This Easy Upgraded French Braid Is Exactly What Your Lazy Girl Look Needs

By now, your December and January calendars are booked with holiday parties and get-togethers, which probably also means your Pinterest boards are packed with celeb-inspired party hair goals. But what about quick and cute hairstyles for all of your downtime? Braids are a great go-to option for your locks when you need to look polished (hello, Christmas morning pictures!) but can’t afford to spend a ton of time fussing. That’s especially true once you have braiding basics down and can throw in some fun upgrades to create an entirely new braid, like this one here.

Consider a *French braid with a twist* when you need to look put-together but are crunched for time. Whether you’re heading downstairs to open gifts with your fam or off to a casual event that calls for adding just a little more oomph to your look, you won’t have to worry about messing with your hair thanks to this easy + elegant style.

STEP 1: ADD NO-FAIL VOLUME

First things first: Focus on adding a ton of volume to your locks. Spray on a volumizing spray like Kenra Volume Spray ($16) all over to add body and increase staying power for your braid.

Next, lift up the hair on your crown, twist it and push it forward slightly to add soft volume to the front of your hair, then pin it in place.

STEP 2: START BRAIDING IN LAYERS

Start your French braid with three sections of hair, braiding each side and middle portion of your hair as you normally would while moving down the length of your hair, but with this twist: Layer the strand on the right side underneath the pinned section in the middle.

Then, layer the strand on the left over the pinned section in the middle. This styling technique will add volume and a sleek effect to your look.

Once you’ve covered your entire head of hair using this technique, secure it with an elastic and pin the top braided area so your hair swoops over in a dramatic fashion.

STEP 3: PANCAKE YOUR BRAID

Pancaking is when you thicken your braid by pulling out each piece so it appears wider and flatter. To achieve the perfect pancaked look, gently tug at each criss-cross in your braid. Now it’s time to show off your new go-to style of the season.

Now you’re ready to Netflix and chill.

What’s your go-to five-minute braid? Follow us on Pinterest for more holiday hair inspo.

Hair and Art Direction by Maritza Buelvas
Photography by Jennifer Coffey
Modeling by Bella Wholey

Calling all Star Wars nerds: After decorating the house with geeky accessories and DIYing our favorite character costume, wehad to address our favorite part of the saga: Princess Leia's hair. It's epic — period. In honor of Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!) and the fact that Carrie Fisher finally got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, here are some of my favorite Princess Leia hair moments — with a modern twist. I updated these three styles into fun, five-minute looks that any level of fan or fashion girl would want to work. They're perfect for dinner plans and Star Wars parties alike.

Princess Leia's Double Braids from "​Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi​" –> Casual Rope Braids

Images via Lucasfilm Ltd/20th Century Fox/Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures/Brit + Co

Tight, leather-threaded braids get a casual update with these pigtails, perfect for those days you want an easy, lazy girl style.

Step 1: Section + Twist

Image via Brit + Co

Take a tiny strand of hair near your temple and separate it into two equal sections. Taking one strand in each hand, twisting each section around your fingers in a counterclockwise direction. Then cross the pieces over one another in a clockwise motion and keep on going.

Step 2: Secure + Repeat

Image via Brit + Co

When you reach the end of the strand, secure the rope braid with a clear elastic.

Image via Brit + Co

Then repeat on the other side.

Image via Brit + Co

You can also curl the ends of your hair if you want to dress this look up a bit!

Princess Leia's Milkmaid Braid from ​"Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back​" –> Messy Fishtail Crown Braid

Images via Lucasfilm Ltd/20th Century Fox/Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures/Brit + Co

Image via Brit + Co

We’re putting a more romantic twist on Princess Leia’s chunky milkmaid braid with a messy fishtail-Dutch plaitand loose, long tendrils to frame your face.

Step 1: Section

Image via Brit + Co

Start by sectioning your hair in half. Pin the right section in place so that it will be easier to work with the left one.

Step 2: Fishtail Dutch Braid

Image via Brit + Co

Now take a small strand from the top of your head and start fishtail braiding with two alterations: Braid underneath instead of over the top (this gives the braid a cool 3D effect) and incorporate tiny strands as you go.

Step 3: Secure + Repeat

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Once you’ve incorporated all the hair, keep on braiding normally, then tie with an elastic. Then, braid the other section with one twist: Braid this section upwards.

