One of Emily’s most “wearable” looks features a checkered shirt, red leather blazer and a black and white floral tie (and a beret, but let’s ignore that for all our sakes). Sourcing the jacket and shirt was easy enough (the jacket was kindly loaned to me by our European fashion editor, and the shirt, skirt and bag from HEWI), but the floral tie, surprisingly, not so much. We thought about forgoing the tie, even throwing on jewellery, scarves instead, but the look felt incomplete. Who would have thought that a tie could in fact make or break a look? The truth is, as, um, zany, as the combination feels, sometimes a look needs a little whimsy, and this one had me almost looking at ties in a whole new light when it comes to accessorising. I said almost!
Apparently, I need a cobalt blue suit
Stephanie Branchu/Netflix
While I was not the most willing volunteer for this experiment (most people who are familiar with my style know I’d rather be caught naked than in a floral green romper paired with a pink cardigan), even I have to admit to sometimes being stuck in a style rut. We tend to reach for the same old shapes and hues that we know are fool-proof. At best, it can be seen as iconoclastic, but at worst it could be chalked up to a laziness. So when I donned the blue waistcoat and trousers by Florere, curated by Reiss, and paired them with this aqua Gucci Jackie bag from eBay, I found myself twirling about happily in my new favourite set. Sure, there were a few curious glances my way as I stuck out like a Disney character playing dress up in Covent Garden, but I actually felt that sense of empowerment that comes with having the bravery to wear something bright, bold and suits you. This outfit reminded me of the power style has to give you a little spring in your step.
It’s fun to care less, sometimes
Stephanie Branchu/Netflix
Of course, I *had* to recreate the Hamburglar—I mean, the masquerade ball look. Because a full, striped bodysuit and detachable skirt are hard to find on short notice (I know right? Shocking), I got as close as I could (read: found the closest alternative I was willing to put on) and squeezed myself into a black Critter gown and a borrowed striped belt. My colleague and I couldn’t stop giggling while I attempted to scan documents on the photocopier, the screen nearly short-circuiting as it struggled to read my fingerprint thanks to the attached gloves.
Watching the clip back, the girl who begrudgingly took on this assignment was gone. In her place was someone who took herself a little less seriously, laughing with the passersby and wearing a dress she never would have dared to try, having the most fun she’s had all week. And for that, I guess, have Emily Cooper to thank.