K-dramas are more than just about the cheesy romantic plots and steamy kissing scenes. Many times, they also feature iconic outfits that can start a new fashion trend. Be it the dramatic feathery gown worn by Kim So Yeon in Penthouse Season 3 or the loveable pink top by Shin Min Ah in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, take cues from this inspiration for your next shopping spree.
Fun fact: Lee Ha Nee was Miss Korea 2006 and represented South Korea as Miss Universe 2007. This could only mean she has what it takes to pull off almost any outfit ‒ even this bold mustard suit in One The Woman.
Topping the look off with a white blouse, the styling reminds us of the strong personality her character has. As this scene features the moment when Lee Ha Nee was supposed to attend an important meeting, it proves that the look suits a formal business setting too. For ladies who are searching for an attention-catching OL outfit, this might be of your liking.
Many viewers would agree that Shin Min Ah in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha has an envy-inducing wardrobe, with clothes suitable for everyday wear. She appears in a different outfit every scene and here, she steals the limelight with a cropped blue blouse from Miu Miu.
Not only does the top show off her feminine side, but her hair styling and the pair of minimalist earrings also complete her look. Perhaps if you were to wear the top during a date with bae, you could also roll up the sleeves like how she did for hotter days in Singapore.
News flash: it is no longer surprising to see actors and actresses wearing branded clothes in K-dramas. In this scene, Shin Min Ah is wearing a pink embroidered cotton-blend top from Gucci. The purple embroidered flowers at the chest area give it a whimsical touch, and the top looks like something girly-girls would want to put on for a fun day out.
Just like how Shin Min Ah paired it with a pair of jeans, you can match it with bottoms like denim shorts or a long flowy skirt too.
Kim Hyun Soo as Bae Ro Na might not be the most well-known character in the Penthouse series, but you have to admit that she has a good fashion sense. Suiting her role as a high school student, she gives off a youthful vibe when wearing this black pocket mini dress from Johnny Hates Jazz.
The design features sailor-inspired white collars, and the dress is also accented with the buttons on the pockets. Not to mention, the dress comes with a slim silhouette and fitted waistline ‒ a bonus for ladies who are searching for a dress that highlights their curves.
Playing the role of an elite warrior in this time-travelling series, Park Shin Hye is usually seen with cargo pants, leather jackets and backpacks. However, she surprised viewers when she put on a dark maroon cocktail dress while carrying a Valentino mini handbag.
To fight off the cold weather, she also has a blazer over her shoulders ‒ completing her classy yet mysterious look. If you’re looking for evening dress ideas for an upcoming wedding banquet, this would make a great reference.
Kim So Yeon might be the villain in the Penthouse series, but that doesn’t mean she’s not entitled to a wardrobe of show-stopping outfits. Those who already caught the drama would know that she plays Cheon Seo Jin, a Soprano player. During her inauguration ceremony as the art director, she appears in a jaw-dropping feathery dress.
Aligning with her evil character, the dress is also black to reflect that. Since the dress already has a stunning design, she settles with minimal accessories like necklaces and a pair of hoop earrings.
In contrast to the previous outfit, it is somewhat refreshing to see Kim So Yeon dressed in white. The two-piece outfit comes with gold accents on the buttons and belt, making it an appropriate fashion choice for occasions like a formal meeting.
Exuding girl boss vibes, the shoulder pads also give Kim So Yeon the extra oomph in her overall look. Plus, her defined collar bones are highlighted thanks to the square neckline of the top.
There is something about first love that just makes you go “aww”. Acting as the younger version of Kang Mi Na, Kim Do Yeon radiates rich girl vibes when she goes out with her first love wearing a lilac tweed two-piece outfit. Matching the pastel theme, she is also carrying a pink handbag.
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T-shirts and shorts sound comfy enough for a good night’s sleep, but you might change your mind after seeing this pink silk robe on Kim Min Jung in The Devil Judge. From the brand Happiestness, the robe is designed with various floral graphics in a darker pink shade.
