{"id":348210,"date":"2025-12-14T12:38:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-14T12:38:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/348210\/"},"modified":"2025-12-14T12:38:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T12:38:08","slug":"12-ways-emily-in-paris-gets-french-fashion-wrong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/348210\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Ways ‘Emily in Paris’ Gets French Fashion Wrong"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the consulting costume designers for Emily in Paris<\/a>, Patricia Field, is now a household name thanks to Sex and the City. The fictional Carrie Bradshaw has become a fashion icon, and women have replicated winning looks from the series, like tutus, flower brooches, and vintage Dior saddle bags, in the decades since the show’s first episode aired. The hype was high for the fashion in Emily in Paris since the city itself is a style symbol. But, as Field has been quoted as saying<\/a>, \u201cMy motto…has always been, \u2018Too much good taste is boring.\u2019\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Ahead of the season five premiere on December 18, Emily\u2019s looks are still as much of a conversation starter as her romantic choices. But for the French, Emily\u2019s style couldn’t be farther from reality. As a travel journalist who has lived in France<\/a> for more than a decade, my own style has adjusted to what I\u2019ve seen in Paris, which is the opposite of Emily\u2019s loud prints and metallics from seasons past. Word to the wise: skip the beret<\/a> and knee-high boots. If you want to look like a Parisian, here are 12 picks that capture the effortless French-girl look\u2014and they start at just $16 on Amazon.\n<\/p>\n

Don’t wear: A beret
\n Wear this instead: A wide-brim fedora <\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

From the first episode of season one, Emily showcased her excitement for Paris with an accessory as touristy as an Eiffel Tower T-shirt: a beret. The century-plus-old accessory was chic on Brigitte Bardot and Coco Chanel, but these days, the felt caps are the opposite of what the French consider fashionable.\n<\/p>\n

Instead, you\u2019ll notice women sporting various versions of fedoras, which Parisians personalize with an expertly tied ribbon, scarf, or pin. L.A. hatmaker Nick Fouquet<\/a> is the master of this look, but if you don\u2019t have a few thousand to drop on headwear, this felt wide-brim fedora at Amazon<\/a> is similar and will set you back just $30.\n<\/p>\n

Don’t wear: A mini bag
\n Wear this instead: A crossbody sling <\/p>\n

Nordstrom Rack<\/p>\n

Emily loves her mini bags, and while the Jacquemus Chiquito<\/a> had a moment in Paris, the only micro purse you\u2019ll see these days is the iconic Herm\u00e8s Mini Kelly, the lauded trapezoid named after starlet and Mon\u00e9gasque princess Grace Kelly. In a city like Paris, a crossbody sling is a much better option, since you can throw it over your shoulder and wear it like a fanny pack while cycling or on the metro.\n<\/p>\n

This best-seller from Nordstrom Rack<\/a> has an adjustable strap so you can style it a number of ways, and it\u2019s spacious enough to hold a reusable water bottle, wallet, and other essentials necessary for a day out around town. As one shopper raved, \u201cIt’s giving quiet luxury and designer vibes at such a good price.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Don’t wear: Platform heels
\n Wear this instead: Mid-height heeled mules <\/p>\n

Sezane<\/p>\n

The beauty of television is that fashion doesn\u2019t have to be practical\u2014it\u2019s merely meant for the enjoyment of viewers. Similar to how Carrie in Sex and the City wore solely stilettos (particularly Manolo Blahniks) while running around New York City\u2019s streets, Emily gracefully peruses Paris\u2019 cobblestones in platform wedges and heels. As someone who has curated a gorgeous collection of heels, I also would love to waltz into a cafe or restaurant with friends in a pair of Saint Laurent Tributes<\/a>\u2014but alas, c\u2019est pas possible (it\u2019s not possible).\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

The city isn\u2019t designed for heels, and you\u2019ll quickly break one (or be limping with blisters). These Paula Babies <\/a>from French-girl-chic brand S\u00e9zane are a better alternative that can take you from day to night, and you won\u2019t look out of place (psst: Amazon has a lookalike style on sale for $37<\/a>). Pair them with a wrap dress and leather oversized jacket on a wintery evening out, with straight-leg denim and a blousy linen top, or with a matching shorts-and-blazer set, and you\u2019ll quickly be getting compliments from Parisians.\n<\/p>\n

Don’t wear: A metallic jacket
\n Wear this instead: A tweed blazer <\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

