K-Drama Influenced Formal Wear: Hustle In Style
Table Of Content
- What Are The Styles Used In Korean Formal Wear?
- Korean Formal Wear Inspired By K-Drama Female Leads
- 1. Cha Young – Vincenzo
- 2. Moon-Young, It's Okay To Not Be Okay
- 3. Shin-Hari, Business Proposal
- 4. Kook Yeon-Soo, Our Beloved Summer
- 5. Yoon Hye-jin, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
- 6. Jo Yi Seo - Itaewon Class
- 7. Ha Yeong-eun, Now, We Are Breaking Up
- 8. Kim Mi-so, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
When I started working, I was big on the outfits I would wear to my workplace. But the biggest issue was my bizarre habit of laziness. Ugh!
Well, I am pretty sure that you’ll be able to relate to me. The morning routine before going out for work is terrible and loaded with chores; one wonders what to choose.
Nevertheless, I had a pretty good idea about all the benefits a power outfit can provide, especially at work.
Then, I did an assessment. And guess what? I realized that it took me so long to assemble a good outfit because I had all the staple pieces missing!
Yes, my dear friend! A well-curated wardrobe can save you a lot of time, especially if you’re a corporate girlie. Therefore, I decided it’s time to go shopping!
And my biggest inspo? My beautiful Kdrama characters!
I had gulped so many K-dramas during Covid, and even post that, I had a list in my mind of which Korean female leads have a great style.
I noticed that Korean formal wear, as shown in the K dramas, is a real thing. They wear such chic, prim, and polished outfits that you can easily tweak one of them into your daily workplace style.
Even though I didn’t have a proper list prepared, I still had the picture clear in mind. But then, I decided to make this easier for you, my dear Halltu peeps!
What Are The Styles Used In Korean Formal Wear?
South Korean media has greatly influenced the fashion industry. Kdrama stylists successfully mix personality and current trends in their characters, making them unique and relatable.
Certain distinct trends, especially the female leads, are made famous by the influence of Korean dramas. These common trends are –
- Subtle suits
- Monochrome magic
- Midi dresses
- Timeless accessories
Korean Formal Wear Inspired By K-Drama Female Leads
Hold your hearts, ladies! Our beloved fashionistas are coming along with their immaculate sense of Korean formal wear. Let’s get right into it!
1. Cha Young – Vincenzo
Hong Cha Young is the main character in “Vincenzo”. She is a lawyer with a questionable moral compass who is known for her stylish power suits, which fit the show’s vibe well.
The characters in Vincenzo are lively, each with their own unique style. Cha Young has a mature look, but she still brings a youthful spirit.
Her Korean formal wear features important accessories, like a structured tan bag and square-shaped black sunglasses.
Her blazers have light shoulder pads, which give her a polished appearance. Although she usually wears solid colors, she likes to experiment with different textures.
One standout look is her pink outfit, which features a silk white top that contrasts beautifully with a structured pink suit.
| Suitable Weather | Brands To Buy From | Key Fashion Staples | Core Aesthetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Savana, H&M, Nain, LEWKIN | • Tailoress suits • Solid color handbags • Timeless silver watch | Power Barbie |
2. Moon-Young, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay
She always dresses up wherever she goes. Her appearance is impressive, and her clothes look like they came from a fashion show.
People usually dress up to look good or to follow trends. However, some might dress up to hide themselves.
Her flashy style and her cold attitude make it hard for others to approach her, which is why she has few friends. Her looks help her feel secure, but they also keep her alone.
| Suitable Weather | Brands To Buy From | Key Fashion Staples | Core Aesthetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn, Winter | Savana, H&M, Nain, LEWKIN | • Blazer dresses • Classy stilettos • Bold Accessories | Dark Feminine |
3. Shin-Hari, Business Proposal
Every fashion lover dreams of having outfits, boyfriends, and best friends like Shin Hari.
Her Korean formal wear wardrobe could solve many problems for us. She usually prefers comfortable clothes for her busy life and likes to stay low-key.
Her original style includes shirts with cardigans, classic sweater vests, and fluffy sweaters
When she pretends to be Young Seo, her style looks like that of a K-pop idol. She often wears short skirts, plaid tops or coats, and thigh-high boots.