Step 4: Pancake

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Gently separate your plaits — what’s called pancaking — to give your braids a fuller, messier look.

Step 5: Pin + Final Touches

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Lastly, use a couple of bobby pins to secure the braids in place and get the perfect crown result. And don't worry if some tiny pieces are sticking out: It's all part of the look!

Image via Brit + Co

Date-night ready like that.

Princess Leia Space Buns from "Episode IV: A New Hope" –> Half-Up Half-Down Double Buns

Images via Lucasfilm Ltd/20th Century Fox/Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures/Brit + Co

While this is hands down Princess Leia's most iconic hair look, it's one of the hardest to wear outside of Halloween. This half-up, half-down update featuring a pair of mini buns makes it feel both more attainable and of the moment.

Step 1: Section

Image via Brit + Co

Use a fine-tooth comb to make a section from the ear to the top of your head.

Step 2: Cheerleader Pigtails

Image via Brit + Co

Then make a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Once you’re done, repeat on the other side.

Step 3: Create the Buns

Image via Brit + Co

Finger comb your hair to add a bit of volume, then start twisting your ponytail to create a bun. Bobby pin it in place, then repeat on the left side.

Image via Brit + Co

Polish your next athleisure outfit with this so-cute style.

Which Star Wars are you going to watch tonight? Tag us in your Princess Leia hairstyles on Instagram!

This post has been updated.

Lead image via Brit + Co

I'll admit out of the many teen dramas I've consumed, Outer Banks is one of the most ridiculous. But the insanity surrounding the plot is half the reason it's enjoyable! John B. wrestling an alligator with his bare hands? Kiara getting kidnapped then making a daring escape in her PJ's? John B. and Sarah getting married (kind of) by the power of "the sky, the stars, and the sea" after escaping the SBI?

Considering my favorite fan theory for the future is that Madelyn Cline's Sarah and Rudy Pankow's JJ learn they're secret siblings, I know the crazy train isn't slowing down anytime soon. I took to Reddit to find the wildest Outer Bankshot takes and I was not disappointed. Keep reading to see if you agree with any!

JJ and Kiara Never Should Have Happened

Image via Netflix

While JJ and Kiara is one of the most popular ships on the show, a lot of Outer Banks fans think the "no Pogue-on-Pogue macking" rule from the pilot should have stayed in effect. The individual romances between Kiara and JJ, John B., and Pope make the story really messy, and the fact the show writes Kiara to be with all three of them in the span of three years gives a lot of viewers the ick.

I'll be team #Jiara forever (and literally screamed when The Backseat Lovers' "Kilby Girl" started playing during the motorcycle ride in season 3), but I'll say it would incredibly compelling to see a friend group take care of each other as much as the Pogues do without ever crossing over into romantic territory. That's found family, after all!

Pope Should Have Ditched The Treasure Hunt

Image via Netflix

One Reddit user is convinced that "Pope should’ve focused on his future in school instead of giving everything up to search for treasure." And TBH, I totally agree.

In season 1, Pope has a breakthrough about the hidden treasure in the middle of his scholarship interview. He ditches the scholarship committee to tell the rest of the Pogues, throwing away a crazy educational opportunity. Pope beats himself up for it, and his parents definitely aren't pleased, but at least it meant he got to stay in the show instead of leaving for college, which leads me to...

Outer Banks Should Have Started With The Pogues In Their 20s

Image via Netflix

As one of the only people alive who loves the post-time jump One Tree Hill, I would have loved to see OBX start off with the characters in their 20s (although it looks like that's where Outer Banks season 4 will pick up!). This would eliminate SO MANY problems from the jump because the Pogues wouldn't have to worry about missing school, they'd be more self-sufficient, and instead of being the same old high school drama, it could have provided a commentary on figuring out life in your 20s the same way Friends did.

Rafe Shouldn't Have Any Kind Of Redemption Arc In Outer Banks Season 4

Image via Netflix

Drew Starkey the man that you are. According to one Reddit user, "Rafe should not have a love interest or a redemption arc" like we see in season 3. We spent all of season 1 and season 2 establishing that Rafe (played by Drew) would do anything it took to get what he wanted (including one successful murder and two other attempts?!). He shows next to no remorse for his actions, and exploring his literal psychopathic tendencies would take the show to a whole new level.

