South Korea is one of the fastest rising fashion capitals of the world right now, with brands like Stylenanda and MINJUKIM, winner of Next in Fashion on Netflix, making a splash across the world.
With a great range of styles spanning from masculine cargo pants to ultra feminine floral cardigans and dresses, here are the it-items of the season, and tips on how to cop Korean fashion trends. The best part? You can snag the items you need for these looks by shopping online – we have recommendations!
1. Chic blazers
Blazers are one of the most versatile pieces in styling: just throw on a navy or black blazer to dress up an otherwise casual outfit of a plain shirt and jeans to create a more formal look. Most importantly, this is one of the biggest Korean fashion trends in 2020.
While fitted blazers may be the best option for interviews, opt for looser styles like the ones worn by the fashionistas above for a casual weekend look. Just ensure to cinch in part of your outfit, by wearing a fitted top, bottom, or wear a belt, to avoid looking shapeless and frumpy.
If you’re feeling bold, you can even go for contemporary styles in brighter, Spring-like colours, like khaki, or even pink! Make sure to keep the rest of the outfit and accessories simple to avoid clashing colours.
Try these similar ones
Single Button Inner Print Blazer – Black
This one from Pomelo (S$64) is super versatile and basic so you can throw it on to dress your outfit up for work, but the boxy and loose fit makes it look just casual enough to don on the weekends as well.
Notch Collar Cotton Blend Blazer
Since blazers are a good staple to have in your wardrobe, we recommend investing in a high quality piece, which you can often find on Nordstrom. This Gibson one (S$151.67) has an interesting standing collar, as well as lining on the inside for comfort.
2. Florals and ruffles
While some may find this 2020 Korean fashion trend a tad bit much for their taste, enthusiasts of vintage and feminine fashion may just love this one.
Layer cropped floral tops in any style (take inspiration from the models’ balloon sleeve top or cardigan above) over a pair of jeans or an A-line skirt to make the florals look more modern and less grandma-like. If you’re not a fan of florals, skip the pattern altogether and amp up the lace and ruffles for a look that’s no less lovely!
Here are some similar options
Floral Lace Sweetheart Smock Top – White
This Victorian-inspired sweetheart neck top from Pomelo (S$39) is a statement to wear, but remains wearable at the same time. Pair this one with low-key bottoms, like denim shorts for a casual look, or with slacks for an office ready look.
Vera Puff Sleeve Co Ord Top
3. Puffy headbands
Made popular by Red Velvet’s SeulGi in the music video of their hit song Psycho, this version of the classic headband is super wearable for anyone and adds an interesting touch to any outfit.
Opt for a simple black one to keep your hair out of your face in style, or choose one in a bright colour to match your outfit.
Chic Twisted Braid Hairband
Korean fashion trends may not work for everyone, so experiment with easy-on-the-wallet alternatives like this one from Shopee (S$3.09) that looks like velvet, and will add a pop of colour to your outfit.
Velvet Headband- Green
Choose deep jewel tones like this emerald green one from Lazada (S$5.50) to spice up your OOTD without looking too over the top, while keeping your hair out of your face.
4. Oversized jeans and cargo pants
While oversized tops have been the “in” thing to wear for a while, the current Korean fashion trend is showing favour for oversized bottoms instead. Choose styles like cargo pants or wide leg jeans that are fitted at the waist for a flattering silhouette, and that extends all the way to cover part of your shoes.
This style isn’t only trendy, it makes your legs look ultra long too, giving the effect of looking much taller. Take a leaf out of the fashionable females of South Korea’s book (or rather, look), and pair it with a bright, multi-coloured top, or keep the whole look low-key and stick with the classic all black scheme instead.
Loose Fit Cargo Jogger Pants
UNIQLO is the go-to brand for comfortable clothes, and this pair of cargo pants (S$49.90) aren’t only comfortable and loose fitting for ease of comfort, it’s also stylish and easy to style! Play with proportion and choose to pair this with a tighter fitting plain top or cropped top for a sleek yet trendy silhouette.
Raw Hem Wide Leg Jeans
Not so much of a street style person? Ease into it with a chic pair of wide leg jeans! Wide leg jeans don’t cling to your legs, and instead makes them look slimmer than they actually are, so these ones from Pomelo (S$49) are perfect for anyone who loves to be comfortable. Plus, the raw hem finishing at the bottom of the jeans add the trendy edge to your outfit.
5. Converse
Yes, you can breathe a sigh of relief: your favorite sneaker from yesteryear is back in trend again, cemented by all these posts of Korean influencers styling their outfits with black lace-up Converses. This is officially one of the hottest Korean fashion trends in 2020.
We’re sure you don’t need many tips on how to style this converse shoe, since they go with almost anything! For a modern spin on these shoes though, go for a simple black-and-white outfit to match the details on the shoes, then pop on a few pieces of jewelry to glam it up.
Purchase yours at Converse outlets or on Lazada.
6. Twinning
Probably the most fun Korean fashion trend on this list, grab your bestie and coordinate an outfit together! To avoid looking like identical clones and confusing passers-by, try styling your hair differently, or if your sister by choice is a polar opposite, you can even choose different colours of the same outfit, like in the second post.
Tip: choose the same piece of your choice, then buy it in different colours for you and your best friend to wear! Make sure to match statement pieces so it looks more obvious.
Front Bow Puffed Sleeves Top
This feminine front bow top (S$9.88) is so chic and easy to match! Coordinate with your bestie and choose between skirts, shorts or jeans of your choice.
Uneven Stripes Shirt
If you and your partner-in-crime are daring fashionistas, here’s a challenge: try to make this unorthodox striped shirt from Lazada (S$24) work! Hint: pair this with a simple pair of pants or jeans that match one colour to the top, and keep the accessories minimal for a statement look that’ll turn heads wherever you go.
7. Black
You may find the monochromatic look boring, but obviously Korean fashionistas beg to differ.
Known for its slimming effects, incorporate the sleek colour into your outfit without looking overly masculine by pairing it with feminine touches, like lace, crossbody bags, and frilly blouses.
Lace Trim Drawstring Accent Blouse
Pair one Korean trend with another and you get a black drawstring peasant-style blouse (S$89)! Stylenanda is known to be the Korean fashionista’s go to place for trendy pieces, so you won’t go wrong with it. What’s more, this blouse is already feminine enough, so you can opt for your favourite pair of jeans, or a miniskirt.
BP. Scalloped Satin Cami
Or, choose a basic top so you can load up on the accessories! A simple yet feminine camisole (S$38.69) like this one from Nordstrom will look amazing with stacked necklaces, or statement earrings.
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