I’m a Fashion Editor and These Are, Hands Down, the 13 Best ‘Emily in Paris’ Outfits from Season 4
Emily in Paris is chaotic in the best way. Does the plot always make sense? No. Does the fashion always make sense? Literally never. But that’s precisely why I love this Netflix original, and why, four seasons later, it’s still one of my favorite shows to watch. Because what is life if not a chaotic blur of vaguely connected events and questionable choices that later force us to think, why did I do that? It’s a show that reminds me to let loose and have fun, especially when it comes to clothing. Lily Collins’s Emily Cooper is by far the most interesting dresser currently on TV (note I’ve said “most interesting,” not best), making this a show I can even enjoy with the sound off. Below, 13 of my absolute favorite outfits from Emily in Paris season four, including the good, the bad and the inexplicable.
1. Bold Monochrome
Netflix
I’ll start with a high note. Both Emily and Mindy beautifully demonstrate that monochrome outfits are always a good idea, especially if you opt for a bold color like cobalt blue or canary yellow. My only advice for those copying these vibrant ensembles? Swap the statement accessories for something simpler—super-bright colors need no help in standing out from the crowd and can benefit from a streamlined silhouette.
2. Coordinating Checkerboard
Netflix
To Emily’s credit, checkerboard has been trending for a few years now, but this combination misses the mark for me. The matching bucket hat, scarf and trench coat feels a bit too ‘60s spy movie for my taste. Even just one contrasting or solid-colored piece would greatly improve this look and make it feel less like a costume.
3. Double Sherpa and a Pop of Red
Netflix
An oversize sherpa coat for winter is always a good idea, and I actually like her coordinating sherpa bag here. The large bandana-inspired scarf is also a fun, not totally kooky accessory to add to the mix. Overall, I give this one an 8 out of 10 for wearability—swap the over-the-knee boots for some faux-leather leggings and the newsboy cap for a wool fedora, beanie or even a baseball cap and I’d wear this combo in a heartbeat.
4. Polly Pocket Proportions
Netflix
I know Collins is set to star as the beloved ‘90s toy Polly Pocket in an upcoming film, but that doesn’t mean she needs to start dressing like her already. The proportions of this ‘fit are just bizarre. I’d usually advise wearing a bolero jacket (which is really what this cropped sweater wants to be) with something much longer for a striking balance of proportions, but I’m afraid this pink knit is just too oddly shaped to be saved. Add to that the structured, semi-flared shorts and the whole thing looks too stiff to be functional. The only saving grace is that gorgeous shade of green.
5. Pro-Level Print Clashing
Netflix
Now this is how you mix prints like a pro! The details on the cape are very close to the base color of her dress, helping connect the two patterned pieces. Her accessories are super simple and streamlined—a thin black belt, gold hoops—and the slicked back hair and delicate lip color are the perfect finishing touches. C’est magnifique!
6. Muppet Mayhem
Netflix
I love a Muppet-inspired faux-fur as much as the next gal, but they’re best worn as single statement pieces. I’d even be on board with this look if her separates were solid hues that picked up various hues from her multi-colored coat, but adding a second and third print into the mix makes the overall look way too busy. Despite the joyous mix of blue, purple and pink, this one is sadly a pass for me.
7. Bold Blouse
Netflix
It’s giving “Italian art teacher” in all the best ways. Wearing the tie collar open and tying the green in the beetle print back to her skirt and earrings is definitely the right way to make this busy top feel more accessible. I’d definitely sign up for her Oil Painting 101 class.
8. Audrey Hepburn Cosplay
Netflix
Yes, this ‘fit is a pretty literal nod to Roman Holiday but I absolutely adore it and would copy it any day of the week. The straw handbag with a gold chain strap and cropped gingham jacket add modern touches, as does her half-up hairdo. In fact, with the trendy Mary Jane flats and tiered midi skirt, I’d say this is Emily’s most accessible look in season four.
9. Masquerade Madness
Netflix
As for Emily’s least accessible look, this black-and-white ensemble is definitely near the top of the list. I’ll admit, however, for a black-and-white theme masquerade ball, it is pretty spot on. The striped onesie and lace mask feel very Venetian and the removable half ballgown certainly makes a statement. Also, you probably don’t have to worry about someone showing up to the party wearing the same outfit as you…
10. Homage to a Fashion Icon
Netflix
I concede that this ‘fit won’t be to everyone’s taste—even I have mixed feelings about that insane brooch—but I can’t help but love any look that pays homage to the one and only Iris Apfel. The eclectic fashion icon had a unique sense of style that thrived on rich colors, busy prints and lots of accessories (pretty much the opposite of Coco Chanel’s French simplicity). Apfel passed away in 2024 at the age of 102, but I’m certain she would have given this jacquard suit her stamp of approval.
11. 2010, Is That You?
Netflix
Everything about this outfit screams 2010s fashion in all the worst ways. The fringed scarf, the rhinestone heels, the ear cuff, it’s already too much and I haven’t even gotten to the actual clothing yet. This is, again, an instance in which I think each piece could be fun to play with individually (though those pants may be beyond saving), but when you compose an outfit made entirely of “look at me” items, especially ones that feel very specific to a certain era, it’s extremely hard to pull it off. Better luck next time, Em.
12. An Uber-Trendy Jacket
Netflix
This jacket is so spot on for so many fall 2024 trends—shades of burgundy and red are in high demand, as are leather jackets that break from the moto silhouette standard, and to cap it all off, hourglass shapes are slowly but surely evolving from micro trend to macro. It’s so good, it almost makes you forget about that houndstooth beret…almost.
13. ‘60s Ski Bunny
Netflix
To end on a high note, we’ve got another Hepburn-inspired ‘fit from one of my favorite films, Charade. The giant bug sunglasses and faux fur cap are oh-so ‘60s, as is the combination of a boxy jacket and slim ski pants. And as campy as it may feel, it does appear to be a practical ski ensemble, so I do have to give Emily props on that.
Watch all four seasons of Emily in Paris now on Netflix.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