Big John Should Never Have Returned

Image via Netflix

John B.'s dad's disappearance is the catalyst for the Pogues' journey at the beginning of Outer Banks, and Big John's return means the story feels somewhat repetitive in the third season, and it undoes a lot of the growth we've seen from John B. Plus, Big John is just SO chaotic, selfish, and dramatic. If he had truly died in season 1, we could have seen John B. wrestle with that finality, and how to cope with loss in the face of finding the treasure and falling in love with Sarah.

And Finally, Outer Banks Should Have Ended After Season 1

Image via Netflix

Outer Banks season 1 was exactly what we needed at the height of the pandemic. It was escapist — both in terms of the beach vacation vibes, but also because the '00s aesthetic took us right back to simpler times — and it had such a wonderfully resolved finale that some fans think nothing has matched it.

Do you agree with any of these Outer Banks opinions? I'm such a romance fan, I don't know what I'd do if the show didn't have JJ and Kiara get together! Check out all the best New TV Shows coming this year for more.

Lead image via Netflix

As you start making your holiday prep list and checking it twice, don't forget to gift yourself something nice while you're at it! With all of the festivities during the holiday season, you'll want a couple of dresses that not only help complete your best outfit ideas, but make you feel like a million bucks. That's why I've rounded up 45 of the most stunning holiday dresses, ranging from more casual options to super fancy ones! So take a look — I'm sure you'll leave with plenty of styles saved to your cart. 😘

New Year's Eve Dresses

Hill House The Sequin Ellie Nap Dress

Ever since the OG Nap Dress took the world by storm, Hill House continues to up their game. The Sequin Ellie Nap Dress is absolutely stunning, and so on-brand for that upcoming New Year's function.

Mac Duggal Long-Sleeve Gem-Embellished Velvet Mini Dress

This long-sleeve mini dress has a ton of beautiful gem embellishments that make it such a fun piece to prance around in for New Year's.

Free People Glitter & Gold Midi Dress

This dress is definitely on the bolder side, making it a great choice for a fancier party. The plunging neckline and side-slit detail make it a total-standout outfit.

Mac Duggal Metallic Cocktail Dress

Ooh, this dress is so fun! The rich gold color and the deep dip at the back are just too good.

Wild Fable Tube Sequin Fringe Mini Bodycon Dress

Sequins + fringe = a very good time.

Express Endless Rose Sleeveless Sequin Tweed Mini Dress

Who knew tweed could be so festive?! Loving this sparkly take on a classic pattern!

Maje Paris Short Velvet Dress with Rhinestones

Opt for this cheekier holiday dress silhouette for the fancier New Year's get-togethers.

City Chic Glowing Sequin Long Sleeve Sweater Dress

Sequins on New Year's Eve are always a good idea!

Tuckernuck Black Feather Mod Ellie Dress

Feathers may not feel like the holidays to some, but I think they're fabulously festive! This little black dress is destined for many, many parties IMO!

Trina Turk Creosote Dress

This 60s mod number is giving Audrey Hepburn, IMO!

Joyfolie Caterina Dress

Wanna go boho chic? This Joyfolie dress is perfect for all your festive whimsical wear needs!

Club L London New Money Mini Dress

This is giving Brynn from Real Housewives of New Yorkin alllllll the best ways.

Ivy City Co. Confetti Dress

I just know Reese Witherspoon would slay in this dress from Ivy City Co. The sequin + color combo is perfect for ringing in the new year!

Trina Turk Colossal Dress

Remember those sequin purses of the 2000s? This is like those, but better.

bebe One Shoulder Sequin Sash Dress

You'll absolutely make the whole place shimmer in this one-shoulder dress!

Club L London Friya Ruched Midi Dress

This asymmetrical dress really brings the heat during these colder months!

Christmas Dresses

Madewell Midi Slip Dress

Slip dresses are all the rage right now, and this one doesn't disappoint. You can even throw on a cardigan overtop this holiday dress to make it a little more modest for a family get-together.

DÔEN Celestine Dress

The Celestine dress is a modern, more grown-up take on the holiday dresses of our youths. From the cap sleeves to the velvet material, you'll feel nostalgic and current all at once with this sultry red look.

Old Navy Shine Mini Dress

This dotted long-sleeve dress is so fun with its frilly tiering, and works well for every holiday occasion – not just Christmas!

