Part of the appeal of the Parisian streets is how ordinary clothes look considered there: a blazer worn open, a striped tee with a red lip, a sensible shoe on old stone. Emily Cooper's wardrobe took that idea and turned the volume all the way up, with clashing prints, bright color and stacks of accessories. You don't have to love the full-blast version to borrow from it. Below are 25 complete outfits, from quiet Parisian basics to the loudest pieces the show made famous, and for each one I've noted what holds it together and how to wear it in an ordinary week.
Toning Emily's Color Down for a Normal Workweek
Most of the people I dress love the show's color but can't wear a full fringe dress to the office. The fix is to keep one loud element per outfit and let it repeat once. A pink tweed jacket with jeans and a plain tee. A cobalt blazer over a white shirt and black trousers. A red beret with a navy coat. One statement piece, one echo of its color, everything else quiet.
- Buy the statement as a separate rather than a full set, so it mixes with what you own.
- Choose neutrals that suit the bold piece: black under jewel tones, cream and camel under pinks and reds.
- Keep shoes simple when the top half is busy, and the other way round.
- Put the brightest color near your face only if it suits you; otherwise move it to a bag, a skirt or shoes.
1. Pink tweed jacket and matching mini skirt outfit
A pink tweed set is the most recognizable Emily look, and it's easier to wear than it seems because the two pieces already match. I'd start with a cropped tweed jacket with gold buttons and a high-waist mini cut from the same cloth. Under it, a white ribbed tank or a lace-trimmed cami breaks up the texture. Pointed slingbacks in blush or cream, a small quilted chain bag and cat-eye sunglasses finish it. Tweed is loosely woven, so it snags on bag chains and rings; carry the bag on the opposite shoulder. Wear the jacket on its own with jeans and the set earns its keep twice.
2. Pattern blazer and high-waist shorts outfit
A loud patterned blazer with tailored shorts says you have a meeting at two and a drink at six. Pick a bright check or abstract print with structured shoulders, then pull one color out of the print for high-waist pleated shorts. A white bodysuit or a cropped ribbed tee keeps the middle calm. Strappy heeled sandals or pointed mules lengthen the leg, which matters when shorts cut it at the thigh. Chunky gold hoops, a mini crossbody and square sunglasses finish it. Bare legs with a sharp jacket is the contrast that gives the outfit its Parisian summer energy. If the blazer is long, the shorts should be short enough to show past its hem, or the legs disappear.
3. Red beret and striped Parisian top outfit
The beret is the most touristy French accessory there is, and the show leans into it on purpose. The trick is keeping everything else current. A classic Breton striped top in navy and cream, medium-wash high-waist straight jeans rolled once at the ankle, and red ballet flats for a pop of color. Then the red wool beret, worn pushed back and to one side rather than pulled straight down like a cap. A woven basket bag or a leather satchel and a thin gold chain finish it. Flat shoes and a modern jean are what keep it from feeling like a costume.
4. Color-block coat and knee-high boots outfit
In cold weather, the coat becomes the outfit. A wool color-block coat in bold panels, violet with fuchsia or emerald with cobalt, goes over a black turtleneck and a black leather mini. Knee-high boots with a low block heel give a long line and are kind to your feet on a walking day. Opaque black tights on cold days. Keep accessories small, because the coat already has plenty to say: gold hoops, a structured top-handle bag, dark sunglasses. The all-black base is the important part. Put color under a color-block coat and it starts to look busy.
5. Cropped cardigan and statement print skirt outfit
A slim cropped cardigan with a printed midi skirt is sweet but not twee. Choose cashmere or a fine merino in oatmeal, soft pink or black, button it fully and tuck it into the high waist of the skirt. The print can be loud, a painterly floral or a retro geometric, as long as the fabric swishes when you walk. Heeled ankle boots in autumn, strappy block heels in summer. A compact crossbody, round sunglasses and a red lip finish it. Watch where the cardigan ends: it should meet the skirt waistband exactly, since a gap of skin or a bunched hem shortens the torso.
