July 11, 2025, 6:29 am | Read time: 4 minutes
At 61, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu embodies exactly what French fashion is all about: timeless elegance, self-confidence, and a touch of nonchalance. In her role as Sylvie in “Emily in Paris” and in her private life, she shows us that style knows no age and that a love of fashion can accompany us throughout our lives.
What exactly makes Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu’s style so distinctive? And what can we learn from her? Here are four timeless style lessons from the remarkable Frenchwoman that women of all ages can embrace.
Overview
Who Is Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu?
First, let’s introduce the talented and witty actress behind Sylvie in “Emily in Paris”—who is Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu? Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu was born in Rome on April 25, 1963, the daughter of renowned actor Philippe Leroy and model Françoise Laurent. She moved to Paris at a young age, where she embarked on a career as an actress against her father’s wishes. She made her film debut in 1983 in a comedy, but her breakthrough came two years later with the film “Trois hommes et un couffin” (Three Men and a Baby), which earned her a nomination for the César as the most promising young actress. Since then, she has graced over 50 films and series with her presence, including the acclaimed “Call My Agent!” and the beloved “Emily in Paris,” captivating audiences as Sylvie Grateau.
Less Is More! The Art of Minimalist Jewelry
Renowned for its understated elegance, French fashion is a principle that Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu embodies with finesse. Instead of opting for eye-catching statement pieces, she often chooses discreet but high-quality accessories. “The real art lies in finding the right balance,” she explained to Harper’s Bazaar. “It’s not about standing out, but about subtly underlining your personality.” A pair of delicate gold rings or filigree earrings is often enough to perfectly round off an outfit. These small details give your look an incomparable elegance and prove the point: Less is often more.
Confident Sex Appeal—Style Knows No Age Limit
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu impressively proves that sex appeal is not a question of age. At Paris Fashion Week 2022, she attracted everyone’s attention when she appeared in a tight-fitting dress—without a bra, but with plenty of self-confidence. “Why should we hide?” she asks. “Style is timeless, and so is the courage to show your body,” the actress said in an interview with Vulture. Her look was provocative yet stylish—a masterclass in French elegance. It’s a lesson we should all internalize: It’s never too late to feel sexy and to show it.
Continuity Creates Recognition Value
Among Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu’s cardinal style rules is the emphasis on showcasing her best features. “I love to emphasize my waist because it’s a part of my body that I particularly like,” she says. Whether with a belt over an oversized shirt or in a figure-hugging leather top, Leroy-Beaulieu shows how important it is to know your own style and maintain it consistently. This consistency is anything but boring, but creates an unmistakable look that will be remembered.
Courage for Individuality—Be Distinctive
Another lesson Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu teaches us is the courage to be individual. She embodies what makes French women so unique: the ability to find their own style while always remaining authentic. “For me, fashion is not a mask, but a form of expression,” she says. “I dress the way I feel—it can be extravagant, simple, or something in between. The important thing is that it suits me.”
Leroy-Beaulieu encourages women to celebrate their uniqueness and not blindly follow the latest trends. Instead, discover what truly resonates with you and best mirrors your individuality. “A good outfit always tells a story,” she emphasizes. This individuality not only makes every look more interesting, but also gives you the freedom to stay true to yourself, no matter what the fashion world dictates.
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Style Knows No Age—a Plea for Self-Confidence and Authenticity
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu is more than just an actress—she is a symbol of strength and beauty for women of all ages. Her style, demeanor, and approach to life powerfully declare that societal norms should not constrain us. “The greatest freedom that comes with age is to stay true to yourself,” she emphasizes. “We should stop trying to fit in and instead celebrate our own uniqueness.”
The German original of this article was published in August 2024.