Out From Under Sweet Dreams Long Sleeve Mini Dress

The frills and ties on this holiday dress remind me of Christmas presents, which is exactly the cheerful vibe everyone needs for the occasion.

Nine West Long Sleeve Shift Mini Dress

Balloon sleeves and a shift silhouette make this holiday dress a flattering option that will become a wardrobe staple! The bow on the back and the wine coloring just scream holidays.

Hill House The Norah Nap Dress

This little green dress from Hill House is versatile enough to dress up or down, plus it's gonna keep you comfy through all the festivities – food and family included.

NIA Coeur Knit Dress

I'm obsessed with the rosette trend, and this eye-catching red dress makes perfect use of it. For colder occasions, this dress would be iconic with a bolero or shrug sweater.

Mango Long Sleeve Rib Sweater Dress

This sweater dress is unbelievably cozy, plus the ribbed texture and flexible fabric allow you to not feel constricted all night!

Anthropologie Strapless Tiered Tulle Dress

Doesn't this poofy dress just give off such Blair Waldorf vibes? I'm all here for it!

NIA Terra Dress

This shiny satin number is the perfect amount of flirty.

J.Crew Tie-Strap Midi Dress

While red is usually the go-to color to wear to Christmas parties, this jem-toned green is such a show-stopper. The satin finish on the material it's made out of speaks to its overall elegance.

Rumored Sweet Talker Mini Dress

The kicker on this holiday dress is absolutely the plunging open back. It ties with an adorable bow that drapes down for a sultry look. If your next Christmas party is among friends and strangers rather than family and kids, this this the pick for you.

Express Nana's Short Puff Sleeves Seraphine Rose Detail Mini Dress

This cherry red holiday dress swarms you in delicate puff sleeves and a comfy A-line skirt. The best part is the rose that sits along the waist.

Hanukkah Dresses

Tuckernuck Navy Blythe Dress

This dark blue dress is clearly bougie, and I need it now.

Elliatt Cassini One-Shoulder Dress

This one-shoulder dress is giving ice queen. but in the best way.

Kimchi Blue Jill Velvet Mini Dress

This cozy velvet design can be worn for a variety of winter activities, thanks to its icy green-blue hue. Wear it with some tights and a pair of comfortable ballet flats!

Elliatt Corsage Satin Bow Minidress

This beautiful dress features a can't-miss bow detail that makes you look like the ultimate present!

Banana Republic Terccia Hammered Satin Dress

The simple silhouette of this satin dress complements every body type, leaving you feeling as confident for your holiday celebrations you can possibly be.

Lulus Royal Blue Satin Pleated Halter Midi Dress

The sleek woven satin on this dress makes it look super luxurious. Isn't that halter neckline *so* stylish?

Vince Camuto Sequin Sleeveless Dress

The sequins on this dress make it such a fun, sparkly choice for flaunting at a Hanukkah party!

Company Holiday Party Dresses

Black Tweed Stacie Dress

Work parties are always a love-hate sort of thing, but this timeless tweed dress will eliminate any stress. The structured look is perfectly appropriate for any holiday work event!

Abercrombie Emerson Chiffon Long-Sleeve Midi Dress

This dress is beautifully festive without being too over-the-top. The modest length makes it work party-approved!

Mac Duggal Bow-Front Empire-Waist Dress

Equal parts feminine, balletcore, and flirty, this party dress is a super fun pick for all your holiday parties and cocktail parties alike. If you live somewhere colder, this pick will be just as cute layered on top of some colored tights with a thick cardi!

Maje Paris Shiny Knit Short Dress

The structured cap sleeves that sit on the shoulders of this holiday dress mean business – perfect for a work party.

Knox Rose Tank Satin Wrap Dress

This satin wrap dress is affordable but looks luxurious thanks to its stunning, waist-hugging silhouette!

Tuckernuck Black Blanche Dress

Anything that gives Blair Waldorf vibes has me in a chokehold! This holiday dress is so classy and can easily be worn year after year.

Banana Republic Rosie Off-Shoulder Sweater Dress

I don't think it gets much more chic than this. The off-the-shoulder knit design of this dress is just *chef's kiss*.

Staud Black and Ivory Faridah Dress

The frilly ivory trim on this dress is *so* cute! The length of the hem is what makes it appropriate for a work event.

