The Perfect Button-Down Shirt + Ways to Style

sezane tomboy classic white shirt petite

Shirt: Sezane sz 0/32
Shorts: AF short xxs c/o. Fit info below. Also been eying these, on sale!
Sandals: Sezane sz 6 c/o. Runs small so I sized up. Love & wear them often!
Accessories: Anne Klein watch (DIY resized), Edited Pieces mini belt xxs, $15 sunglasses

I’ve enjoyed working on capsule wardrobe posts in recent years, and one piece that’s in the lineup each time is a classic button down shirt. The Sézane Tomboy is such a good option that goes from work to weekend – it’s tailored enough to pair with office wear, and the slightly relaxed fit works perfectly with casualwear without being too oversized for me. The fabric is a subtly textured, 100% cotton that is more oxford style cotton than my Everlane shirts, which are a thinner weight, flat cotton.

sezane tomboy shirt madewell white linen shorts petite review

Shirt: Sézane 0/32
Shorts: Madewell shorts 00 (also at Nordstrom; similar J.Crew style)
Sandals: Hermes sandals 35.5 (look for less)
Accessories: Sézane straw tote c/o, Edited Pieces mini belt xxs, $15 sunglasses

I also wanted to show how the Tomboy shirt looks untucked. I wore it like this a few times as a casual layer or swimsuit cover up. I absolutely love the oxford texture on the blue color for lending it a “borrowed from the boys” feel.

If you’re interested in more pieces to try from Sézane, here are my past reviews on sweaters, blouses, and a big post from their Boston store opening! A few personal favorites over the years:

  • Chlo blouse is gorgeous in the blue/white stripe cotton with lace trim. This was out of stock for so long and now back. A more tailored slim fit than the Tomboy shirt.
  • Stripe Leontine jumper – the viral pullover sweater from a few years ago, that I still adore and get questions about every single time.
  • Abelia drape blouse. Looser fit, nice quality with a little weight and texture to the drape fabric. Elegant tucked into high rise trousers, skirts or jeans.
  • Gatsby stripe tee – unique row of buttons and drop shoulder, relaxed fit. Note this is an oversized fit in a thicker weight cotton, so I usually only half tuck it in the front to avoid too much bulk.
  • Bianca lace blouse – a more special, intricate piece with petite-friendly 7/8 sleeves.
sezane gatsby mariniere striped shirt petite

I’ve been searching for tailored shorts in a dressier material than my beloved Madewell ones, and have yet to find the perfect pair. I’ve been holding onto these A&F tailored shorts for a while and while the waist fits nice and snugly, the 5″ inseam is long on me and I can’t decide whether to hem them. Also, I’d like the bottom opening to be a little wider for a more A-line shape. I did see they have a newer shorter version which has a 3″ inseam, and might give those a try in black!

Alternatively, Express has a beautiful looking 3.5″ inseam tailored short I’ve been eying with great reviews and a great sale price, but they don’t make my waist size anymore so I’m not sure how they’d fit.

abercrombie tailored shorts petite review sezane tomboy shirt outfit

If you’ve been considering this straw basket bag and see it pop back into stock – don’t wait! I received this as a gift after I splurged on a Loewe bag earlier this summer, and to be honest, I reach for this one much more. A key benefit over my Loewe is an attached drawstring liner bag (EVERY straw bag should have this feature!!). The handles also swivel so you can switch from long shoulder straps to short handles, seen on me above. As I mentioned before, they actually improved on the Loewe-inspired swivel handle design so that when you’re using one set of straps, the other set can be completely hidden inside the bag.

sezane blue shirt madewell linen shorts
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9 Comments

  1. Priscilla wrote:

    Do the Sezane tomboy shirts shrink at all? I just purchased a 100% cotton white and it fits perfectly, but I’m nervous about shrinking.

    Posted 10.26.23 Reply
  2. Syl wrote:

    Can you link the white tank you wore inside the Sezane blouse? Thanks!

    Posted 8.25.23 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      That’s an old Uniqlo tank that’s no longer available, sorry!

      Posted 8.30.23 Reply
  3. Molly B wrote:

    Does Sézane ever have sales?

    Posted 8.25.23 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Very rarely! I can only think of two or three times I’ve seen them run a sale and it’s on past season items, or a small code for $20 off.

      Posted 8.30.23 Reply
  4. Lisa wrote:

    I absolutely love the versatility of a perfect button-down shirt! It’s a timeless wardrobe essential that can easily transition from a polished office look to a casual weekend outfit. Pairing it with tailored trousers and pumps gives off a chic professional vibe, while knotting it at the waist and combining with high-waisted jeans creates a trendy and relaxed feel.

    Posted 8.25.23 Reply
  5. Lee wrote:

    I’m also looking for a nice tailored high waist short in dressier material -keep us posted if you find any others but I’ll check out those Abercrombie ones -they look great on you!

    Posted 8.21.23 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Thank you Lee! I’ll be sure to share if I come across any other winners

      Posted 8.30.23 Reply
  6. thank you this is helpful

    Posted 8.21.23 Reply

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