Main Image via PC Wall Art
When it comes to fashion, people have their own definition of what is stylish. Then there are people who put comfort above all else, while some make dressing according to the latest trends their top-most priority.
Regardless of which end of the spectrum you fall into, there’s no denying that K-Pop, and the fashion trend it inspires, is the in thing now, and it’s here to stay. So, if you are looking to transform your wardrobe, then pay attention…
#1 Invest in button-down shirts
Fashion icon Hyomin recommends investing in a few button-down shirts in different colours, prints, and materials. They are the most versatile pieces of clothing you’ll own as it allows you to dress it up or dress it down. They are also both stylish and comfortable. Win-win.
Hyomin for example, wears hers half tucked with jeans or knotted around the waist with shorts or a mini skirt for a more casual look.
#2 The slip & shirt combo
Be creative with 2017’s slip dress trend and dress up your favourite slinky slip with a T-shirt, blouse or shirt underneath. As seen on episode 6 of Reform, style-star Hyomin likes wearing her basic black slip with a striped, off-shoulder shirt for an effortlessly cool summer outfit with a ‘90s twist.
#3 Rock the patch trend
Denim is always on trend but one way to take your look to the next level is to adorn your denim jacket with fun iron-on patches. Adding statement patches to your clothes is a sure way to create a unique look that truly sets you apart from the crowd.
Tiffany from Girls Generation suggests mixing and matching or sticking with a theme like the edgy rocker or the fun, bubbly girl-next-door look.
#4 Get fun and flirty with scarves
There are many ways K-pop stars accessorise their outfits with scarves. Tiffany from Girls Generation in episode 1 of Reform shows how tying a skinny scarf into a bow gives a lady-like vibe while looping it once around your neck makes it more playful and young.
#5 A jacket to take you from day to night
You can never go wrong with the classic t-shirt and jeans combo, but you can up the look with a blazer or jacket the way actress Wang Bit-na does. If rocking the style for work, go for a structured dark blazer then swap the blazer for a sparkly or statement jacket for your evening out with drinks with the girls.
#6 Black and white doesn’t have to be boring
Your OOTD in black and white doesn’t have to be boring; just add a splash of glam by pairing your outfit with an on-trend shimmery mini clutch or sling bag. Be inspired by Wang Bit-na’s enviable collection of bags on episode 2 of Reform.
#7 Channel high fashion with structured shoulders
The 80s are back with runway darlings like Balenciaga and Calvin Klein boasting power suits with heavily padded shoulders. Multi-hyphenate singer-dancer-TV host Seo In-yong shows on Korean variety show, Reform, how she works a designer fashion-forward jacket with something every girl has in her wardrobe – denim cut-offs.
#8 Kick up your sock game
Be daring and unleash your inner child with some quirky prints. To avoid looking too kitschy, Amber from South Korean girl group f(x) recommends keeping cheeky, pop-culture prints to your socks. Pikachu, I choose you! Quick, somebody tells us the Korean equivalent to kawaii!
#9 Athleisure the Korean way
Athleisure has redefined casual, everyday dressing with women everywhere donning yoga pants and statement hoodies like off-duty models in between their gym session and juice bar run.
Korea’s top model Lee Hyun-yi shows you how to score points (pun intended) in your athleisure game with her style tip of wearing a baseball jersey half tucked with skinny pants or jeans. You’ll never strike out with this sports-inspired trend!
#10 Style it with sunnies
Even if you don’t have a horde of paparazzi trying to photograph your OOTD, you should still invest in a pair of statement sunglasses. No K-pop starlet will ever be seen ‘casually walking through the airport’ without them. Tiffany from Girls Generation shows her impressive collection which includes an all-the-rage rose gold pair.
For more K-fashion tips, and if you've always wanted to peek at the closets of K-pop icons, catch Reform, premiering 29 October, every Sunday, 9pm on TLC (Astro channel 707). The series also features top class designers and celebrity sewing masters as they work wonders on celebrities' old clothes.