6. Plaid two-piece set with platform shoes
This is preppy with an edge. A plaid blazer and high-waist wide-leg trouser set in a muted brown, cream and rust check gives you a ready-made frame. Under the blazer, a plain white tank, or a lace bralette if you want some texture. Chunky platform loafers or platform boots add height and attitude, which suits the width of the trousers. A slouchy leather shoulder bag, tortoiseshell glasses and a silk scarf on the neck or the bag handle finish it. Make sure the trouser hem clears the floor in the shoes you'll wear; wide legs in heavy wool soak up puddles and drag.
7. Floral mini dress with colorful accessories
This one is more-is-more on purpose. Start with a mini dress in a bold floral, roses or daisies or a tropical print, in an A-line or shift shape. Then add accessories in clashing colors: a hot pink crossbody, turquoise earrings, stacked yellow bangles, magenta platforms. It sounds chaotic, but with the dress as the anchor, the clash reads as a choice. The rule I use is that every accessory color should appear somewhere in the print, even as a fleck. A cropped denim jacket or a white blazer covers you if it cools down.
8. Blazer with graphic tee and mini skirt outfit
High-low styling is the most wearable idea in this list. An oversized, slightly masculine blazer in charcoal, black or camel wool goes over a vintage band tee, tucked into a faux-leather or tweed mini. The stiff jacket against the soft tee is what makes it interesting. White leather sneakers by day, pointed sock boots at night. A mini shoulder bag, layered chains and a loose bun finish it. Size the blazer so the shoulder seam sits just past your own shoulder and no further; much beyond that, it starts to look borrowed by accident rather than by choice.
9. Polka dot dress with red heels and beret
Polka dots with red accents is the retro version of Paris. A fit-and-flare or wrap midi dress in navy and white dots, cinched with a thin red patent belt. Red heels, or red block-heel sandals if you'll be walking, plus a red beret and a red lip so the color repeats three times. A small white or navy top-handle bag, pearl studs and a fine bracelet stay quiet. Dot size changes the mood: small dots read classic and polished, large dots read playful and vintage. A wrap dress suits most figures because you can adjust the waist.
10. Metallic jacket and slim black pants outfit
One shiny jacket can change the whole outfit. A cropped metallic jacket in silver, gold or bronze, ideally with texture like crinkled lamé, goes over a black cami or a plain crewneck tee. Slim black cigarette trousers that end at the ankle, black pointed stilettos or heeled mules, and a black clutch with little hardware. Everything except the jacket fades back. Metallic fabrics show creases and fingerprints easily, so hang the jacket rather than folding it, and keep it away from rough bag straps. It's for evenings, drinks and dancing.
11. Red blazer and colorful top outfit
Red is the power color in the Emily in Paris wardrobe, and an oversized crimson blazer with sharp lapels proves why. Wear it over a printed blouse or a jewel-toned silk cami in emerald, sapphire or amethyst, tucked into light vintage straight jeans. Heeled sandals or pumps in another bold shade, a structured satchel, a gold chain and cat-eye sunglasses finish it. Red sits differently on every skin tone; if a blue-red looks harsh on you, try a tomato or brick red, which is easier on warm complexions. A creative office or a dinner meeting both suit it.
12. Geometric print jumpsuit with heels
A printed jumpsuit is a whole outfit in one zip. Look for a tailored cut in a bold geometric print, chevrons or color-blocked panels, with a defined waist from a belt or seaming and a wide or straight leg. Strappy sandals in a solid color pulled from the print, drop earrings, a metallic clutch and a sleek high ponytail are enough. Torso length is the fit point I check first in any jumpsuit; if it's short in the body, it pulls when you sit and the waist lands too high. Evening events and cocktail parties are where it does its best work.
13. Equestrian blazer with leggings
This is country-weekend dressing brought into town. A structured heritage-style blazer with a velvet collar and brass buttons, fitted like traditional riding tailoring, goes over a crisp white shirt. Sleek black leggings or slim riding trousers, then tall leather riding boots. A silk scarf in a small knot, a leather satchel and minimal gold finish it. It has the composed polish of Sylvie Grateau. Riding boots need to fit the calf closely to look right, so measure your calf before ordering, and expect stiff new leather to need a few wears to soften at the ankle.
