Over the years, Korean fashion trends have cemented their place in the global fashion scene. Try these latest trends so you can mix, match, and make them your own.
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With Korea’s hip, fresh, and youthful approach to clothes and accessories, it’s no secret how many of us look to Korean fashion trends for unique looks and outfits.
But more than just trying to copy your favorite K-pop stars and style icons, why not go straight to some of the hottest Korean fashion trends right now?
I swear I saw this coming! With Korea’s massive growth and influence over the last decade, it was just a matter of time before Korean fashion trends followed suit.
After all, fashion is art. And art has a huge power to influence and shape our view of the world. Big words for just fashion, you say?
I disagree! I think things like Korean fashion trends let us learn more about the world outside our own homes and culture—they can help bring us together. Learning about the new and latest trends and styles is also a way for you to express yourself and your personality even better!
Knowing more styles and having more options means being able to create looks reflecting your signature style. What’s fashion without a lot of experimenting?
So, if you’re ready to take the plunge and start learning new things, check out these fab, chic, and cute Korean fashion trends you can definitely wear anywhere in the world.
1. Borrow from Men’s Fashion
While women borrowing from men’s fashion style isn’t exactly a new thing, we have fashion capitals like Seoul and Paris to thank for their return.
And really, what’s up with men’s fashion style being comfier? I’d rock oversized men’s wear every day if I could.
- Baggy Jeans
For an everyday look, baggy jeans and oversized sweaters or pullovers amazingly work well together.
If you’re going for a cute pair of heels, put on tight-fitting tops, then cuff those pairs to show off your shoes or ankles.
- Oversized Blazer/Jackets
Try to pair masculine pieces like oversized blazers and bold pinstripes with more feminine elements like accessories, boots, and statement bags.
- Cargo Pants
Cargo pants used to be a men’s fashion staple — an everyday practical clothing item. Not anymore! From women, teens, children, and men, it is now a universal fashion item or clothing.
You have got to own of pair or more of cargo pants this year and you will have one of the most comfortable articles of clothing ever. Pair them with some chunky sneakers to get on with the latest trends.
2. Go Preppy
Before the 90’s came back in style this year, Korean fashion trends were already upgrading the preppy look. In fact, they do it so well!
Korean clothing fashion brands such as Studio K may help you achieve the preppy look you’re going for.
- Classic Tailoring
A classic tailored jacket can go with any Korean style you like. Whether preppy or street style, a classic tailored piece of clothing will always be a must-have.
- Tweed Jacket
Any basic combination will look preppy with tweed. It is the perfect focal point for any basic combo.
Pick a plaid skirt, then pair it with other more trendy pieces like statement tees or collared tops.
- Knee-high Boots
Knee-high boots are a staple in Korean outfits, especially the younger generation. Complete your preppy look with knee-high boots or socks.
3. Keep It Dainty
Another thing I really love about Korean fashion trends is how they’re not afraid to embrace their feminine side! While other trends are edgy, fashion-forward, or almost out of this world, Korean fashion trends still make room for classic feminine pieces.
- Silk Fabrics
You can’t go wrong with circle skirts and silk tops combo. And by the way, silk pieces are hot items in Korea’s latest trends right now.
- See-through Clothing Materials
Whether it’s sheer fabric, lace, or embroidery, Koreans have a thing for dainty and low-key revealing clothing.
- Off-Shoulder and Broad Necklines
Baring the neck and the collar bones is the reason for this fashion style. If you’re going for this look, check out the Korean clothing brand Lucky Chouette for some interesting pieces and outfit inspo.
4. Street Smart
While Korean fashion trends know how to dress up, they’ve also mastered the art of dressing down. In fact, when it comes to street style, Korean fashion seems to lead the pack.
- Denim Skirts
Whether A-line, pleated, or distressed and deconstructed, Korean fashionistas are hitting the streets in these denim pieces.
- Long Shorts
Pound the pavement with these more subtle shorts which are quite comfy. You’ll see Koreans sporting this style in warmer weather.
- Chunky Combat Boots and Goggle Sunglasses
This winter, you’ll find Korean clothing style down with the futuristic or cyberpunk look. Cargo pants paired with oversized tops and a pair of chunky sneakers or combat boots is the street style you want to go for.
5. Details
If you’re a Korean skincare and makeup fan like me, you’re familiar with all the pretty packaging and eye-catching colors. It’s the same thing for Korean fashion trends.
