By Emma Di Salvo
When Sex and the City ended in 2004, a fashion era ended, too. Yes, people tuned in for the drama, hilarious conversations and relationship revolutions, but more than anything, we wanted to see what our favourite girls were wearing.
After Sex and the City, there wasn’t a show that felt iconic in fashion. That is until Emily in Paris showed up on our screens. It’s just a shame we had to wait so long for it!
Premiering in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, in a weird twist of events, probably was perfect timing for the show. People were feeling down, scared, and anxious; what we needed more than anything was to escape. And what better place to escape to than beautiful Paris with one Miss Emily Cooper!
Let’s look at some of the most memorable looks and what we have learned about fashion from the show over the past four seasons.
Yes, It Is Okay To Mix Prints!
When it comes to mixing prints, it is a delicate balance. You don’t want things to look too hectic or for one print to outshine the other. You want your outfit to flow and everything to complement each other nicely.
An example of mixing prints to perfection can be seen in an episode in season 4. Emily pairs a beautiful green and black floral dress by Philosophy Di Lorenzo with a purple and green cape by Valentino. The subtle flow of green that runs from the dress to the cape makes this outfit appear extremely elegant and effortless.
This is a look I can definitely get behind. The mixing of prints isn’t over the top, yet it still pushes fashion boundaries. It can also be easily created on a small budget, which is always a plus!
The Bucket Hat Is Our Friend
The first time I saw someone wearing a bucket hat was in the 1995 movie Clueless. Sure, the bucket hat made some appearances after that (it was the 90s, after all!), but I thought we were done with it forever.
So you can imagine my surprise when I saw our girl Emily wearing one in the first season of Emily in Paris! How can something popular in the 90s suddenly be relevant again in 2020? Well, that’s fashion for you! But here’s the thing—I think they look fab!
Emily continues to rock the bucket hat throughout the show, so keep an eye out! Bucket hats are not our enemy, who would have thought?!
Beautiful Bralettes
Next, let’s check out Emily’s bestie Mindy’s stylistic choices. In episode one of Season 3, we see her donning the most beautiful embellished bralette. These kinds of tops are versatile, meaning you can dress them up or wear them in more casual settings. I also really like how fitted they are and how they sit on the body.
The one in the show is a Dolce and Gabbana piece, and the price is enough to make your eyes water—a whopping $7,000! However, fear not; I have found some awesome alternatives, such as this cute denim top from H&M or this blue bow-detailed top from Zara.
Another option you might want to consider is to take an old top, grab some scissors, and make your own! What could possibly go wrong?!
Go Big Or Go Home
One thing Emily doesn’t shy away from is colour! This is apparent throughout the show, and while there are some colours we might try to avoid, Emily in Paris has proven to us that any colour can work if you do it right.
In Season 2, Emily wears a bright yellow blazer, paired with more clashing and mixing patterns in a cute mini skirt and top combo. This bold and vibrant look is a perfect example of the fashion principle ‘Go Big Or Go Home ‘, which encourages us to embrace bold choices and not be afraid to stand out.
While bright yellow may not be a colour I would normally gravitate towards, the show has given me more confidence to try things on before deciding whether it’s for me or not.
Stick With The Classics
One of my favourite looks from the show is in Season 2 when Emily visits St. Tropez. The pale blue dress, matching heels, mod-style shades, and headscarf look classic, elegant, and confident.
Emily’s gorgeous vintage coat is the finishing touch to this look. The earthy colours work with the dress and add to that classic feel. Perfection!
If there’s anything we can take away from the clothing in Emily in Paris, it’s to take more chances with our fashion choices. Wear brighter colours, rock that bucket hat and don’t be afraid to mix patterns!
What are some of your favourite looks from the show? What fashion lessons have you learned from the show? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!