14. Green striped blazer and white shirt outfit
Emily's green-and-white striped blazer is pattern clashing done boldly. Wear it over a crisp white shirt with the collar up and a few buttons open. Then add trousers in a second print, a subtle check or a tonal floral, for that maximalist Parisian charm. White pointed pumps or heeled loafers keep it sharp. A green mini bag, big pearl earrings and a glossy nude lip finish it. The clash works when the two prints differ in scale: bold stripe on top, small pattern below. Two loud prints of the same size fight each other.
15. Blue fringe minidress with platform heels
This is a party dress that moves. A cerulean or icy blue mini covered in fringe swings and catches the light with every step. Tall platforms in silver, clear or matching blue go with it. Keep the rest pared back: crystal studs, a metallic wristlet and hair pulled off the face so the fringe isn't tangling with it. A smoky eye and a nude lip finish it. Fringe tangles in storage, so hang the dress inside out or lay it flat, and shake it out before you put it on. New Year's Eve and birthday dancing are what it's built for.
16. Yellow bubble-hem dress outfit
Sunshine yellow is the most cheerful color on this list. A bubble-hem mini or midi with a fitted bodice and a gathered skirt has a sculptural shape that nods to the runway. Neutral accessories keep the dress in charge: nude strappy sandals, a cream mini bag, small gold hoops. Soft waves and dewy skin keep it approachable. A bubble hem adds volume right at the hips, so if that's where you'd rather not add width, choose the midi length, where the volume falls lower. A cream cardigan over the shoulders handles a cool evening.
17. Head-to-toe monochrome red outfit
All red, done well, is more striking than any print. A red blazer, a red silk cami or bodysuit, and red wide-leg trousers or a red mini. The secret is texture: matte wool, glossy silk and grainy leather keep the outfit from looking flat. Red pointed heels and a red clutch finish it, with gold jewelry for warmth. A nude lip and winged liner keep the face modern so the red doesn't overwhelm. Reds rarely match perfectly across fabrics, so I aim for reds from the same family, all blue-based or all orange-based, rather than chasing an exact match.
18. Oversized plaid coat with turtleneck and boots
Let one coat do the work this winter. An oversized plaid wool coat in rust, cream and brown wraps you in pattern and warmth. Underneath, a thin black or cream turtleneck and black slim jeans or faux-leather leggings. Brown or black knee-high boots with a sturdy block heel. A slouchy leather tote, tortoiseshell sunglasses and a berry lip finish it. With an oversized coat, everything under it should be slim and fitted, or you'll look swallowed rather than wrapped. Check that the shoulders still fit; oversized should mean a dropped shoulder, not sleeves past your fingertips.
19. Cobalt blue blazer and wide-leg trousers
An electric blue suit is pure Emily confidence. A slightly oversized double-breasted cobalt blazer with matching wide-leg trousers that just graze the floor. Under it, a white tank or a pale silky cami. Pointed heels in white, silver or nude lengthen the leg. A structured white bag, layered silver chains and hair pulled back finish it. Cobalt is easier to wear than people expect; it suits most skin tones because it's a clear, mid-strength blue. A double-breasted jacket adds width at the front, so wear it buttoned only if it sits flat.
20. Fuchsia mini dress and layered gold accessories
Hot pink and gold are made for each other. A bright fuchsia mini in a simple shape, bodycon, A-line or slip, carries layered gold necklaces in different lengths, chunky gold hoops and stacked gold rings. Metallic strappy heels catch the light. A boxy mini bag in turquoise or orange adds a clash. A loose updo and a glossy pink lip finish it. With this much gold, keep the necklace lengths at least a couple of inches apart so they lie in separate lines instead of tangling into one knot. Warm evening lighting suits it best.