Bomber jackets are almost too common these days, but they got a uniquely Korean upgrade with bows on the sleeves and adorable characters or drawings.
I’d totally rock this jacket with a pair of edgy faux leather leggings! Don’t forget the shoes, a pair of chunky sneakers seem to go with everything in Korea’s latest trends.
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6. Contrast
Even if it seems like there are a million different things happening with the embroidery, the red, white, and blue, and the designer bag, somehow these contrasting pieces all have a bright red element. So don’t be afraid to mix and match, because it might just work!
Speaking of contrast, here’s another important rule I learned from Korean fashion trends: you can be edgy and girly at the same time! The idea of having to choose between one is so last century.
We’ve all got our own personalities, and sometimes they don’t fit into a single stereotype. So if you want to rock punk boots with a dainty white shoulder bag, go ahead!
7. Monochromatic
This year’s latest trends saw a wave of a single color scheme in Korean clothing. From the headgear down to the shoes, there is but one color in many Korean outfits.
- All-White
The all-white color scheme may be a 90’s fashion style but it’s getting a revival in Korean fashion with some bold additions.
- All-Black
An all-black ensemble isn’t something new but Koreans perfected it by going all out.
- Silver and Gray
An all-gray look may seem unflattering, but the latest Korean fashion trend will show you otherwise.
8. Play with Layers
Layering has been one of the biggest Korean fashion trends for the longest time, and for good reason! Here’s a useful tip: when you layer, make sure all your layers serve a purpose!
If you have a layer overpowering the other pieces or one that’s hidden underneath everything, ditch it. The whole point of layering is to create a new look, out of several others.
- Leather
Trench coat leather jackets on baggy leather pants were a highlight on this year’s Seoul winter collection. But, any leather piece will help you get in with the latest trends in Korean fashion.
- Beige on Beige
Koreans seem to have made an otherwise boring color into a fun and flattering style with the right layers. You can wear a beige jacket or sweaters over a beige bottom and top practically wherever, whenever.
- Dress Layering
A simple sundress over a plain shirt or an oversized cardigan over a tiered dress will give you the Korean layer style of dressing up.
Go online shopping at global fashion brands like Lucky Chouette for wonderful pieces you can layer.
9. Bold Colors and Prints
Traditional fashion rules would prevent you from rocking bold color combos. But thankfully, we live in the 21st century!
Rules like “don’t mix prints,” or “pair bright colors with neutral pieces,” were clearly made to be broken. I think these styles are smart!
- Animal Prints
Animal prints will always be in. They may take backstage for a while but they’ll pop up time and again.
Like the latest trends this winter in Korean fashion. It also looks like Koreans are owning it with their animal-print clothing and accessories combo.
Go online shopping at Korean clothing fashion brands like Charms, for animal-printed pieces.
- Neon
This spring’s neon biker shorts and oversized pastel top pairings paved the way to bolder neon cargo pants and neon printed tops for winter. Don’t let go of those neon biker shorts just yet, because they’re coming back for spring.
- Pastel
All-pastel outfits used to seem a bit too saccharine sweet for me until I saw the latest trends in Korean fashion showing me how to do it right! Pastels are fun and young twist on color, and they’re appropriate all year ’round.
10. Basic Korean Fashion Style
How can a plain midi skirt and basic tee combo look so good? The answer is simple: it’s in the styling.
Wearing t-shirts to work or date night isn’t usually done. But choose a black tee, pair it with a midi skirt, a dressy pair of heels, and the right hair and makeup, and it’s possible!
A solid button-down polo and pants may seem like a boring or uptight combo. But with bright color choices and an effortless front tuck, it’s a fresh and youthful look.
Watch this video from Edgar Pinto and take a look at the preview of this year’s Seoul spring and summer fashion week:
Looking at Korean fashion trends gives me style inspiration and a whole new perspective of a culture different from mine. From their approach to basic pieces to their philosophy on mixing and matching, it’s only a matter of time before these Korean fashion trends take over the world.
Don’t be left behind but take these style inspirations before you go online shopping for the latest trends in Korean clothing. Look for a brand of Korean clothing with reasonable prices and invest in a fashion item, one piece at a time–I suggest a pair of knee-high boots and white chunky sneakers, first.
What favorite Korean fashion trends have you tried? Share your looks with me in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on December 29, 2015, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.