12 Ways ‘Emily in Paris’ Gets French Fashion Wrong

One of the consulting costume designers for Emily in Paris, 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 saying before the debut of season two, “My motto, for this season and the last, has always been, ‘Too much good taste is boring.’” 

Following the show’s season four premiere, Emily’s looks are as much of a conversation starter as her romantic choices (cute chef and neighbor Gabriel! British banker Alfie!). But for the French, Emily’s style couldn’t be farther from reality. As a travel journalist who has lived in France for more than a decade, my own style has adjusted to what I’ve seen in Paris — which is the opposite of Emily’s loud prints and metallics. Word to the wise: skip the beret and knee-high boots. If you want to look like a Parisian, here are 12 picks that capture the effortless French girl look — and they start at just $16 at Amazon.

Don’t wear: A beret

Wear this instead: A wide-brim fedora

From the first episode of season 1, Emily showcased her excitement for Paris with a look 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. Instead, you’ll notice women sporting various versions of fedoras, which Parisians personalize with an expertly tied ribbon, scarf, or pin. L.A. hatmaker Nick Fouquet is the master of this look, but if you don’t have a few thousand to drop on headwear when this felt wide-brim fedora at Amazon is similar and will set you back just $30.

Don’t wear: A mini bag

Wear this instead: A crossbody sling

Emily loves her mini bags, and while the Jacquemus Chiquito had a moment in Paris, the only micro purse you’ll see these days is the iconic Hermès Mini Kelly, the lauded trapezoid named after starlet and Monégasque 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. This best-seller from Madewell has an adjustable strap so you can style it a number of ways, and it’s spacious enough to hold a reusable water bottle, wallet, and other essentials necessary for a day out around town. As one shopper raved, “It’s giving quiet luxury and designer vibes at such a good price.”

Pro tip: Use the code “FALLFAVES” at checkout to get it for an extra 40 percent off. 

Don’t wear: Platform heels

Wear this instead: Mid-height heeled mules

The beauty of television is that fashion doesn’t have to be practical — it’s 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’s streets, Emily gracefully peruses Paris’ 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 — but alas, c’est pas possible (it’s not possible). 

The city isn’t designed for heels, and you’ll quickly break one (or be limping with blisters). These Paula Babies from French-girl-chic brand Sézane are a better alternative that can take you from day to night (and you won’t look out of place). Pair them with a wrap dress and leather oversized jacket on a fall evening out, with straight-leg denim and a blousy linen top, or with a matching shorts-and-blazer set and you’ll quickly be getting compliments from Parisians.

Don’t wear: A metallic jacket

Wear this instead: A white blazer

Just when you think the queen of matching accessories has reached her limit, Emily pulls out another surprise — a 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’s ensemble is way too much. This season, skip the sparkles and go for a classic, notched-collar blazer.

I love this Amazon closet staple in ivory — especially for the fall. I recently purchased a lookalike from Rag & Bone, and it’s become my go-to in Paris with a pair of jeans and black ankle boots. I’m not the only one who’s a fan; and Amazon shopper said, “Right off the bat, I was impressed by the flattering cut and true-to-size fit of this blazer…It hugs my frame in all the right places, creating a sleek and polished silhouette without feeling restrictive or too snug.”

Don’t wear: An oversized designer belt

Wear this instead: A skinny leather belt

Ah, Emily’s oversized Valentino belt. Adorned with the designer brand’s signature “V,” 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. For just $22 at Amazon, this two-pack set 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 fall coat — a fashionable way to dress up outerwear. “These belts are great,” said one shopper. “The fit is adjustable and they stay in place all day — and the style and material make it look expensive.”

Don’t wear: A floral puffer coat 

Wear this instead: A puffer trucker jacket

A look you can only wear on TV, Emily attended Cadeau’s 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’ll find are long and boxy, which can weigh down a petite frame like mine. This pick from J.Crew is a more flattering alternative that’s ideal for fall weather. The pale yellow shade is a nice departure from traditional neutrals like white or gray, and the corduroy collar and polished gold buttons are small design touches that go a long way for a simple puffer like this one.

Pro tip: Use the code “SHOPNOW” to get the jacket for 30 percent off. 

Don’t wear: Rain boots

Wear this instead: Waterproof Chelsea boots

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 — wellies. Sure, if you’re at a friend’s château 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. One of the best deals I’ve found, these ankle rain boots at Amazon are just $33, but they’re such a hit that they’ve received nearly 25,000 positive ratings.

“Beyond their impressive waterproof capabilities, these boots are incredibly stylish,” said one shopper. Another added: “I 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.” You can even wear them on the plane to save room in your carry-on. I couldn’t think of a better boot to bring to Paris. 

Don’t wear: A short-sleeved zip-up jacket

Wear this instead: A sweater vest

Emily’s striped, short-sleeved zip-up jackets and sweaters give Clueless vibes, and while ‘90s fashion is back, these looks haven’t 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 from Free People 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.

Don’t wear: A mini dress

Wear this instead: A ribbed wrap maxi dress

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’s hottest discothèques. I quickly realized I packed entirely wrong and didn’t 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. 

This find from Rouje is casual but cool — the mother-of-pearl buttons and sexy thigh-high front slit add just enough detail while not being distracting. You can’t go wrong with black, and if it’s cooler out, simply throw on a leather jacket and tights and you’ve transformed the look entirely. My easiest way to dress up a simple black dress? Red lipstick.

Don’t wear: A bold print coat

Wear this instead: A boxy lightweight knit jacket

I’m 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 — not wearing an entire ensemble of prints. Emily’s 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. 

Instead, a versatile layer that’ll take you through fall and winter is this open-front lightweight knit jacket, a great piece to throw on over a sweater and jeans that’ll instantly pull an outfit together. “This cardigan is the epitome of cozy elegance and has quickly become a staple in my wardrobe,” said one shopper. “I 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.”

Don’t wear: Oversized sunglasses

Wear this instead: Retro, rectangular ’90s shades

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, and while sitting under a blue-and-white-striped parasol by the pool, I noticed most of the women donned rectangular-shaped sunnies (à la Céline). This affordable find at Amazon is a near lookalike and just $13.

Shatterproof and offering UV eye protection, this deal is almost too good to be true — and has become a favorite of more than 18,000 reviewers. “For the price, I expected them to be flimsy, and I just needed something quick and cheap before my vacation,” said one shopper. “They are adorable in person and exactly the shape I wanted.” 

Don’t wear: Knee-high boots 

Wear this instead: Suede ankle boots

I’ll always remember that scene in The Devil Wears Prada when Anne Hathaway’s character walks into the Runway office in showstopping, over-the-knee Chanel boots. This was one of costume designer Patricia Field’s shining moments, and while it’s a look that’s still chic today if you’re working at a Vogue-esque magazine, you won’t see anyone in Paris sporting a pair. 

Throughout Emily in Paris, 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 from Everlane. As one shopper raved, “These are so comfortable and easy to walk in. Nothing needs breaking in.” This fall, I can’t wait to sport them with tapered light denim jeans and a simple white tee and blazer combo for a look I’ll likely wear on repeat all season long.

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