She also adds more accessories, like signature bows, berets, and pearl necklaces, which give her a rich style influenced by European designers.
| Suitable Weather | Brands To Buy From | Key Fashion Staples | Core Aesthetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn, Winter | Savana, H&M, Nain, LEWKIN | • Fluffy sweaters | Barbiecore |
4. Kook Yeon-Soo, Our Beloved Summer
If you’re looking for a chilled-out Korean formal wear vibe, this is the inspiration you’ve been waiting for.
Yeon Soo incorporates subtle outfits and colors in her daily palette, such as a breezy light blue shirt or a light-yellow cardigan.
She was also spotted wearing a navy-blue shirt, folded black trousers, and her choice of bags…oh! Classic corporate.
| Suitable Weather | Brands To Buy From | Key Fashion Staples | Core Aesthetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer, Spring | H&M, Zara | • A pair of black trousers • A solid-colored tote • A light blue shirt • A white shirt | Simple yet Stylish |
5. Yoon Hye-jin, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
One of my favorite characters, fashion icons, and actresses, this cute little dimpled woman has won my heart since day one.
Yoon Hye Jin’s elegant and sophisticated fashion sense is a fantastic source of inspiration for formal wear.
Her ensembles frequently showcase timeless silhouettes and high-quality materials, embodying a refined beauty that is perfect for formal occasions.
My personal favorite—well, favorites, TBH—are her straight-leg trousers, collared blouses, and solid turtlenecks.
Ironically, Hye-Jin’s understated silver accessories will also show you how she assembles a classy yet subtle appearance.
Furthermore, her outfits are not too prominent but not too lacking. Matched with a leather messenger bag, Gongjin’s dentist is ready to go!
| Suitable Weather | Brands To Buy From | Key Fashion Staples | Core Aesthetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer, Spring | H&M, Savana | • Artsy yet subtle tops • A pair of well-fitted jeans • A timeless silver watch • Stylish midi dresses | Timeless Elegance |
6. Jo Yi Seo – Itaewon Class
Jo Yi Seo, played by Kim Da Mi, is a fashion icon from 2020. She represents a young woman with strong ambition.
Unlike many people her age, she knows who she is and what she wants. Her view of the world is clear-cut, just like her style, which is simple, edgy, and mostly in black and white.
She frequently wears silver or cool-toned jewelry. She pairs this with structured handbags and oversized jackets. Each of her jackets has a unique style.
While it’s not practical for everyone to have 30 different jackets, investing in one oversized leather blazer or jacket can help you achieve a look similar to Yi Seo’s.
| Suitable Weather | Brands To Buy From | Key Fashion Staples | Core Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Savana, H&M, Nain, LEWKIN | • Jackets • Plaid skirts • Bold accessories | Goth Barbie |
7. Ha Yeong-eun, Now, We Are Breaking Up
Ha Young-eun, from the Korean drama “Now, We Are Breaking Up”, shows great ideas for Korean formal wear.
As a designer for a major fashion brand, her work clothes are stylish and sophisticated.
She mixes and matches different pieces to create various looks, from chic workwear to polished evening attire.
Her style includes details like statement jewelry, designer bags, and stylish shoes, which elevate her formal wear.
| Suitable Weather | Brands To Buy From | Key Fashion Staples | Core Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | H&M | • Chic Accessories • Denim shirt • A pair of well fitted jeans | Subtle yet Simple |
8. Kim Mi-so, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
Secretary Kim likely has many flowy blouses in different colors and styles. These blouses feature styles like statement ribbons, romantic ruffles, or simple collars.
Furthermore, she always incorporates them with basic pencil skirts for a smart look. Way to go, Miss Kim!
She completes this outfit with matching nude heels and a bag. When she is not working, Mi So also dresses well.
And guess what! Those outfits, too, can be a great inspiration for a casual yet long day at the office.
She prefers comfortable dresses for a casual look and chooses a pretty floral dress for a possible romantic date with her boss, Lee Young Joon.
| Suitable Weather | Brands To Buy From | Key Fashion Staples | Core Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer, Spring | Savana, H&M, Nain, LEWKIN | • Fluffy blouses • Ribbon accessories • Pencil skirts | Barbiecore |
Well, my friends, this is it! I have bestowed upon you the holy list of all the Korean formal wear inspo, inspired by our most beloved K-drama fashionistas.
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