Nina Leonard 2-pc. Ruffle Bolero Dot-Chiffon Dress Set

This 2-piece set comes with a bolero and shift dress, giving you some simple and stylish options to mix & match!

Thanksgiving Dresses

Ribbed Mini Sweater Dress

This oversized sweater dress will keep you warm and cozy at every holiday function. The ribbed stitch elevates the overall look and makes it even better for formal occasions.

A New Day Turtleneck Long Sleeve Cozy Sweater Dress

This turtleneck dress from A New Day is the perfect cozy pick for any holiday get-together. The cable-knit design only adds to the overall wintery look.

Kimchi Blue Sydney Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress

The warm color palette, along with some floral designs, make this one perfect holiday dress for Thanksgiving!

Lulus Burgundy Mock Neck Long Sleeve Sweater Dress

You just can't go wrong with a chic sweater dress in the perfect holiday color. The long balloon sleeves and mock neck on this deep red design will keep you warm and looking stylish.

ASOS Ribbed Knit Maxi Dress

The ribbed material on this cream dress is so luxurious! I love that it can be so easily dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.

Ava & Viv One Shoulder Bodycon Dress

This bright magenta holiday dress is oozing with elegance.

Reformation Hermia Dress

The turtleneck neckline and rich gold color make this Reformation dress such a great Thanksgiving day dress! Pair it with sheer tights and knee high boots to pull off a super spirited look.

Old Navy Cami Midi Dress

This waist-defined dress has a beautiful print on it that feels oh-so modern and feminine!

To get everything from style inspo to holiday help, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Anthropologie.

Mariska Hargitay is the woman of the hour anywhere she goes, with her iconic Law & Order: SVUrole as Olivia Benson under her belt for the last 25 years. The character is an absolute advocate to women — and assault victims of any gender — through her words, actions, and powerful convictions of each perpetrator on the show. She takes great care with her victims and pursues perpetrators with fervor, and slowly as you watch the show..the line blurs between Olivia and Mariska.

This isn't anything new — just recently Mariska literally stopped production on the show to help a child (who mistook her for an actual police officer) find her mom. It's just who Mariska is. She walks the walk and talks the talk — including during her speech at Variety's Power of Women's Power of Women event.

Image via NBC Universal

As a Power of Women honoree, Mariska was recognized in regards to her work as an advocate for sexual assault survivors. She took the stage and used her platform to discuss rape and assault conviction reversals, shining a light on the recent overturned ruling in Harvey Weinstein's landmark NYC case. Here's what she said:

Today I want to talk about reversing convictions, and more specifically I want to talk to you about how impossible it is to reverse mine. It’s impossible to reverse my conviction that survivors matter. It is impossible to reverse my conviction that what happens to us matters, and that our society must respond to survivors with a more a compassionate, holistically, deeper, and more nuanced understanding of what healing means.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that after a trauma, survivors can reclaim lives of hope, of possibility, of audacious risk, beautiful intimacy, and glorious, glorious abundant joy. And I stand before you as evidence of that statement.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that we must listen to survivors as experts on what justice means. It is extraordinary how little their voices are consulted, let alone incorporated, in the process of deciding how to repair harm. Justice is not a one-size-fits-all journey.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that patriarchal impunity has to end. Patriarchal impunity is when a male-dominated system exempts perpetrators from punishment. Studies show that only 20% of all rape cases in the U.S. are reported to the police, and that between 5 and 0% of all rapes result in a guilty plea or a conviction. So why do 80% of victims not report? Because they're met with a system that grants impunity to perpetrators; a system that blames victims; a system that accepts only those victims who are experienced as "real" rape; a system that completely misunderstands the neurobiology of trauma, which causes behavior in women that doesn't fit the picture of how a "real victim" would act.

Is that change needed that victims should just pull themselves together? Just buck up and report anyway? No. No, it's the system that receives them that needs to change

It is impossible to reverse my conviction — and the conviction of my extraordinary team, The Joyful Heart — that the backlog of untested rape kits can be brought to zero; that the testing of all new kits must be mandated; that we need a statewide kit tracking system; and that survivors have the right to access the status of their kits.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that grammar — yes, grammar — that we use when we speak about rape must change. In the sentence, "A woman is raped," there's a crime and there's a victim, but there's no perpetrator. Where's the perpetrator? Where is he? Statistically, as we know, most likely he's walking free. He's so free that he doesn't even appear in the language about the crime that he committed. Is that not extraordinary? It's extraordinary that in the very grammar, the perpetrator goes free. Reintroducing perpetrators in the language of rape will make some very unwieldy grammar, but that's the nature of change. It's unwieldy, it's messy, it's uncomfortable, but it's necessary.

