautifully with wear, and the laces make fine-tuning the fit easy. They required zero break-in time (huzzah!), and I’ve comfortably commuted to and from the office in them (which involves a fair bit of time on foot as some of you will know).
L: Sezane loafers*, Uniqlo Heattech top* (sz S), Uniqlo skirt* (sz S), Uniqlo jacket* (sz S), Anna Quan socks*, Parisa Wang bag*, Status Anxiety sunglasses*, Arms of Eve earrings* R: Sezane loafers*, Sezane suede jacket (sz S), Anna Quan top* (sz AU 8), Nobody Denim jeans, Saint Laurent belt, Loewe bag, Status Anxiety sunglasses*
Styling & Comparison
I’ve had so much fun styling them – for work, they strike that perfect note between smart and effortless, which is pretty much my entire weekday brief. They play well with straight-leg trousers, pleated skirts, or even jeans on casual Fridays.
Compared with my other loafers – the sleek Gucci Jordaans, the slightly jazzy Bared Capito loafers, and my well-loved Bared Emutail loafers – the Caroline sits right in the middle. More structured than the Bared loafers, less formal than the Gucci pair, and really easy to wear day to day. They’re the Goldilocks option: just right.
Sezane loafers*, Sezane suede jacket (sz S), Anna Quan top* (sz AU 8), Nobody Denim jeans, Saint Laurent belt, Loewe bag, Status Anxiety sunglasses*
I completely get the hype. The Sezane Caroline loafers are a bit old-lady, a little whimsical, and a whole lot of comfy. An awesome pair of shoes I’d happily recommend to bring your outfits together.
If you’ve been considering them (or if they’re finally back in stock in your size – run, don’t walk), I can confirm: they live up to the buzz.
As always, thanks for stopping by!
Check out my recent Sezane favourites video here:
