We started watching for the deep-rooted Sex and the City connections but stayed for the trainwreck of an American trying to Americanize France in ugly outfits. Yes, I am talking about Emily in Paris. Whether you watched Emily in Paris ironically or unironically, we can probably agree that Emily’s style and behavior as an ex-pat is puzzling.
As an American raised in Singapore, I have had my fair share of experience of assimilating to a new culture and failing and succeeding over my eight years abroad. I understand that the first six months to a year can be tricky; however, trying to force your American ways of life into your new life makes it far worse.
I currently don’t live in Paris but try to dress and eat as though I live in Paris as much as I can. Emily, however, lives in Paris and dresses like she has no light in her closet and no interest in being in France. Since Emily is only supposed to be in France for one year, I would have thought that she would try and throw herself into the culture and aesthetic, especially as an “influencer.” However, she stands out greatly.
In the first season, she was bright and colorful and just a little much, but she has officially lost her marbles in the second season. Is that fashion a red, yellow, and green hat and jacket with a black dress?
Although I have scathing thoughts about Emily’s odd clothing, the fashion absolutely plays into the storyline. Emily is extremely different from everyone she knows in Paris, and her fashion is an easy way to show Emily’s obvious personality and lifestyle differences and the Parisians around her. The bright colors compared to the subdued French tones are a great illustration of Emily’s bold, overly energetic personality compared to the laid-back attitude her boss and colleagues have.
I can admit that fashion plays into the story. However, I am shocked at how the creator and fashion designer for such a culturally iconic show like Sex and the City can put together such visibly off-putting outfits. Emily truly exudes the “I peaked in high school and still believe I am popular” attitude, making her personality nauseating and possibly her outfits even more appalling.
What makes me sad about Emily is that what finally makes her see and be a part of France is men. She goes to Saint-Tropez for a man. She only starts to see France when trying to convince Alfie that Paris is a great place to live. Maybe Emily has a savior complex, or Alfie is the push she needs. However, I doubt that an English Man who despises his new living arrangement would inspire her to connect with her inner Parisian.
Before I get called out, yes, Emily had a few not-bad outfits. However, I can count those on my one hand. Her last outfit, the giant red dress, was definitely one of Emily’s best. My personal favorite of the season was her outfit on the boat, the white dress with red hearts and giant sleeves. If Emily and the creators wanted to go camp, then this is the way, not a black floral print sweater with pink fur trim and a hot pink and green gingham newsboy cap. No, I did not make up any single part of that description, sadly.
Before you ask, yes, I will be watching the next two seasons that were renewed and any following seasons because I love a hot mess. I hope that Emily can afford a stylist or a new wardrobe in the following seasons. However, with And Just Like That reviews, my hopes are not high.
Words by Annika Petersen.
Graphics by Fai McCurdy.