Cobblestones have opinions. Emily’s heels ignore them on screen, but your ankles will not.
That is the first thing I think about when I try to copy any Emily in Paris accessories moment. The look is fun, but a real day has stairs, rain and a phone that needs somewhere to live. So start with one eye-catching piece, then build the rest of the outfit from clothes you already wear.
Think mood board, not shopping list
You can find the same playful energy at almost any price if you search for shapes and details instead of chasing an exact screen outfit. Try colorful mini crossbody, cat-eye sunglasses or sculptural earrings, then compare materials, dimensions and return policies. That last part matters. I once ordered a bag that looked roomy online and it arrived with the capacity of a coin purse.
Before anything goes in your cart, picture three outfits you own that could work with it. A statement piece should make your closet more fun, not demand a new closet to keep it company.
Bags that talk before she does
Emily’s bags usually get there first: saturated color, compact shapes, odd handles, a little shine. Choose one focal point and give it room. I like a structured mini bag with jeans and a blazer, because it adds polish without making you dress for a premiere.
1. The bright mini bag. Cherry red, cobalt or sunny yellow gives a neutral outfit a quick jolt. A crossbody strap suits errands, and a top handle feels a bit more dressed up. Check the size first, since some minis barely hold a phone.
2. The structured top-handle bag. A neat shape looks polished with a trench, a knit dress or straight-leg trousers. If your closet leans black and gray, try a playful color. The trade-off is that a rigid bag is less forgiving when you need to squeeze in sunglasses, snacks and the other small things that follow you around.
3. The embellished evening bag. Beads, a glossy finish or a sculptural clasp can make a simple outfit feel ready for a party. It need not be precious. Pick one with a secure closure if it will travel through a crowded dinner or a concert.
Can sunglasses really change an outfit?
Yes. One pair changes the mood of everything under it. Keep the rest easy, with a white tee and dark denim, and let the frames bring the personality. Try them on and smile before you buy, because cute matters but so does not nudging them up every five minutes.
4. Cat-eye frames. A lifted outer corner adds a retro note without a full vintage outfit. Black acetate is the easy start, while tortoiseshell is softer and sits well with warm colors. Check that the lenses feel comfortable in bright daylight and that the arms do not squeeze your temples.
5. Colorful statement sunglasses. Think translucent pink, green or amber, fun but still simple with a plain coat. If bright frames feel like a lot, choose a clear or pale tint. A bold shape is expressive, though it may fight busy prints, so let one thing be the star.
Jewelry with a loud voice
Jewelry lets you borrow Emily Cooper style without touching the rest of your wardrobe. Oversized earrings make a plain knit look considered, and a chunky chain pushes a crisp shirt toward evening. I tend to pick one piece with a strong shape and keep everything else quiet. (Otherwise the earrings catch on a scarf, and getting dressed turns into a puzzle.)
6. Sculptural statement earrings. Rounded hoops, playful drops or abstract shapes add movement near your face. Lightweight designs are kinder all day, especially at a desk. Tuck your hair behind one ear for extra drama.
7. A bold chain necklace. A chunky gold-tone or mixed-metal chain anchors a simple neckline. Wear it over a fine knit or under an open blazer. If you love printed tops, a plainer chain is easier to style than one with several competing charms.
Scarves, clips and a little romance
Scarves and hair pieces bring in the romantic side of French style accessories while still feeling relaxed. A small silky scarf tied at the neck looks charming with a button-down. Wrapped around a bag handle, it adds color without another layer. Hair accessories help on windy days too, when your hairstyle has other plans.
8. The printed neck scarf. Choose a small square in a color already in your wardrobe. Fold it into a narrow band and tie it loosely, or knot it on a tote. Slippery fabric shifts during the day, so a soft cotton blend is easier if you are new to scarves.
9. A statement headband or hair clip. A padded headband gives a dressed-up finish in seconds, and a bold clip can pull back loose waves. Go solid when your outfit has a print, or choose a subtle pattern against a plain coat. One annoyance: some headbands pinch after a few hours, so test before a full day.
Balance is the whole trick
Pair one standout accessory with quieter basics. A bright bag means simple jewelry. Dramatic earrings call for a clean-lined tote. You can also repeat a color in a small way, like a scarf that picks up the blue in your bag, so the look seems intentional rather than thrown together. Not overly matched. Just enough connection.
For sunglasses, check lens protection and fit alongside the shape. Those details never show up in a mirror selfie, but you will notice them on a bright afternoon walk.
My vote: buy the bag in the color you are slightly nervous about, wear it on an ordinary Tuesday, and see who looks twice on the way to coffee.
At Unwritten, our editors choose every product and story idea independently — we only recommend things we’d genuinely tell a friend about.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wear Emily in Paris accessories without looking like a costume?
Pick one bold piece and keep everything else quiet. A bright bag with jeans and a blazer reads as style, not cosplay.
What is the easiest Emily in Paris accessory to start with?
Sunglasses or a small printed scarf. Both cost less than a statement bag and work with clothes you already own.
How do I choose statement earrings for all-day wear?
Go lightweight. Big shapes are fine, but heavy ones tug on your ears after a few hours at a desk.
Where can I find similar pieces?
Search by shape and detail, such as colorful mini crossbody or cat-eye sunglasses, then compare materials, dimensions and return policies.