Just when you think the queen of matching accessories has reached her limit, Emily pulls out another surprise\u2014a leather, mermaid-green metallic moto jacket paired with a Chanel bag in a similar shade. A slight touch of metallic in a top or threaded throughout a dress can help brighten up a look, but Emily\u2019s ensemble is way too much. This season, skip the sparkles and go for a classic, notched-collar blazer.\n<\/p>\n

I love this Amazon closet staple in black boucle<\/a>\u2014especially for the winter. I recently purchased a lookalike from Rag & Bone, and it\u2019s become my go-to in Paris with a pair of jeans and black ankle boots. I\u2019m not the only one who\u2019s a fan, and an Amazon shopper said<\/a>, \u201cRight off the bat, I was impressed by the flattering cut and true-to-size fit of this blazer\u2026It hugs my frame in all the right places, creating a sleek and polished silhouette without feeling restrictive or too snug.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Don’t wear: An oversized designer belt
\n Wear this instead: A skinny leather belt <\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

Ah, Emily\u2019s oversized Valentino belt. Adorned with the designer brand\u2019s signature \u201cV,\u201d this accessory is hard to miss. Leave the loud luxury for the French Riviera. In Paris, less is always more. Instead of flashy designer logos, opt for something timeless and elegant like this horsebit-style golden buckle skinny belt.\n<\/p>\n

For just $22 at Amazon, this two-pack set<\/a> will go a long way. The classic black and sophisticated chestnut-colored, snakeskin-style belts are perfect for cinching over a blouse, dress, high-waisted trousers, or even a winter coat\u2014a fashionable way to dress up outerwear. \u201cThese belts are great,\u201d said one shopper<\/a>. \u201cThe fit is adjustable, and they stay in place all day\u2014and the style and material make it look expensive.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Don’t wear: A floral puffer coat\u00a0
\n Wear this instead: A puffer barn jacket <\/p>\n

J.Crew<\/p>\n

A look you can only wear on TV, Emily attended Cadeau\u2019s fashion show in a matching floral-printed puffer coat and skirt from Off-White. I love a two-piece set, but a matching puffer and skirt? Quelle horreur! Paris in the winter can be frigid, so I quickly understood the necessity of a puffer in a wardrobe. But most you\u2019ll find are long and boxy, which can weigh down a petite frame like mine.\n<\/p>\n

This pick from J.Crew<\/a> (available in more colors here<\/a>) is a more flattering alternative that\u2019s ideal for winter weather. The pale yellow shade is a nice departure from traditional neutrals like white or gray, and the colorblocking collar and polished bronze buttons are small design touches that go a long way for a simple puffer like this one.\n<\/p>\n

Don’t wear: Rain boots
\n Wear this instead: Waterproof Chelsea boots <\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

It rains a lot in Paris, so an umbrella is as crucial to bring out as your wallet. But, no surprise, Parisians have found stylish ways to dress for the rain without resorting to the obvious\u2014wellies. Sure, if you\u2019re at a friend\u2019s ch\u00e2teau in the Loire Valley, they might lend you a pair of Hunter boots to trudge around the property in, but while visiting Paris, don a pair of waterproof boots instead.\n<\/p>\n

One of the best deals I\u2019ve found, these ankle rain boots<\/a> at Amazon are just $27 right now, but they\u2019re such a hit that they\u2019ve received nearly 25,000 positive ratings. \u201cBeyond their impressive waterproof capabilities, these boots are incredibly stylish,\u201d said one shopper<\/a>. Chiming in, another added<\/a>: \u201cI think they are pretty cute, so I can totally wear them out and about without feeling like a slob. Once they get really dirty, I just wash them off, and they’re good to go.\u201d You can even wear them on the plane to save room in your carry-on. I couldn\u2019t think of a better boot to bring to Paris.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Don’t wear: A short-sleeved zip-up jacket
\n Wear this instead: A sweater vest <\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

Emily\u2019s striped, short-sleeved zip-up jackets and sweaters give Clueless vibes, and while \u201890s fashion is back, these looks haven\u2019t made the cut. What you will see in Paris are sweater vests worn solo or over long-sleeve cotton button-ups. This slouchy, vintage-inspired version<\/a> from Amazon-loved brand Trendy Queen is the perfect shade of cream that pairs with practically everything, from leather pants to wide-leg sailor jeans or a flowy silk skirt. You can even make it a year-round staple with jean shorts and a bikini in summer or with a trench and light denim jeans, and ankle boots in early spring.\n<\/p>\n

