Netflix’s Emily in Paris is the story of a young girl from America
When Netflix’s Emily in Paris dropped, it quickly became a cultural sensation, capturing the allure of Parisian life, the ups and downs of a young American living in the City of Light, and of course, the iconic Parisian fashion.
While many were captivated by the chic looks and dazzling cityscapes, others were quick to point out how the series leaned heavily on clichés and stereotypes—especially when it came to French style.
So, today we’re going to dive deep into some of the most iconic Emily in Paris fashion moments, address the over-the-top clichés, and reveal what real French style looks like.
Whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe with Parisian-inspired pieces or simply curious about the fashion realities behind the show, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get started!
Parisian Style: Beyond the Cliché
We’ve all seen the images: a stunning French woman walking effortlessly through the cobblestone streets of Paris, dressed in a tailored trench coat, a beret perched just so, and a pair of high heels click-clacking on the pavement.
The reality? Well, Parisian fashion has evolved in a way that’s often quite different from the way Hollywood and shows like Emily in Paris portray it.
In the series, Emily, played by Lily Collins, frequently wears towering stilettos, perfectly curated outfits, and signature accessories like the beret.
While these elements are undeniably “French,” they’re not everyday Parisian fashion.
In fact, much of what we see on-screen is the kind of outfit that would be reserved for a photo shoot, not a typical stroll through Paris.
Let’s break it down:
The Beret: A Fashion Faux Pas?
First up, the beret. Oh, the beret.
A symbol of French fashion that’s been romanticized for decades.
In Emily in Paris, you’ll notice that Emily wears a beret in nearly every other scene, often paired with an equally “French” look.
But here’s the truth: berets aren’t part of the everyday wardrobe for most Parisian women today.
Sure, the beret has its place in French culture, but it’s more of a nostalgic or artistic piece these days.
If you’re looking to emulate modern Parisian style, you’ll want to keep your beret for special occasions or when you’re aiming for a quirky, artsy vibe.
Instead, focus on more practical, stylish accessories that scream chic without the cliché.
Everyday Footwear: Comfort Meets Style
In Paris, comfort is key.
While Emily in Paris has Emily walking around in stilettos all day (even while navigating the metro), Parisian women are far more likely to opt for stylish yet practical footwear.
Think sneakers, chic flats, or ankle boots that combine both style and function.
Parisian Street Style: The Real Deal
If you take a walk through the streets of Paris, you’ll notice the effortless way women pair casual pieces with elevated accents.
They’re not concerned with being “overdressed” or looking perfect—Parisian style is about looking effortlessly chic.
Consider these essentials for creating a modern Parisian look:
- Tailored Blazers: A well-fitted blazer can instantly elevate a simple outfit of jeans and a t-shirt. Opt for neutral tones like beige, navy, or black, and avoid over-the-top patterns.
- Denim: Parisians adore high-waisted, straight-leg jeans in classic washes. These are easy to style and pair with just about anything.
- Chic Sneakers: Gone are the days of sporting frumpy sneakers. Parisians love sleek, minimalistic sneakers from brands like Veja, Adidas, or New Balance.
- Minimal Accessories: Parisians love their accessories, but they don’t go overboard. A simple scarf, leather bag, or a pair of oversized sunglasses are staples in every Parisian wardrobe.
The key takeaway? French women focus on the quality of their clothing, not the quantity. It’s all about looking put-together without appearing like you tried too hard.
Outfit Combinations: What Works and What Doesn’t
Let’s talk about Emily’s outfits for a moment.
While some of her looks were on point (like that stunning black dress from the season one finale), others were more of a fashion faux pas.
Layering patterns, wearing mismatched accessories, and rocking styles that scream “I’m trying too hard” just doesn’t scream “Parisian chic.”
1. Pattern Mixing Gone Wrong
Emily often paired bold prints together in an attempt to make a statement. While the Parisian look does embrace patterns, it’s all about balance.
Pairing a loud floral dress with a striped blazer? Definitely not a Parisian move.
Instead, stick to one statement print per outfit and keep the rest of the look simple.
2. Over-Accessorizing
The French philosophy on accessories is all about subtlety. Emily’s outfits are often adorned with excessive accessories—think berets, scarves, gloves, and bold jewelry all at once.
Parisian style is much more about minimalism: if you wear a statement piece, let it shine by keeping the rest of your outfit muted.
3. The Power of a Classic Black Dress
One of the few outfits Emily gets right is the classic black dress. The LBD is a staple in every Parisian wardrobe.
It’s versatile, timeless, and easy to style. You can dress it up with heels for a night out or keep it casual with flats for a coffee date.
The Myth of the French Lover: Why Emily in Paris Overplays the Romance
Emily in Paris gives the impression that every street corner is filled with handsome French men waiting to make a move.
While it’s true that Paris is full of attractive people, this portrayal is just a little over the top.
In reality, Paris is a busy city, and the streets are filled with people going about their lives.
You’re not likely to find a flirtatious Frenchman on every corner—unless, of course, you’re visiting a café in Le Marais!
Demystifying French Fashion: Keep It Simple, Keep It Chic
So, what have we learned? In essence, Emily in Paris gets some of the iconic French style moments right, but it also gets a lot wrong.
Parisian women are not constantly decked out in fancy outfits, berets, and stilettos.
Instead, they focus on simplicity, comfort, and timeless elegance.
If you want to channel true Parisian style, focus on:
- Quality fabrics over quantity
- Effortlessly chic, understated looks
- Comfortable, functional footwear
- Accessorizing with subtlety and sophistication
Ready to Embrace Your Inner Parisian?
If you’re looking to update your wardrobe and embrace a bit of French flair, now’s the perfect time.
Start with the basics: a well-fitted blazer, a pair of classic jeans, a simple dress, and some chic sneakers. T
The Parisian style is all about effortless elegance—and who doesn’t want to look chic while feeling comfortable?
