Wry, formidable and effortlessly gamine, Sylvie Grateau of Emily In Paris (played by Frenchwoman Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) has been the secret darling of the fashion crowd since the launch of the Netflix show in 2020. Her editor-worthy dressing sensibility is the perfect antidote for those who snarl at Emily’s colourful, pantomime-like pieces (which, although they may not be what we want to wear each day, they have that MSG-factor that makes us tune into the show again and again). At 59, Leroy-Beaulieu has been the subject of much admiration – and adoration – from the fashion press, endowed with that mythical status granted to French women of a certain oeuvre: She looks so good. What’s her secret? After binge-watching season three over the festive period, here are a few observations we’ve made on what makes Sylvie’s effortlessly elegant style work.

All images: Netflix.

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu’s character Sylvie lives in good tailoring: structure and cinching are key. It’s the kind of form fitting suiting with a refined look-at-me status but it’s not exactly boardroom Barbie either: there’s a rock and roll edge through moody colours and fabrics like satin and metallic pleating that are equally suited to after-dark. Belting and nipped waists are key in a blazer, while trousers lean towards nipped-in tapered, slim styles worn with towering point-toe heels (there’s a reason Sylvie’s wardrobe is apparently modelled on that of Carine Roitfeld). Think statement wide-legs too, à la Phoebe Philo (sans the trainers).

Checked woven blazer, Rag & Bone, €132; www.theoutnet.com.

It would be remiss to say it’s Sylvie’s daring necklines that keep her youthful:  Leroy-Beaulieu happens to be blessed with the décolletage of the gods. (On the topic of necklines, see our guide on how to artfully enhance, camouflage and distract attention away here.) Plunging Vs aside, there is something to be learned from a strong neckline, whether it’s an asymmetric style or a bold square, cut out. Balance a bold top with a full length or demure style (that is, not a short hemline) for optimal elegance.

Ribbed asymmetric V-neck top, €85; www.whistles.com. 

If you tuned into season three of Emily In Paris you may have noticed one very big style shift: Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu no longer lives in black. According to costume designer of the show Marylin Fitoussi Sylvie’s brightened new look is due to Emily’s influence, and demonstrates the mutual respect between the two opposing characters. It’s a gear-change for Sylvie’s look which is usually a palette of black and muted tones, which have been switched up for jewel tones, flashes of metallics and hyper-real floral patterns. So far, so elegant. Overall prints veer towards statement, but classic: think hyper real florals and bold zebra print styles, as seen in the Vivienne Westwood dress worn in season three (see below for similar).

Silk-blend satin dress, Vivienne Westwood, €525; www.coggles.com.