Oui, Emily In Paris. The show has became quite the overnight sensation lately, ever since it debuted on Netflix earlier this month, to the point where you would be a pop culture dinosaur if you didn’t watch it. At least, that was what I thought when I started on my binge-watch of the series. As much as it was a breeze to get through, I’m personally not a fan of Emily’s too-good-to-be-true scenarios and non-problems. Multiple Chanel bags and outfits? Okay, I’ll suspend some belief. But, the fact that everything miraculously works in her favour, and how all the French guys seem to fawn over this walking lollipop of an American girl, the moment she chimes #bonjour? Ringarde, indeed. Thanks, I hate it.
That said, I can understand some of the appeal… Gabriel. Okay, really though, in a post-Covid world, this might just be the lighthearted, frivolous, romantic comedy we need to brighten our days. Certainly, Emily’s wardrobe, as worn by the very watchable Lily Collins, is something to envy — no doubt due to Patricia Fields (of The Devil Wears Prada, Sex and the City) brilliant eye. So, as a hate-watcher, even I have to admit that I was entirely enamoured by Emily’s wardrobe choices.
Here, we’ve compiled 5 key fashion looks you can take away from the show. Even if real life doesn’t at all resemble Emily’s silver-platter “work” situation, we can at least indulge in some retail therapy.
1. SILK SCARVES
A bit of a French cliché, isn’t it. But, isn’t that what the show is filled with? The silk scarf, casually looped around the neck, is something we do admire though. As they say, très chic. It doesn’t have to be Chanel (though we wish it was). Pick one in a long, slim shape that you can knot around your neck and tuck neatly into your blazer or collared top. As seen on the show, Parisians like theirs with the ends hanging loose, to channel effortless vibes. And really, you can pair this with almost anything, whether it’s to elevate a simple t-shirt and jeans outfit, or to add some flair to formal work attire.
2. FLORAL + OFF-SHOULDER
Lilies for Lily Collins? Groundbreaking. As much as our idol Miranda Priestly rolls her eyes at florals, we can’t help but notice how good Emily looks in those off-shoulder floral dresses (and even an Off-White puffer jacket), whether they’re in tiny blooms or vibrant, vivid prints. We may not be able to afford Dolce & Gabbana, but the gathered off-shoulder look is as romantic as the city of Paris itself, showing off your décolletage in the most unassuming way. Choose florals against a dark backdrop if you’d like them to pop off the print, and play up the 70s vibes with plenty of ruffles and soft gathers.
Row 1, L – R: ROTATE BIRGER CHRISTENSEN Pauline floral-print duchesse-satin mini dress, $454 ; L’AGENCE Aubriella off-the-shoulder floral-print crepon top, $314 ; DUNDAS Off-the-shoulder ruffled printed metallic fil coupé silk-blend georgette dress, $3,773.
Row 2, L – R: PROENZA SCHOULER Belted floral-print georgette midi dress, $2,059 ; REFORMATION Rosehip floral-print georgette midi dress, $362 ; EYWASOULS MALIBU Kimi tiered ruffled floral-print chiffon dress, $460.
3. NOT-SO-RINGARDE BLACK
Despite what haute couture designer Pierre Cadault thinks, we quite like this black-on-black ensemble, a subtle charmer that’s a fashion-forward take on Sylvie’s timeless style. Key pieces to cop? That structured black leather blazer, which is then softened by a pleated skirt and a multi-strand pearl necklace across Emily’s neck. The layers, various finishes of the materials, and contrast between structure and a flowy silhouette, make head-to-top black quite, uh, un-basic. Oh, go ahead and accessorise with a studded bag too — just, this time, please do without the tacky bag charm.
Row 1, L – R: ANINE BING Mae double-breasted leather blazer, $1,321 ; VALENTINO Valentino Garavani Rockstud Spike micro quilted leather shoulder bag, $1,805 ; JUNYA WATANABE Cutout faux leather blazer, $1,488.
Row 2, L – R: A.W.A.K.E. MODE Asymmetric draped pleated chiffon and crepe midi skirt, $861 ; ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Box studded leather clutch, $2,610 ; THEORY Pleated georgette midi skirt, $612.
4. HEAD-TO-TOE CHECKS
Next on the checklist: checks. Gingham, tartan, plaid — every season plays its own favourites, and on Emily, a particular black-and-white gingham suit look really stands out. You can try your luck searching for the ‘Veronica Beard Miller Dickey Checker Jacket’, but chances are, it’s either sold out or unavailable to our region. But then again, we’re looking for inspiration. Perhaps it’s time to put aside our bland blazers, and instead, strut forth boldly with bright plaid ones, paying no heed to ice queen bosses and snooty detractors. A pink houndstooth look also works in the same vein, or try a monochrome houndstooth set for eye-catching uniformity.
Row 1, L – R: ALESSANDRA RICH Sequin and crystal-embellished houndstooth tweed jacket, $1,920 ; VICTORIA, VICTORIA BECKHAM Checked jacquard blazer, $694 ; SAINT LAURENT Cassandra leather shoulder bag, $3,637.
Row 2, L – R: ALESSANDRA RICH Sequin-embellished houndstooth tweed mini skirt, $650 ; DAVID KOMA Embellished strapless houndstooth cotton and wool-blend midi dress, $1,972 ; GUCCI Crystal-embellished leather pumps, $1,215.
5. SHOWSTOPPING WHITE
Here’s an ode to one of the most memorable looks of the series, an elegant white dress by real-life haute couturier Stephane Rolland, who counts Beyoncé and Lady Gaga as fans of his ethereal creations. Contrary to the theatrical stunts of art collective Grey Space, white doesn’t need shocking embellishment — with well-placed drapes, gathers, puff sleeves, and other smart details that create enthralling silhouettes, we really shouldn’t be thinking that hard over this one.
Row 1, L – R: ROLAND MOURET Toulon one-shoulder bow-detailed gathered crepe top, $1,313 ; MATICEVSKI Splendid gathered stretch-crepe mini skirt, $1,243 ; AQUAZZURA Very First Kiss 75 metallic leather sandals, $754.
Row 2, L – R: SAFIYAA Draped asymmetric one-shoulder stretch-crepe top, $1,428 ; AAIZÉL Draped linen-blend dress, $677 ; JOHANNA ORTIZ Sea Island convertible one-shoulder crinkled-crepe midi dress, $1,387.
Emily in Paris images, courtesy of NETFLIX.
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