21. Off-shoulder black dress and crystal earrings
Sometimes the strongest choice is to step back and let the shape speak. A black off-shoulder midi that skims rather than clings shows the collarbone and shoulders. Crystal drop earrings, black pointed stilettos and a small embellished clutch or a black satin envelope bag. A low chignon keeps the neckline clear, and a bold red lip adds the French finish. Off-shoulder necklines need a strapless bra that actually stays put, so try the dress on with the bra before the evening. It's my pick for gallery openings, formal dinners or the opera, and proof that restraint can hold its own next to maximalism.
22. Lace-trimmed shorts and cropped blazer outfit
Lace and tailoring are an unexpected pair. High-waist tailored shorts with a lace-trimmed hem show a romantic detail at the leg. A matching or tonal cropped blazer and a silk cami go on top. Pointed mules or strappy heeled sandals in a soft neutral or metallic, a mini top-handle bag, pearl drops and big sunglasses finish it. Lace trim catches on rough surfaces and frays at the edges after many washes, so I hand wash shorts like these. They suit daytime showers and spring garden parties, though check the dress code before wearing shorts to a wedding.
23. Neutral blazer and tailored trousers outfit
Camille's quiet approach is all beige, cream, camel and ivory. A single-breasted soft camel wool blazer with matching straight-leg trousers, plus a fine cream crewneck or an ivory silk blouse. Nude pointed pumps or ballet flats keep the palette smooth to the floor. A structured cream bag, fine gold jewelry and a loosely tied silk scarf finish it. The risk with all-neutral is looking washed out, so I place the warmest shade, usually camel, nearest the face if the skin is warm, and the cooler cream there if it's cool. Business lunches suit it well.
24. Trench coat with striped tee and straight-leg jeans
The French-girl uniform still holds up. A beige trench in a relaxed, slightly oversized cut over a navy-and-cream striped long-sleeve Breton tee and high-waist straight jeans in a vintage wash. Roll the jeans at the ankle and wear black ballet flats or white leather sneakers. A leather crossbody, tortoiseshell sunglasses and a silk scarf finish it. Tousled hair and light makeup keep it relaxed. Leave the trench open with the belt knotted behind you; buttoned up over jeans, it looks stiffer. Errands, travel days and coffee catch-ups all suit it.
25. Monochrome black suit with pointed-toe heels
A black tailored suit is the French power move. A single-breasted black blazer with sharp shoulders and matching slim or straight trousers. Under it, a black satin blouse or a simple black crewneck, which adds depth through texture. Black pointed stilettos for height, and a structured black bag with minimal hardware. Add one statement: a crystal brooch, a bold cuff or a few fine chains. Slicked-back hair and a red lip finish it. All-black needs the blacks to match; a faded black jacket next to new black trousers looks tired, so wash dark pieces inside out in cold water.
Mixing Prints Without Looking Accidental
The show's print clashes look planned because they follow a few rules, even when they don't seem to. I check three things before I let two prints share an outfit.
- Scale: one large print and one small one. Bold stripes with a small check work; two bold florals fight.
- A shared color: at least one shade should appear in both prints, even as a thin line.
- A rest stop: a plain area, like a white shirt, a solid bag or black boots, gives the eye a break.
If you're new to it, start with stripes and a small floral, which almost always get along, before you try plaid with a large botanical.
Heels on Cobblestones and Other Walking Surfaces
Many of these outfits come with stilettos, and those are the shoes I'd question first if you plan to walk anywhere. Thin heels catch between paving stones and grates, and the heel tip wears down fast on rough stone. A block heel or a kitten heel spreads your weight and gives you a better footing, while still looking dressed.
Break in new heels at home on carpet for a few evenings before a long day out, and ask a cobbler to fit rubber heel tips and thin sole pads, which add grip. Carrying a pair of flat ballet shoes in your bag is an old trick, and it still works.
One Bold Piece and a Plain Supporting Cast
Whether you lean toward Emily's color or Camille's neutrals, these outfits work for the same reason: one piece leads and the rest supports it. You don't need a Paris address. Start with one strong item, a color-block coat, a tweed set or a good striped tee, and build the rest of the outfit around it so nothing competes. Mix textures, let accessories carry some color and wear the clothes with confidence. Save the looks you like, try one this week, and see which way your own style leans.
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