Ines de la Fressange, a French fashion designer and style icon, once famously said, “Style should be effortless—don’t overthink it.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the laid-back, chic aesthetic that French style has become known for. However, this sentiment is not reflected in the outrageous fashion choices of Emily Cooper, the enthusiastic heroine of Netflix’s hit series, Emily in Paris.
Throughout the show, Emily is seen sporting over-the-top, technicolor ensembles that are more reminiscent of a character from a whimsical movie like Funny Face than a typical French girl. From sky-high heels to brightly colored prints and patterns, Emily’s wardrobe choices are a reflection of her exuberant personality and her desire to live out her fashion fantasies in her new life in Paris. As a PR professional, she eschews the traditional black business casual attire in favor of flamboyant feathered coats, ruffled mini dresses, and extravagant gowns. Accessories play a key role in Emily’s outfits, with whimsical handbags, statement gloves, and fantastical hats making frequent appearances.
The mastermind behind Emily’s maximalist looks is none other than legendary stylist Patricia Fields, known for her iconic work on Sex and the City. Fields aimed to capture Emily’s American roots and optimistic spirit through her bold and colorful wardrobe choices, setting her apart from the chic Parisian fashion scene.
From chaotic prints to bold color combinations, Emily’s outfits on the show range from demure to absolutely wild. In the premiere episode of the first season, Emily rocks a blue snakeskin mini skirt paired with a screen-printed button-down, setting the tone for her chaotic neutral fashion sense. In another look from Season 1, she combines a green metallic leather jacket with a multicolor animal print tulle mini skirt, showcasing her colorful take on business casual attire.
Print mixing is a recurring theme in Emily’s wardrobe, as seen in a zany Season 3 outfit featuring striped hot shorts, a polka dot turtleneck, and a gold duster jacket. Her love for maximalism is evident in a Season 1 ensemble that includes a brightly colored print jacket and a dress with a statement bow at the bodice. Multiple prints, accessories, and vibrant colors define another classic Emily look from Season 1, while a beach outfit from Season 2 takes things to the next level with seven busy prints, platform heels, and a patchwork bag.
As the series progresses, Emily’s outfits become even more daring and theatrical. From a futuristic fembot-inspired look in Season 3 to a lavender floral mini dress paired with a ruffled lavender coat for a press trip to a lavender field, Emily’s fashion choices continue to push the boundaries of conventional style. A flamingo-esque maribou embellished pink cape and sky-high blue platform heels make a dramatic statement in a Season 3 scene, while a metallic jacket with dramatic sleeve detailing in another Season 3 look exudes a sense of flight and fantasy.
One of Emily’s most memorable looks comes in Season 4, where she channels a Hamburglar-esque take on formal wear for a brand activation ball. Sporting a black and white striped catsuit, a dramatic overskirt, a wide hat, and a black mask, Emily truly embraces the spirit of bold and unconventional fashion.
In conclusion, Emily Cooper’s fashion choices in Emily in Paris may not align with the effortless chicness of traditional French style, but they certainly make a statement. With Patricia Fields at the helm, Emily’s wardrobe becomes a reflection of her vibrant personality and her unapologetic approach to fashion. From chaotic prints to bold color combinations, Emily’s outfits are a visual feast that captures the essence of her character and her journey in the City of Light.
