Aside from all the saucy drama and bold marketing antics, Emily in Paris is very much a show about fashion – no matter how questionable that fashion may be. Since the very first episode of the very first season, Emily has been stepping out of her cute little apartment ready for the day in some bright and funky fits, totally expressing her fabulous personal style.
She’s also been taking herself – or has been taken – to all sorts of gorgeous locations around France. From Versailles to Provence, and now, Rome (!!!), the filming locations have been a treat to the cast and crew. But what about you? What will you wear when you promenade through Paris and France taking in the beautiful city and countryside? Well, we’re here to help you out with the ultimate Emily in Paris packing guide!
1. Weekend at a French Château
Let’s start with the fanciest of Emily’s getaways: a weekend at a stunning French Château! Between breaking up engagements and getting with her friends’ brothers, Emily gets up to quite a lot when she’s in regal abodes – but your weekend doesn’t have to consist of all of that.
What it does have to consist of is plenty of flowy linens to keep you cool, light dresses or button ups, and perhaps a few floral patterns – bonus points if it’s the Fleur de Lys. You’ll also want to pack something elegant for the evenings to really complete the royal illusion (opera gloves not strictly necessary). If you’re headed to Contiki’s very own Château de Cruix for the Big Weekender, you’ll want to pack a swimsuit and a glitzy outfit to party in. The secret club is where we’ll be popping Champère all evening long.
Image source:Contiki
2. Stunning at a glamorous Launch Party
One thing about Emily in Paris is that there will be a launch party, and it’ll either go spectacularly well or hideously wrong. But Emily will always look amazing. If for some reason you happen to be attending such a launch party while in Paris, you’re going to want to dress for the occasion and you can do this one of two ways: the Sylvie way, or the Emily way.
For the Sylvie way, let’s keep things demure yet sexy: a chic suit or slinky dress with a shiny pair of matching shoes will do. Accessorise with something to catch the attention so you’re not just boring and all in black, and voilà!
For the Emily way we’re going bright and loud: the bigger the better to be honest, so don’t be afraid of colour or shapes, and definitely accessorise to the max. Miss-matched patterns are a plus, and in terms of the actual type of garment you’re wearing you can go either way! Just make sure you’re not wearing anything casual or street wear.
3. Front row on the runway
If you’re attending a runway show, perhaps during Paris Fashion Week or during a showcase of Pierre Cadault’s latest collection, you’re going to want to wear something lowkey. A runway is the time for you to dress up and wear something cool, but you can’t stand out too much either – this isn’t about you!
Black is the way to go, maybe even throw on a pair of shades. You want to be comfortable since you’ll be sitting for a few hours probably, but you still want to be stylish. Think high end sneakers, a comfortable but well-made hoodie or t-shirt, and some trendy pants to complete the look.
Image source:Michael Lee / unsplash
4. Discovering Paris’s many museums
One of the best things to do in Paris is of course make your way through the many, many, museums there. Emily is seen walking through the Louvre, as all good tourists do, and quite a few scenes in the show take place in other museums actually, like le Musée des Arts Forains and l’Atelier des Lumières.
Museum days are chilled and casual, so wear your favourite matching set, a cute pair of jeans, or your very best piece of band merch – it doesn’t matter! What is important though is a comfortable pair of shoes. You don’t want to be caught between le Musée d’Orsay and le Palais de Tokyo with blisters. Ouch! Trainers or flats will be your best friend here, so make sure you pack them.
5. Traipsing through the countryside
In Season 3, Emily and the crew head down to Provence for a peaceful weekend roaming through the lavender fields and the Vallée de la Loire. If you, too, are heading this way during your travels through France, then you’re going to want to keep your outfits casual and sweet.
Pack those linens again and flowy dresses – anything light and breezy will do, really! A pair of blue jeans would look beaut besides the purple lilac, and if you really want to embrace the country life, some kind of straw hat will make for a wonderful accessory. Think silk ascots and headscarves and well-fitted loafers.
Image source:Dimitri Iakymuk / unsplash
6. Skiing down the Alps
One of the absolute best things to do in France is go skiing. It’s practically a religion over there, and ski season is glittery in more ways than one. We get a glimpse of Emily sliding, or rather struggling, down the slopes in season four, and though sports may not be her thing, she still looks good.
If you’re preparing for a ski holiday à la Emily, Camille, and Gabriel, this is what you’re gonna want to pack. A few thermals to keep yourself warm, as well as a big waterproof jacket and snow pants. Suspenders are always a good idea, as well as thick, woolly socks and some sort of hat (maybe with a pompom on the end?).
Goggles are a must, you don’t want to be blinded by the snow, and you’re also going to want a very good pair of gloves. Snow boots are a must and a pair of cosy pyjamas will come in handy when you’re spending nights by the fire with mugs of mulled wine or hot cocoa.
The ski uniform is a little basic, I’m afraid, but feel free to jazz it up by going retro and embracing funky colours and patterns – Emily would approve!
