Alright, we admit we’ve already hate-watched the fourth season of Emily in Paris and, although everyone is again talking about Emily’s outfits, we think the real style hero of the Netflix series is Sylvie Grateau, the coolest character of the show. Played by French actress Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, the chic boss lady at Savoir’s luxury marketing agency is a fashion inspiration for grownup women. On the other hand, Emily Cooper’s OTT looks are loud and inelegant. In other words, Emily is “ringard” or fashion victim, tasteless, as French couture designer Pierre Cadault defines her in Season 1. So, what exactly is wrong with her style, and how can you be as stylish and classy as Sylvie Grateau in Emily in Paris?
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Sylvie in a Rick Owens Grey Suede Wrap Jacket. She loves a V-neck
Don’t Be Afraid to Look Sexy in Your 40s And 50s
The chicest character in Emily in Paris is undoubtedly the fashion icon of the series. Sylvie Grateau is a welcome break from the painfully loud outfits of Emily and her BFF, Mindy Chen. Playing the part of the chic – yet stereotypical – French femme fatale, the 61-year-old Philippine Leroy Beaulieu oozes sexiness. But, like most Parisian women, her subtle sexiness is effortless, sophisticated, and certainly far from vulgar. She is a successful businesswoman who keeps her femininity despite being a demanding boss.
Sylvie Wearing a Yves Salomon Meteo Brown Fur Jacket. Could be this one too.
Sylvie Grateau’s Style Is The Best Office Look Inspo
Intelligent and provocative, the powerful Sylvie Grateau navigates the professional world in style. She wears pencil skirts with feminine shirts, statement tops, bodycon dresses, stilettos and big cuffs while smoking nonchalantly and mocking political correctness.
Sylvie in a Three-Piece Suit, Carrying a Leather Woven Tote Bag
Even wearing power suits, she manages to put a feminine spin on her office looks. Sylvie navigates the work wardrobe with poise, donning tailored overcoats, luxurious cashmere, her signature stilettos, and covetable crossbody bags from YSL and Tod’s. She effortlessly demonstrates how to maintain chic work attire.
Fluid Silk Blouses Left Unbuttoned is a Sylvie Signature
To sum up, Sylvie Grateau’s style is the coolest fashion inspiration for women of all ages, especially for grownup women who want work outfits that are both feminine and powerful like Philippine Leroy Beaulieu’s character in Emily in Paris.
Sylvie wearing a Maison Rabih Kayrouz Black and Silver Crystal Embellished Sleeveless Maxi Dress. Similar here
Sylvie Grateau’s Style Is Not All About Clothes
Finally, it’s not only Sylvie’s fashion choices that make her so chic; the way she goes about life is also very elegant. In season 4, Sylvie takes centre stage as her past resurfaces, revealing a time when the super boss had to endure sexual harassment early in her career. After years of trying to bury those memories, she takes control, bravely accusing Louis, the founder of a major fashion conglomerate, of his misconduct. In doing so, Sylvie risks both the future of her new PR agency and her marriage. Amidst the media storm, her husband stands by her side unwaveringly, as she tells him, ‘I am not a victim. I’ve worked tirelessly to reach where I am. I chose to author my own story, rather than be a part of his.’
She Knows How to Wear Colours. Look this one
This declaration speaks volumes about Sylvie’s character and the true essence of courage. Negative experiences are not meant to break us but to forge our growth. Sylvie refuses to be cast as the victim and, in doing so, discovers her inner strength and a renewed spirit to press forward.
Why is Emily Cooper “Ringard”?
Firstly, let’s begin with Emily Cooper’s outfits. Don’t get me wrong; I find Lily Collins adorable. But her character in Emily in Paris couldn’t be more out of touch with reality – and fashion. Emily always appears in wacky cartoonish ensembles. She wears bright colours and clashing prints all the time. Her high heels are too high, her hair is too done, and so is her makeup. In other words, everything about her is over-the-top, not to mention her take on the French girl style, which is simply awful. Obviously, Emily has never heard of Coco Chanel’s maxim, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”
A Blazer is a True Power Piece for Sylvie
Marylin Fitoussi and Patricia Field, the costume designers behind Sex And the City and Emily’s outfits, stated that “Too much good taste can be boring“. I beg to differ. Classic style doesn’t have to be boring; you only need to know how to style it. And Philippine Leroy Beaulieu, AKA Sylvie Grateau, is the best example of how good taste helps you look sophisticated and modern.
Images @Netflix