South Korea is undoubtedly one of the most prominent power players in entertainment, technology, and several other aspects of global consumer culture. As a thriving hub of creative innovation, its capital, Seoul, is heralded as a leader in viral beauty fads and cultural movements – with fashion being no exception.
Due to their affinity for keeping up their appearances, the Land of the Morning Calm has skyrocketed as one of the flourishing fashion capitals in the world, rivalling the likes of counterparts in London, Milan, and Paris. This is all thanks to its prestigious biannual Seoul Fashion Week, where aspiring models and local trendsetters are granted the opportunity to showcase their iconic silhouettes to star-studded designers.
South Koreans are all clawing for a place in the international spotlight via Seoul Fashion Week, hoping to take the fashion industry by storm with their ground-breaking looks. Each design is then admired and adopted by natives, which is why new Korean fashion trends are constantly on the rise!
Get in the know about the latest aesthetics of 2021 with these four vogue Korean fashion trends that are currently dominating the youth culture.
1. Neon clothes
If there’s one attribute of Korean fashion that’s indispensable, it’s colour. One hue that stands out this year is neon. Hitting peak popularity between 1920 and 1960, neon was once associated with all things artistic, subculture, and 90s raves. While it is arguably not a new trend, it is evident in the outfits of South Korean locals and celebrities that neon has made its much-needed comeback.
In a country where promoting self-identity through show-stopping aesthetics takes priority, it’s no wonder neon eventually made the rounds to the local fashion scene in Korea. This iconic colour has sparked a revolutionary fashion craze amongst youths in 2021, symbolising creativity and individualism amongst Gen Z.
2. Baggy trousers
For what seemed like forever, skinny jeans reigned supreme in the fashion industry. As they were hardly the most comfortable choice of trousers, fashion designers have hunted for a perfect bottom silhouette that prioritises comfort and cosiness. And with the current cultural climate spurring youths to purchase comfortable – yet high fashion – clothes, baggy pants finally entered the scene.
Baggy trousers are a nod to the Y2K fashion of the 2000s. They are presently lauded as staple pieces that have graced nearly every front-page street style magazine in Korea. Thanks to their relaxed fit, these pants look good across all body types and sizes. Plus, they are comfortable to lounge around in!
Additionally, such bottoms also come in an assortment of eye-catching designs for one to go all out with their fashion aesthetic: distressed denim, patterns, and patchwork details. As these pants are the focal points of each look, stylish youths often pair them with oversized monochrome sweaters or chunky trainers.
3. Blazers
Blazers never fail to make an appearance on the runway, regardless of the season. The streamlined profile of a chic blazer can add a touch of elegance and practicality to any piece layered beneath. From evening ensembles to casual get-ups, South Korean fashionistas have been adding blazers to complement their outfits – and all looks are exceptionally stunning.
As casualisation infiltrates the Korean high fashion scene, tailored blazers are a welcome approach to creating classy yet modest looks. They are incredibly versatile and are not just donned for formal events and interviews. For instance, while fitted pieces may be the best option for corporate dress codes, looser blazer styles are preferable for a weekend get-together.
If you’re tired of throwing on tattered checkered outerwear, perhaps you will find that donning a stylish blazer can make all the difference in elevating your look.
4. Chunky sneakers
Sneakers have become more experimental in shape and colour over the years, with chunky-soled platform styles landing themselves as the top shoes of choice in 2021. Not only are they excellent in boosting your height, but these turbo trainers are also extremely easy to match with any outfit. Regardless of whether you’re dressing up or gunning for a more casual look, a simple pair of platform trainers can pull your entire ensemble together.
The beauty of the white sneaker trend lies in its versatility and perennial chicness. You can complement your platform shoes with a midi dress, an oversized blazer, or even go for the jeans-and-shirt approach. If your style is leaning towards streetwear, purchasing a chunky sneaker with outlandish laces and embellishments can draw attention and set you apart from the rest.
Conclusion
The Korean fashion scene has shaped the global industry, fueling prominent clothing trends inspired by Korean music videos and high fashion. If you desire to make a statement with your outfits, then stay on alert and get the news straight from the source with the help of a Korean language course in Singapore and skip the translations.
As the prime Korean language school in Singapore, Sejong offers quality and effective Korean lessons with various class options and for students of all fluency levels. With the help of our certified and native Korean teachers and reputed “Sejong standard” of teaching, learning Korean can help you stay in the know about the latest Korean fashion trends way before everyone else!