7. Sunning yourself at the pool
You may think all that’s required to pack for this item is a bathing suit and maybe a pair of flip flops. But you’d be wrong! If you want to pack for a day at the pool like Emily, you’re going to need a few extras. First of all, you’ll need a bold swimsuit – colors, patterns, something reminiscent of the 50s, so long as it’s different and never been seen before you’re in the clear.
Next, you’re going to want to add a few accessories like chunky sunglasses, a silk headscarf perhaps, or even an ornate fan to cool yourself off with. And, of course, you need a woven bag or trendy tote so you can carry all your pool essentials like sunscreen, a towel, and a book.
Image source:Contiki
8. Holidaying in romantic Rome
Rome isn’t Paris or France, obviously, so we don’t know what business Emily in PARIS has there, but we’re big fans of Rome so we’ll let it slide. You want to bring your summer best on your travels to Rome, and that includes loose garments which will float in the breeze, plenty of delicate skirts and button ups, flattering tops for dinners out, and comfortable walking shoes. Sandals will be your best friend.
Bring a small bag to carry all your essentials, and if you’re planning on visiting any churches or even Vatican City, then make sure you have something to cover your shoulders with as modest apparel is advised. Another top tip is: don’t pack too much white! Gorging yourself on pasta is a classic Italian delight, but tomato sauce stains.
9. Watching the tennis at Roland Garros
Now this is a hot and classy event. If you’re ever lucky enough to attend a few tennis matches at Roland Garros, then you want to wear something worthy of the occasion! In the show, Emily opted for a cute red pin-striped suit and red shirt underneath, with a matching hat – let’s Chanel that.
The French Open typically takes place at the end of May/start of June, so you’re going to be hot. For those that prefer a masculine style, opt for a lightweight button up shirt in a neutral colour and some khaki trousers. For those preferring a feminine style, long flowy dresses with sweetheart necklines or skirts and smart tops are the way to go. You’ll want to accessorise with sunnies and a hat to shade yourself from the sun.
Image source:Nick Roberts
10. Running around Paris
Now, if you choose to become a Parisian local like Emily, you’ll be bringing your whole routine with you, which may include sports. Lucky for you, if you’re a runner, Paris is so incredibly walkable, and you’ll be able to plan your route around all the gorgeous landmarks like Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre, and Pont Alexandre III with ease!
Now, if you choose to become a Parisian local like Emily, you’ll be bringing your whole routine with you, which may include sports. Lucky for you, if you’re a runner, Paris is so incredibly walkable, and you’ll be able to plan your route around all the gorgeous landmarks like Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre, and Pont Alexandre III with ease!
11. Living your most regal life in Versailles
The most jaw-dropping of all French Châteaux’s, Versailles is an iconic attraction just outside of Paris, so it makes total sense that Emily would make at least one trip there with the show. But what to wear? Well, you can go one of two ways: either embrace the regal atmosphere and go over the top, or just go casual like it’s a museum.
Emily would probably wear a mid-length dress with puffy sleeves and an elegant pattern and neckline. Maybe it has some lace or chiffon for a little extra umph, and she of course has strappy kitten heels to match.
Want to go more casual? Any outfit is fine then. The main thing here is to wear a pair of shoes you’re comfortable walking in because Versailles is huge, especially if you want to explore the gardens as well, so comfort is key. A bag is definitely a must as well, and maybe a light jumper or cardigan for when you’re crossing some of the chillier halls.
Image source:Jean-Philippe Delberghe / unsplash
12. Visiting Monet’s heavenly home
Giverny is Monet’s home and it’s located just an hour outside of Paris. Season 4 sees Emily and Camille having it out in the lily-pad-strewn ponds, both wearing some fabulous outfits. If you’re going to spend a day in Giverny, we’d recommend keeping it casual. And if you’re familiar with ‘cottagecore’, embrace that!
Jeans, trainers, dungarees, lightweight shirts and cardigans – this is the way to go. You’ll also want a bum bag to carry all your belongings, and you’ll definitely need a camera to snap pics of all the flowers and weeping willows on the grounds. Think stripes and florals and you’ll feel like Monet himself.
13. Yachting in Saint-Tropez
Finally, how can we talk about travelling to France and packing for a holiday without discussing the gorgeous and twinkling French Riviera? Of course Emily and the crew make their way there, and the outfits do not disappoint. She and Mathieu spend a few days lounging in Saint-Tropez, and if you’re headed there too, this is what you should bring.
A bathing suit is a must, and make it your glitziest one! You’ll also need a cute pair of denim shorts to walk around in with some kind of eye-catching and colourful top. A maxi dress and sunhat is non-negotiable, and when you’re aboard a yacht you’re going to want something long and flowy – a kaftan perhaps – so that when you catch the ocean breeze it’ll feel like you’re flying. And, Saint-Tropez is home to many celebrity-frequented clubs, so you’ll want to bring the best party uniform you have!
Image source:Michael Kroul / unsplash
So, there you have it. This is what to pack if you’re tracking the Emily in Paris filming locations through France or, if you, like Emily, want to showcase your personal style everywhere you go.
Now you know what to wear and where to go, you’re one step closer to living her glamorous (and a little dramatic) life. Au revoir!