In a way, it resembles a kimono robe thanks to the wide sleeves and white ribbon along the waistline. For special occasions like a romantic staycation with bae, this robe is definitely something you would want to pack along.
Hye Ri as Lee Dam in this drama is blessed with fashionable clothes thanks to her mother who is a fashion editor in the US. When Lee Dam heads to the club with her friends, she shows up wearing all black ‒ the highlight being a black off-shoulder top by Faith Connexion. It comes with buttons and a silky collar that elongates one’s neckline and collar bones.
While the attention was mostly on the flirty top, you have to admit that she matched it well with black skinnies and a pair of thigh-high boots. Ladies, make this your next look for a night out in town.
In this romantic comedy, Kang Han Na plays the role of a fashionable and innocent gumiho-turned-human, Yang Hye Sun. When she was on a date with Do Jae Jin, her girly side was emphasised when wearing this matching plaid outerwear and skirt by Sandro.
Capping off her look are a pair of black knee-high boots and a hairband. While it might be too hot in Singapore to wear the exact same outfit, save this for your to-wear list when you head to countries with cooler seasons.
The rich tend to lead a different life and in Penthouse, there will never be a day you’d see the fashionista Cheon Seo Jin in bad outfits ‒ excluding the prison scenes, of course. Here, she rocks a maxi-flower silk taffeta blouse by Moschino together with a pair of black pants.
The ruffles that form the flower on the shoulder grab the attention of viewers, and the top even has extra fabric that drapes down at the back. For those who are not shy about trying out new fashion styles, make the top your fashion statement piece when you wear it to occasions like a formal party.
Taking a break from his usual plaid shirts, Kim Seon Ho as Hong Du Sik goes shopping with Shin Min Ah and tries on numerous outfits. Later, he surprises her by wearing a double-breasted wool jacket and an unconventional sweater from Valentino ‒ the latter reminding many of a fishnet stocking.
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time a Korean celebrity was spotted with the same top. Other famous names like BTS’s V also wore it with a black blazer during The Fact Music Awards 2021.
Prior to Squid Game, another K-drama known for their iconic tracksuits is none other than The Uncanny Counter. Instead of green, the characters in the show put on their red tracksuits whenever they have a mission to complete. In a way, it can be considered as their uniform and it makes them even stronger as a team.
Since athleisure is gaining momentum as a fashion genre, you can also wear this red tracksuit for an evening jog or when exploring a new hiking trail.
15. My Roommate Is A Gumiho ‒ leather jacket with fur
Ladies beware. If a guy owns a leather jacket, chances are he might be the “bad boy” your girlfriends warned you about. Playing the role of Gye Sun Woo who is known as a player, Bae In Hyuk acts as a popular university student with tons of admirers. He completes the ultimate Korean oppa look by matching the jacket with a pair of tailored pants and black shoes.
Once again, it is almost impossible to wear such an outfit due to Singapore’s humid climate. However, if you’re planning to go for similar vibes in the future, you can find such jackets here.
If every mafia member looked as good as Song Joong Ki in Vincenzo, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a queue forming to join his gang. Throughout the entire drama, he was seen wearing mostly black suits.
So it was a pleasant surprise when viewers saw him in a sleek navy suit in the scene where he was giving a lesson to a group of delinquents. As the suit is tailored to his size, the fitting look also highlights his golden body ratio.
Jang Ki Yong plays the perfect boyfriend in this drama thanks to his caring personality and sweet actions towards Hye Ri. Just like how he is wearing a grey knit vest, layered with a white shirt, his entire outfit screams boyfriend material. Guys, take note.
The clean and simple fashion can be easily followed, and suitable to wear especially on rainy days in Singapore.
While some of these K-drama fashion outfits are suitable for wearing in Singapore’s climate, others might only be wearable in countries with cooler seasons. Nonetheless, they act as excellent fashion references. Who knows, they may prove useful one day so you can channel your inner K-drama celeb.
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