Since Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) first clip-clopped across the cobblestones of Paris in impossible heels, the show has become a global runway. It is a polarizing, candy-colored fever dream of haute couture that viewers claim to "hate-watch" but secretly adore. 

With the release of Season 5 in December 2025, the show didn’t just change area codes; it changed its entire aesthetic language. If Paris was Emily Cooper’s playground, Rome is her runway. We watched Emily (Lily Collins) trade the gray cobblestones of Paris for the sun-drenched piazzas of Italy, and with that geographic shift came a wardrobe evolution that fans are calling her best era yet.

The Roman Holiday Glow-Up

Season 5 is less about "chaotic American trying to fit in" and more about "confident American standing out." It is La Dolce Vita remixing Sex and the City, and it’s why we are still obsessed.The "Roman Holiday" Glow-Up. Costume designer Marylin Fitoussi took a brilliant gamble this season: she stripped back the layers (slightly).

In Paris, Emily’s style was often armor—loud, clashing, and desperate to be seen. In Rome, her style is softer, breezier, and undeniably romantic.The "Ringarde" insults are gone, replaced by a sophisticated homage to Italian cinema greats like Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. The colors have shifted from acidic neons to warm terracottas, lush greens, and classic monochromatic prints.

The Defining Fashion Moments

While the season is packed with looks, three specific moments defined the "Italian Era" of Emily Cooper.

1. The Venice Polka-Dot Moment (Stine Goya)- If Season 2 had the red tulle dress at Versailles, Season 5 has the Venice arrival. Emily steps out in a structural, oversized polka-dot set by Danish brand Stine Goya. It perfectly bridges the gap between Emily’s love for loud prints and the classic Italian "polka dot" trope. It feels vintage yet modern.

2. The "Truffle Hunting" Heels - In classic Emily fashion, she refuses to let practicality ruin a good outfit. During a countryside excursion to Solitano to hunt truffles with Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini), she wears an impractical yet fabulous ensemble featuring high heels and a designer trench. It’s a wink to the audience. It reminds us that Emily’s commitment to fashion is absolute—even in the mud.

3. The Green Pinstripe "Boss" BlazerAs the head of Agence Grateau’s Rome office, Emily needed a power suit. Enter the green and white pinstriped blazer by Sebline, paired with geometric shorts This isn't just an outfit; it’s a status symbol. It balances her whimsical personality (the shorts) with her new authority (the sharp tailoring). 

We cannot talk about Season 5 fashion without mentioning the new scene-stealer, Princess Jane (played by Minnie Driver). Her wardrobe acts as the perfect foil to Emily’s. While Emily is "new money" fashion—trendy, bright, and current—Princess Jane is "old money" eccentricity, draped in archival Armani and vintage couture. The contrast between the two women highlights just how far Emily has come, and yet, how much she still stands apart from the European establishment.

Why We Are Still Hooked

Season 5 proved that Emily’s fashion is no longer just a joke or a guilty pleasure; it’s a masterclass in visual storytelling.When she wears the "Rose Print" Dolce & Gabbana shirt, she is literally "blooming" in her new relationship. When she switches to the sleek "Red Power Blazer," she is signaling danger and ambition. We love it because the clothes are doing the talking for her. In a world of sweatpants and muted tones, Emily Cooper remains a stubborn, sparkling reminder that dressing up is a form of optimism.