There's no two ways about it, Emily in Paris was not always received kindly by reviewers. And the fashion came under fire too (berets = clichéd, apparently). But the critics can eat their hats because consumers who, let's face it, hold much more power in these matters anyway, were thoroughly on board with her loud and proud style of dress from the get-go. (Psst: @emilyinparisoutfits is your go-to source for all the intel.)
They've stuck with Emily - as well as her terrifyingly chic boss, Sylvie, and her best friend, Mindy - for not one, not two but three seasons, the last of which ended with something of a cliffhanger, involving (spoiler alert!) not only a cancelled wedding but a surprise pregnancy.
So earlier this year, Lily Collins promised fans 'more fun, more fashion and more drama' on the show's official account @emilyinparis. And with all the episodes available as of today, 12 September, let's hope you're emotionally prepared for the second instalment of the rollercoaster that's going to take you to Paris, yes, but also Rome, Provence and the French Alps - Emily's haute couture take on skiwear? A must-see - as its titular character grows up.
The fashion has grown up, too. Because while it's still dramatic and never (ever) boring, Emily's taste has evolved, reflecting her home away from home but also the fact that she's coming into her own. 'The flower theme is quite recurrent this season,' notes costume designer Marylin Fitoussi, who drew on an eclectic pool of style references including Audrey Hepburn (a recurring muse), Twiggy and, interestingly, a particular suit from American Psycho. 'I think she was a little bud in previous seasons, and now she's really coming into her own, asserting herself, becoming much stronger.' (One particularly spectacular display of flower power is a plunging dress and matching jacket by Balmain, which has white, yellow and punchy red petals blooming on its shoulders and skirt.)
All in all, Fitoussi gathered 2,500 pairs of shoes, 350 bags and 3,000 pieces of jewellery for the costume department, mixing big-name designers with the new guard of up-and-comers, not to mention a smattering of vintage. 'When we do our initial fitting in Paris, I just walk in and there are racks and racks and racks of clothing, and we just start trying on pieces,' says Collins, who puts absolute trust in Fitoussi, adding: 'I'm so grateful to exist in her orbit and be her blank canvas every single year.' The feeling is clearly mutual. 'I know her body, I know what fits her, I know what looks good on her, what suits her aesthetically. I believe and try to detect what might be going on in her head. Meaning, how does she see the evolution of a character?'
For season 4, Emily has some unexpected alterations to her wardrobe. First of all, flat shoes. 'We still have, of course, a passion for the stiletto. But, yes, the flat shoe, the loafer, which we had never, ever used before, is used this season,' says Fitoussi. Collins was thrilled. 'I love a flat. I loved being able to wear flats this season.' Also, an ever-so-slightly more muted approach to bold, block colours. 'She never shies away from colour, because it's Emily, but she's learned to pare it down a little bit in a way that comes across as more grounded and chic, and not being loud for loud's sake, allowing herself to feel more comfortable in the outfits and being bold in a new way,' says Collins.
Mindy's wardrobe, FYI, has been as exuberant as ever - and if you've had your eye on a certain leopard-print kimono since the actor teased a fitting room pic from set, Essential Antwerp has released the exact cover-up for pre-order, which you can personalise with sequinned letters for £390. Major!
And speaking of major, critics have always had two serious gripes with the show's clothes a) they're too expensive for a marketing salary and b) there's too many of them to be realistic for a petit living space in Paris. To that, Fitoussi has the perfect riposte. 'Emily can't afford all the clothes on offer in the show, of course. No, her apartment can't hold all the clothes. And that’s entertainment, baby!
Shop: Emily In Paris Outfits From Season 4
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Furthermore, here's how to shop your favourite looks from the last season of Emily in Paris. De rien!
Emily
The Main Character Co-Ord
In season 3, Emily's wardrobe continued its exuberant streak, with plenty of print, colour and personality. This Germanier co-ord, comprising of a button-down top and frou-frou skirt, is still available to buy from the brand's website.
kevingermanier.com
Swarovski crystal buttons make this handmade knitted jacket even more special. Emily paired hers with the matching skirt, but it would also bring a certain something to a simple pair of baggy jeans.
kevingermanier.com
This hand-knitted skirt in popping yellow and blue, complete with a fun hemline of faux feathers, is a great starting point for big personality dressing.
The Classic Breton
Matching the buckets of flowers with her checked blazer by Mira Mikati, Emily's wearing a striped high street tank top from Petit Bateau.
www.petit-bateau.co.uk
Petit Bateau's Bretons, whether you opt for short sleeves, long sleeves or a tank top like Emily's, are some of the best in the business. She knows her stuff.
The Head-Turning Tailoring
Emily is a paid-up member of the 'wear your blazer with a bra' fan club. Qui or non?
www.farfetch.com
Emily's black tailoring is from Barbara Bui, but this subtly sequinned blazer is just as head-turning.
The Add-Ons
For poolside cocktails in episode 5, Emily wore a checked co-ord with sunglasses from L.G.R.
www.lgrworld.com
These L.G.R. sunglasses, which have a slight cat-eye silhouette, are a favourite of Emily's.
www.tods.com
Emily's version of pool slides is a pair of leather sandals from Tod's.
The Purple Mini Moment
This corseted violet mini dress was a real moment in episode 6. Emily styled hers with a ruffled jacket in similarly eye-popping hue, but you could also try a satin blazer.
www.luisaviaroma.com
Giuseppe Di Morabito made the floral corset dress worn by Emily. That exact style is no longer available but this buckled alternative has the same main character energy.
Mindy
The Cute Co-Ord
Mindy is more than a match for Emily, with a sense of style that is definitely from the same 'more in more' school of thought. This buttery yellow co-ord is from Rowen Rose, but is sadly no longer in stock. Not to worry though, Reformation has a black-and-white co-ord that ticks the same chic box.
www.thereformation.com
Reformation's linen two-piece has a similar silhouette to Mindy's, with a bra-style crop top and micro mini skirt. Chic.
The LBD
Mindy's Balmain LBD was one of our favourite looks last season and, while it's sadly not longer available to shop, you can find a similar mini at Sandro.
uk.sandro-paris.com
Mindy loves an LBD. Enter this jewelled style from Sandro, which is short and suitably bedazzled.
Sylvie
The White Trench
Sylvie gave the classic trench coat an update last season by choosing white instead of sand.
www.reiss.com
Reiss has some of the best trench coats on the high street, including this crisp belted style.
www.mytheresa.com
Loewe's iconic logo belt would add a chic finishing touch to a white trench coat.
Camille
The Statement Blazer
Camille's style was bolder in season 3 (this neon green blazer was a case in point).
www.theoutnet.com
Spring tailoring gets a (seriously) snappy update courtesy of this double-breasted blazer from Jacquemus, the exact one worn by Camille, which is now on sale at The Outnet.
The Off-Duty Jacket
Yet another statement jacket, clearly a staple in the wardrobe of Camille.
www.farfetch.com
This Balmain aviator jacket is actually made of leather.
Natalie Hammond is Grazia’s Senior Fashion News Editor. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).