Sylvie is the Real Style Star of Emily In Paris

If you’ve not yet binged the first five episodes of Season 4 of Emily In Paris, what are you waiting for?

The season opens with a scene starring Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, who plays the uninhibited, bold, and incredibly confident Sylvie. She is walking across the Seine River, watching a viral scene on her iPhone. Wearing a simple but well-fitting olive green dress and Saint Laurent bag, it’s clear that this season’s style will be good.

Everything about Sylvie’s character begs for attention, but not in a needy way. I imagine she’s the type of person who walks into the room, and her presence is immediately felt. While Emily opts for bold colors and outfits that border on outlandish and kitschy, Sylvie’s looks are more understated—quintessentially Parisian with a bit of an edge, if you will.

Since the series’ release, Emily’s style has consistently been criticized for being vastly different from how a Parisian would dress. Emily is not Parisian. She’s American, and while she tries hard to assimilate into French culture, I appreciate that her style remains unique.

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While Emily’s style is loud, Sylvie’s is more muted but still undeniably chic. She is, IMHO, the actual style star of Emily In Paris. This season, she’s been spotted carrying everything from Saint Laurent and Tod’s to Aspinal of London. Bags aside, her outfits never miss—even when she opts for something a little louder (who can forget her fur and silver boots from episode 4!)

Sylvie has carried everything from Paco Rabanne to Roger Vivier in past seasons. Her bag collection is vast, but each overall look is distinct, with every detail thought out. Sylvie’s persona on the show is largely defined by her fashion choices—all the work of costume designer Marylin Fitoussi.

While Fitoussi often sticks to a more muted palette, Sylvie’s outfit always has an exciting element, which is the key. Sometimes, it’s a pop of color or a unique texture, other times, it’s a statement accessory, but no matter what she wears, there is always a part of her outfit that draws in the eye.

While Emily’s outfits are eye-catching in their own way, it’s not even exactly what clothes Sylvie wears that I want to emulate; it’s how she wears them.

Sylvie wears her clothes; they don’t wear her, and that’s what makes her the true style star of Emily In Paris.