Don’t wear: A mini dress
\n Wear this instead: A ribbed wrap maxi dress <\/p>\n

Rouje<\/p>\n

On my first study abroad trip to Paris back in 2008, my suitcase featured a pile of mini dresses I envisioned wearing to fashionable dinners and the city\u2019s hottest discoth\u00e8ques. I quickly realized I had packed entirely wrong and didn\u2019t wear a single thing I brought. Instead, I spent a morning in Le Marais stocking up on wrap and shirt dresses from Sandro and COS. Needless to say, I can’t recommend steering away from something short and tight enough; opt for a flattering ribbed wrap dress that hugs curves without accentuating them.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

This find from Rouje is casual but cool\u2014the mother-of-pearl buttons and sexy thigh-high front slit add just enough detail while not being distracting. I also found a quality lookalike at Nordstrom<\/a> for under $100. You can\u2019t go wrong with black, and if it\u2019s cooler out, simply throw on a leather jacket and tights, and you\u2019ve transformed the look entirely. My easiest way to dress up a simple black dress? Red lipstick.\n<\/p>\n

Don’t wear: A bold print coat
\n Wear this instead: A boxy lightweight knit jacket <\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

I\u2019m all for throwing in prints to make a look pop, but the key is subtly adding one piece, such as a printed scarf or blouse\u2014not wearing an entire ensemble of prints. Emily\u2019s coat collection is perhaps the worst faux pas of the show since a Parisian would never dare to leave her apartment in a neon-yellow floral cropped jacket or lime green paisley-patterned coat.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Instead, a versatile layer that\u2019ll take you through winter is this open-front lightweight knit jacket<\/a>, a great piece to throw on over a sweater and jeans that\u2019ll instantly pull an outfit together. \u201cThis cardigan is the epitome of cozy elegance and has quickly become a staple in my wardrobe,\u201d said one shopper<\/a>. \u201cI love how effortlessly it drapes over my shoulders, creating a relaxed yet polished look. The lapel collar gives it that classy vibe, making it versatile enough to dress up for a casual office day or down for a cozy night in.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Don’t wear: Oversized sunglasses
\n Wear this instead: Retro, rectangular ’90s shades <\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

When Emily visits Saint-Tropez, her go-to accessory is a pair of oversized shades. As someone who spends the summer in the South of France, I can confidently say the 1960s style is out. I just vacationed at the new AREV St. Tropez<\/a>, and while sitting under a blue-and-white-striped parasol by the pool, I noticed most of the women donned rectangular-shaped sunnies (\u00e0 la C\u00e9line). This affordable find at Amazon<\/a> is a near lookalike and just $16.\n<\/p>\n

Shatterproof and offering UV eye protection, this deal is almost too good to be true\u2014and has become a favorite of more than 18,000 reviewers. \u201cFor the price, I expected them to be flimsy, and I just needed something quick and cheap before my vacation,\u201d said one shopper<\/a>. \u201cThey are adorable in person and exactly the shape I wanted.”\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Don’t wear: Knee-high boots\u00a0
\n Wear this instead: Suede ankle boots <\/p>\n

Zappos\u00a0<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll always remember that scene in The Devil Wears Prada when Anne Hathaway\u2019s character walks into the Runway office in showstopping, over-the-knee Chanel boots. This was one of costume designer Patricia Field\u2019s shining moments, and while it\u2019s a look that\u2019s still chic today if you\u2019re working at a Vogue-esque magazine, you won\u2019t see anyone in Paris sporting a pair.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Throughout Emily in Paris<\/a>, Emily dons variations in metallic teal, lilac leather, and red floral print. Patterns (and loud colors) are tricky to pull off, especially in a city where fashion is on the more subdued side, so a better pick is this pair of sand-colored suede ankle boots<\/a> from Toms. This winter, I can\u2019t wait to sport them with tapered light denim jeans and a simple white tee and blazer combo for a look I\u2019ll likely wear on repeat all season long.\n<\/p>\n

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter<\/a> and we\u2019ll send you our favorite travel products each week.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"One of the consulting costume designers for Emily in Paris, Patricia Field, is now a household name thanks…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":348211,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[54],"tags":[88,92],"class_list":{"0":"post-348210","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tv","8":"tag-entertainment","9":"tag-tv"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/348210","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=348210"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/348210\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/348211"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=348210"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=348210"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=348210"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}