(Spoiler alert — scroll with caution, darling)

It has been a minute since I’ve blogged about Emily in Paris, mostly because , let’s be honest—I’ve actually lived in Paris… and still go back often and I’ve never once seen anyone dressed like that unless they were heading to a costume party, a fashion intern hazing ritual, or a very aggressive Instagram shoot.

But here we are. Season 5 dropped, I poured a drink, curled up, and hit play—because no matter how absurd it is, Emily in Paris is comfort TV. It’s glossy, escapist, and requires absolutely zero emotional labor. And during the holidays? That’s a gift.

Paris vs. The Show (A Love Story with Side-Eye)

When we lived in Paris, the women were chic—but quietly chic. Tailored coats. Perfect scarves. Effortless hair. Nobody was strutting cobblestones in neon couture before 9 a.m. with a croissant in hand.

Paris style is about restraint, not spectacle.

Emily’s closet, historically, has been about chaos.

But… (and I cannot believe I’m saying this)

Season 5 surprised me.

The Outfits: A Few Wins This Time

Emily still has moments where you want to pause the screen and whisper, “Baby, no.”

However , credit where credit is due , there were a few outfits I genuinely liked this season.

That Victoria Beckham dress with the red flowers?

✔️ Structured

✔️ Elegant

✔️ Finally felt grown

It was one of those looks where Emily didn’t look like she fell into a styling rack at a fashion week clearance sale. She looked polished. Confident. Almost… Parisian-adjacent.

Progress.

Rome, Sweet Rome 🇮🇹

Now let’s talk about Rome, because that storyline had my full attention.

Rome is different from Paris. It’s heavier. Older. Sacred in a way you feel in your bones. I’m such a prayer girl, and Rome always does something to my spirit.

When TK and I stayed there—while he was in school for a bit—it was magical. Morning coffee that felt ceremonial. Churches that stop you mid-step. History layered on history on history.

Paris will always own my heart, but Rome?

Rome feeds the soul.

Emily’s time there felt warmer. Softer. Less frantic. And honestly? She felt more believable there—less “American whirlwind,” more woman finding her footing.

Why We Still Watch (Even When We Complain)

Is it realistic? No.

Is it absurd? Completely.

Do Parisians roll their eyes? Constantly.

But Emily in Paris is easy joy.

It’s the show you put on when you want:

Pretty backdrops
Fashion drama without consequence
Love triangles that don’t ruin your nervous system
A mental vacation without packing a bag

It’s not meant to be deep. It’s meant to be fun.

The Ending (⚠️ Spoilers!)

The season wraps with Emily standing at yet another crossroads—career, love, identity , because of course it does. But this time, she feels a bit more grounded. Less frantic. Slightly more self-aware.

It didn’t end with fireworks, but with possibility.

And honestly? That felt right.

Final Verdict

Emily in Paris, Season 5, didn’t reinvent itself , but it softened. It matured just enough.

A few better outfits. A gorgeous Roman detour. A reminder that escapism has a place , especially during the holidays.

Will I ever believe Paris looks like this?

Absolutely not.

Will I still watch every season with a drink in hand?

Without question.

Because sometimes, darling, you don’t need realism , you just need a little sparkle and a passport fantasy.

Until next time ,Laura

Always a Paris girl. Occasionally a Rome girl. Forever a stylish realist.

Emily in Paris, Season 5: Still Ridiculous, Still Addictive, Still Somehow Working