Image via NBC Universal

Hargitay continued on in her prolific speech to describe that rape shouldn't be considered a "crime of passion" because it's "not simply the next step in the trajectory of his passion" when a man takes a consensual hookup too far and assaults a woman against her will. She stated that it's "an exercise of power," doubling down that the language we use is important.

The speech went on to address that rape is both about power and control, as a "construct" that was "built, and assembled, and reinforced over time." She noted that there are people with these positions of power — and she specifically called out those in the entertainment industry — that could make a difference and aligned themselves to victims and survivors.

After this and some other remarks, Hargitay specifically called out the Weinstein conviction reversal. She said:

I do want to say something about the Harvey Weinstein conviction, specifically about the reason that it was overturned: too many women's voices. Too many women's voices were allowed to speak. Hallelujah! Amen! I can't imagine anything more beautiful than that. The Daily podcast episode talked about how it was so risky for the prosecution to have that many women testify. Risky to let women speak? You're damn right it is!

Too many women speaking brings change. Too many women speaking shakes the establishment. Too many women means we get listened to more, and people might actually hear what we have to say. Look what happened when women started saying just two words, right? Me too — just as an example — a tidal wave of change. Me too.

And then of course, there was the response: the Me Too Movement. The backlash. The examination of whether the changes that have come are lasting, or are even positive. Of course there's a backlash! What did they expect? For women to speak repeatedly, loudly, together, with a purpose — for there to be no backlash? The backlash is evidence of how powerful those voices were, how powerful those voices ARE.

Watch Mariska Hargitay's Full Speech Here

www.youtube.com

Mariska Hargitay's Gets Emotional as She Thanks Her Support System and the Women Around Her

Turns out that your TV heroes really can be your IRL heroes after all. Long live Olivia Benson! Long live Mariska Hargitay!

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Header image via NBC Universal

After Emily in Paris season 3 dropped on Netflix in December of 2022, we were hoping to get the fourth installment of the hit show in 2023. But production halted when the WGA writers' strike, then the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike went to affect, and our beloved cast and crew campaigned for better wages and industry protection. But with the end of the writers' strike, and new SAG negotiations, Emily in Paris season 4 finally began production in February 2024 — and I can already tell you there's sure to be plenty of drama and French fashion this time around.

Not only will we see Emily in Paris (see what I did there?!) but she's also pulling an Audrey Hepburn and taking a little Roman Holiday. That's right — our favorite Parisians are heading to Italy! If that doesn't sound like a dreamy comfort show then I don't know what does. Here's everything we know about the upcoming season of your favorite TV brain candy!!

Is Emily in Paris season 4 coming soon?

Image via Lily Collins/Instagram

Via Variety, Emily in Paris season 4 began production in Paris the week of January 15! "Did someone say Saison Quatre?!" Lily Collins says in her Instagram post announcing production. "Finally reunited with my @emilyinparis fam back in Paris and it feels so good. Although, I may need to brush up on my selfie skills for Emily’s sake…"

Now the wait is over! According to the official announcementfor Emily in Paris, we know part one drops on Netflix August 15, followed by part 2 on September 12. I've been impatiently waiting for this considering we didn't know how filming would be impacted by things like the WGA writers strike!

Is Emily in Paris filmed in Paris?

Image via Lily Collins/Instagram

Yes, Emily in Paris is filmed on location in Paris! We got our first look at Emily in Paris season 4 when Lily Collins and Ashley Park were seen filming in the City of Love (via Daily Mail). The costumes for the series are still as bold and bright as ever, with Ashley's Mindy wearing cobalt and metallic boots, and Lily's Emily dressed head-to-toe in lemon yellow. I can't wait to see what these best friends get up to this season! Check out our Paris travel recommendations to live out your own Emily in Paris dreams ;).

On April 27, Lily Collins confirmed Emily in Paris season 4 had wrapped its France shoot and that the cast & crew have swapped the City of Love for the Eternal City! "When you’re the first ones on the dance floor at the Paris wrap party. Next stop: Rome!" she says on Instagram. Late spring is literally the perfect time to film in Italy and I just know this season is going to give me more wanderlust than ever before. I need gelato!

