How Do I Ride the K-wave And Look Like My Favourite Idols?

From emotional TV dramas to big budget performances, here’s how you can get one step closer to dressing like a Korean superstar.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

From emotional TV dramas to big budget performances, here’s how you can get one step closer to dressing like a Korean superstar. 

Cheryl Chan, Fashion Stylist/Writer.
Cheryl Chan, Fashion Stylist/Writer.
1 Pretend you’re the star of your very own K-Pop music video

When you only have three minutes to capture someone’s attention, your style needs to border on the edge of ridiculousness. Artistes like CL and G-Dragon are completely fearless and favour maximalist looks with a streetwear edge, complete with statement accessories like tinted sunglasses, or bulldog clips attached to a hat. Coco Chanel says to take off an accessory before leaving the house – they would advise the opposite.

Peaceminusone.com metal
bulldog clips,
$41.
Peaceminusone.com metal bulldog clips, $41.
Off-White
canvas
belt, $230.
Off-White canvas belt, $230.
Gentle
Monster
metal
sunglasses,
$406.
Gentle Monster metal sunglasses, $406.
My Reading Room
2 Always look polished, even in the face of highly distressing emotional trauma

Shows like Goblin and My Love From Another Star typically feature high-end fashion wardrobes worn with casual aplomb, all while finding out your boyfriend has a terminal disease/is an alien. If you lack the budget for hospital bedside designer looks, employ a high-low mix and invest in timeless contemporary pieces that could be layered with trendier items from the high street. 

1 Wardrobe
cotton
trench from
Fivefive.kr,
$285. 2 Kuho leather sneakers from Ssfshop.com, $389.
1 Wardrobe cotton trench from Fivefive.kr, $285. 2 Kuho leather sneakers from Ssfshop.com, $389.
3 Dress for the street style photographers, not the boys

When it comes to fashion, Korean girls dress for themselves first. Showing skin isn’t a priority, comfort and style is. In doing so, they’ve created their own blend of street style that mixes both feminine and masculine touches into their looks. Think girly details like ruffles and pearls paired with exaggerated proportions like extra long sleeves and oversized silhouettes. 

From left to right: Stylenanda.com nylon bomber jacket with lace underlay, $301 / Stylenanda.com layered shirt, $90.
From left to right: Stylenanda.com nylon bomber jacket with lace underlay, $301 / Stylenanda.com layered shirt, $90.

Photography Alexander Ow Images Showbit.com.