Staying cosy in our PJs and binge snacking while watching Netflix is a pastime most of us are all too familiar with. With the battle against the pandemic still ongoing, we’ve turned to addictive Korean drama series as a source of escape and comfort. Riveting plotlines and dramatic slow-motion, kiss scenes aside, can we also talk about the fashion, please? K-drama characters are always dressed to impress in every episode, giving us the best outfit inspos for real-life. To emulate their polished Korean fashion style, these 15 K-drama characters are the ones to watch (and draw #ootd inspiration from).
The Best Korean Fashion Styles As Seen On K-Drama Characters
Vincenzo
Starting off strong, we’ve got everyone’s favourite Italian mafia Korean drama, Vincenzo, to begin our list. This action-packed, crime series is filled with some major power suiting moments from Song Joong-ki and Jeon Yeon-bin. Let’s just say, taking down villains and getting revenge has never looked so good.
Shop Hong Cha-young’s style:
Shop Vincenzo’s style:
True Beauty
Ah yes, the growing pains of being a teenager, because God forbid anyone from seeing our bare, makeup-free face. Moon Ga-Young’s character in True Beauty represents the societal pressure every young girl experiences—to look prettier, dress up more, and be popular. Naturally, it’s no surprise to see that a lot of thought has been put into the female lead’s outfits.
From cropped cardigans, pleated skirts, and feminine dresses to slouchy hoodies and sweatshirts, the fashion style in this Korean drama never disappoints. Opposite her, co-star Cha Eunwoo channels his best boyfriend-material vibes with neat pullover sweaters, formal pants, and chinos.
Shop Lim Joo-kyung’s style:
- White button-down blouse
- Gingham dress (alternatively, go for this pink gingham dress that doesn’t require layering)
- White pumps
Shop Lee Su-ho’s style:
So Not Worth It
Admittedly, So Not Worth It is more of a sitcom than a Korean drama, but the fashion style showcased is absolutely worth mentioning. Minnie from K-pop girl group, (G)I-DLE, has won the hearts of many fans and viewers with her first acting gig. Apart from her lovable and sassy character, her eclectic looks were a visual feast for the eyes of every fashion enthusiast. She’s not the only one either; GOT7 Choi Young-jae looks just as charming and cute as his mischievous character, Sam, with his stellar outfit combinations.
Shop Minnie’s style:
Shop Sam’s style:
- Blue striped cardigan (or try this blue patchwork cardigan)
- White button-down shirt
- White T-shirt
- Black chinos
Youth Of May
Retro fashion style lovers, this Korean drama is for you. Lee Do Hyun and Go Min Si unfold a heart-fluttering romance between a nurse and a medical student during the Gwanju uprising. Set in May 1980, the wardrobe in this series consists of modest, vintage attire. Think midi to maxi skirts and dresses for the ladies, and collared shirts and denim jeans (or dress pants) for the gentlemen.
Shop Kim Myeong-hee’s style:
Shop Hwang Hee-tae’s style :
Crash Landing On You
Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin’s sizzling chemistry in hit drama Crash Landing On You (CLOY) wasn’t the only thing that left viewers swooning. This Korean drama served style after iconic style that spanned from business and smart casual to granny chic. Whether you prefer Seo Dan’s sophisticated and colourful prints or Yoon Se-ri’s #ladyboss get-up, each will make you feel ready to conquer the world.
Shop Yoon Se-ri’s style:
Shop Seo Dan’s style:
It’s Okay To Not To Be Okay
We can’t have a list of the best Korean fashion styles without mentioning Seo Ye-ji’s character in It’s Okay To Not To Be Okay. Ice queen Ko Mun Yeong makes every single episode her personal runway and we’re enjoying the show from the front row seats (aka our beds). Elegant up-dos, ruffled dresses, and oversized sunglasses—she’s immaculate from head-to-toe and not a single accessory is out of place. Even her sleeping nightgowns are way too fancy to be worn just for sleeping! But then again, what’s the harm of amping up our loungewear seeing as we’re stuck at home anyways? Hmmm, Ms Ko Mun Yeong, you may be onto something.
Shop Ko Mun Yeong’s style:
Shop Ko Mun Yeong’s sleepwear style:
Hotel Del Luna
Another Korean drama with impeccable fashion style is Hotel Del Luna. Jang Man-wol (played by singer IU) is a cold, temperamental hotel owner with a penchant for drinking and dressing in over-the-top, avant-garde outfits. Well, she has been condemned to the same place for 1,300 years, so we understand her urge to make a bold fashion statement.
Shop Jang Man-wol’s style:
Itaewon Class
If you’re not into feminine fashion styles that Korean drama female leads are known for, then Jo Yi-Seo’s (Kim Da-mi) edgier ensemble is for you. You can usually find her in a statement leather jacket worn over neutral pieces. Meanwhile, Park Seo-joon brings about a boyish, street-style appeal with his role as Park Sae-ro-yi, as he’s often seen in a rotation of oversized sweatshirts, hoodies, and bomber jackets.
Shop Jo Yi-Seo’s style:
Shop Park Sae-ro-yi’s style:
My Roommate Is A Gumiho
Hyeri’s outfits as main character Lee Dam mostly consist of classic staples that you probably already own. As a university student living with a 999-year-old gumiho (nine-tailed fox spirit), her style leans toward the simpler side. Well, at least, simple as far as Korean dramas go. However, let’s be real, no one looks that good when they’re juggling countless assignments on top of their thesis paper.
Shop Lee Dam’s style:
Be The Main Character Of Your Own Story With These Korean Drama Fashion Styles
From suiting up with Vincenzo to attending university classes with Lee Dam, which Korean fashion style from these popular K-dramas is your favourite? Let us know in the comments!
For the ladies, you can further amp up your K-drama aesthetic with one of these trendy Korean eye makeup looks to complete your ensemble. For the lads, take inspiration from these stylish Korean male hairstyles to nail the Korean oppa vibes. Prefer K-pop over K-dramas? Then you might find a better style match with these K-pop-inspired outfits for men instead.
Find more Korean-inspired trends here.
