Let’s get one thing straight: Emily Ratajkowski could wear a paper bag on her head and still start a global fashion moment. But this summer, she didn’t need anything nearly so avant-garde to shake the internet. Instead, she channeled Parisian je ne sais quoi with the season’s most sought-after cut, the French girl bob and made it look like the only hairstyle that matters right now.
And plot twist, it was for a role.
The multi-hyphenate model-author-actress-mother (yes, that Emily) debuted her chic new chop while promoting her latest Netflix venture Too Much, a Lena Dunham–helmed series that dropped this week. Taking to Instagram with a carousel that could double as a behind-the-scenes editorial spread, EmRata showed off her new wavy blunt bob, complete with effortless bangs and serious French-girl energy.
From a cozy striped fuzzy sweater and geek-chic glasses moment to a mismatched bikini and trucker hat chaos (that somehow worked), Emily reminded us all that confidence is the best accessory. Though the blunt bob technically belongs to Polly, her on-screen alter ego in Too Much, the style’s effortless waves and slightly cheeky bangs are all EmRata DNA.
But let’s rewind for a second.
Just a few months ago, Ratajkowski went viral on TikTok after revealing what she dramatically dubbed “the worst haircut of my life.” In her words, “I have bangs on the back of my head.” We’ve all had one of those hair appointments, she just had hers in the spotlight.
The intention? A British shag.
The result? Well… wind-sensitive layers that defied gravity and basic geometry.
And yet, even with a shag that went rogue, Emily still managed to look stunning…because of course she did.
Now, flash forward to Too Much. Emily plays Polly, a New Yorker who flees to London post-heartbreak only to fall for an indie musician who’s less Prince Charming and more “I make zines and play in a band you’ve never heard of.”
It’s messy in the best way and Emily’s look is right in sync.
The French girl bob, often imitated but rarely nailed, is the anti-hair trend for women who don’t want to look like they’re trying too hard (even if their stylists spent hours getting the texture just right). It’s blunt without being harsh, short without screaming “pixie,” and universally flattering when styled with undone waves and brow-grazing fringe.
Whether Emily’s new look is a cleverly disguised wig or a real-deal chop remains TBD, but one thing’s certain: she’s reignited the bob fever for summer and this time, it’s got bangs.
We’re calling it now, this is the year of the nonchalant bob. Because if Emily Ratajkowski can survive a mystery back-bang incident and bounce back with French insouciance, so can you.
Netflix’s Too Much is streaming now. Watch it for the rom-com chaos, stay for the hair inspo.