What's Emily In Paris season 4 about?

Image via Netflix

Season 3 left us with a huge cliffhanger: Alfie breaks up with Emily, Camille learns she's pregnant with Gabriel's baby, Benoit's "Mon Soleil" has been chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest, and Emily and Gabriel realize they've been in love with each other the whole time. Whew.

Emily in Paris season 4 will have a ton of cliffhangers to bring full circle, and a bunch of damage that all the characters need to heal. We know from the Netflix TUDUM fan event that we might also see Emily have to deal with an ultimatum head-on, as well as an unexpected twist. Plus, it looks like she's heading on a "Roman holiday," according to lead actress Lily Collins. We'll take any nod to an Audrey Hepburn movie, please and thank you!

Is Alfie coming back in season 4 of Emily in Paris?

Image via Netflix

We don't have OFFICIAL word on whether Alfie (played by Lucien Laviscount) will return for Emily in Paris season 4, but we're hoping for his sake that he gets some closure. Lucien wants to come back as well! "[The dream is] to keep this gravy train going and just to kind of really live in this world a little bit longer," he says in an interview with Elle. " The writers on the show and the creators behind it and everyone that comes into contact with it is so amazing and fantastic. Their minds [have] way, way, way, way surpassed mine. So, yeah. I’ll let them do their thing.”

Who else is in the Emily in Paris season 4 cast?

Image via Netflix

We can expect the rest of the cast — Lily Collins as Emily, Lucas Bravo as Gabriel, Ashley Park as Mindy, Camille Razat as Camille, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, Samuel Arnold as Julian, and Bruno Gouery as Luc — to return.

Will there be a season 5 of Emily in Paris?

Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix

It looks like Emily in Paris season 4 will not be the final season, according to creator Darren Star. “There’s a lot more story to tell here and we’re not wrapping things up anytime soon,” Star tells Elle. “And also hopefully season four isn’t the end either. I feel like we’re all creatively feeling like we’re in the middle of something not heading towards the end.”

Darren also told Deadline season 4 is "not necessarily conceived as a final chapter. I think like every other show, it’s a rich ensemble. There’s no end in sight until everybody feels like it’s time to end. And I don’t think this show is limited by a number of seasons, I think it’s limited by everybody’s enthusiasm and excitement about doing it and telling stories about these characters."

We'll take as many seasons of Emily in Paris as they'll give us!!

What has the cast said about Emily in Paris season 4?

Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix

Lucas Bravo told People he's excited for a coming-of-age for Gabriel. "When you start a character, then there's a year where you experience the world and you mature, you become another person and you come back and it's exactly the day you left off," he says. "I'm happy that in season four I'll be able to bring more of what I became and what I've experienced in the past four years."

Even though Lily Collins is now an executive producer, she doesn't want to know TOO much about the future of the show. “Darren and I speak, on occasion, about where he’s thinking of going, but he also doesn’t wanna spoil too much for me because there is a fine line,” she tells Collider. “I don’t wanna know everything because I want to be led with the writing, but I am also curious because, as a producer wanting to celebrate the other characters, I’m very curious to see what their trajectories are."

What happened at the end of Emily in Paris season 3?

Image via Netflix

To be fully prepared for Emily in Paris season 4, it's important to remember just what happened during season 3! The junior season was a bumpy ride for Emily, and it ends with the craziest finale yet. After Camille and Gabriel decide to get married, Camille stops the wedding, saying she knows Gabriel is in love with Emily instead of her. This declaration leads Alfie to break up with our leading lady because he refuses to be her second choice (and honestly, I respect it). That's not the only shocker because Camille also reveals that she's pregnant with Gabriel's child, which comes as a surprise to everyone. Meanwhile, Mindy learns Benoit has submitted a song (specifically "Mon Soleil") to the Eurovision Song Contest and Laurent has his heart set on opening a club in Paris.

Are you excited for Emily in Paris Season 4? Give us your craziest theory in the comments, and check out our Facebook for more pop culture news. Read up on how This Emily In Paris Theory Could Be Why Emily And Gabriel Aren’t Together (Yet).

Lead image via Netflix.

This post has been updated.