K-Pop Fashion From The Stage To Everyday Life: Trends Inspired By K-Pop Stars

Are you in need of a wardrobe overhaul? Or do you always feel like you have “nothing to wear” even though you have tons of clothes in your closet? Give your look a revamp by taking cues from K-pop fashion!

It’s no secret that Korean singers are admired for their singing and dancing skills, but many people also look up to them to gain insight into the next top trend to follow. Most of the outfits worn by boy and girl groups may be too fashion forward to wear in real life and are intended to be worn on stage, but the key is in moderation — just pick out some trends to incorporate in your daily wear, and don’t try them all at the same time.

From music videos, airport looks, live performances, and daily casual wear, K-pop idols always bring their A-game. Here are some ways to get that ultimate K-pop star look:

Don’t be afraid of color

While minimalist and daily uniform styles make everyday dressing easier, adding some color can update and make your look brighter. It’s summer season in most countries, and there’s no better time than right now to give some sunshine to your style.

Stripes are nothing new, but K-pop stars always give it a spin by wearing them in rainbow colors like IU and Sulli.

 From a subtle tie-dye to a full-blown color explosion, KARD and BTS bring this ’90s fashion back to life.

Weki Meki is sporty and mismatched, yet somehow it still works! It suits their young, trendy image.

Wear your uniform

K-pop girl groups always seem to have at least one concept with tennis skirts and uniforms. Choose a cute cheerleader style like TWICE or an elite private school student look like Jennie of BLACKPINK.

Be pretty in pink

Speaking of color, pink in K-pop never seems to die down, whether it’s in men’s or women’s style. Who can blame them? It’s fun, flirty, and easy on the eyes. EXO members combined a sweet and nerdy look while Tiffany wore her pink in a classic and feminine style.

Go tropical

The sun is up and you’re dreaming of clear skies, a whiff of fresh air, and a cool dip in the sea. EXO’s “Ko Ko Bop” concept and MONSTA X’s “Newton” bring summer right to your doorstep with colorful printed Hawaiian shirts.

Wear a statement jacket

The best way to finish off your K-pop-inspired look is by wearing a statement jacket to give your basics a little boost. Check out Zico’s and Sehun’s cool outerwear that can be worn with practically everything. For girls, you can wear it with your trusty LBD or your casual white shirt and denim combo.

It’s your time to sparkle

For their 10th anniversary, Girls’ Generation couldn’t have picked a better trend to signify a big celebration: sequins and glitter. Like the statement jacket, you can wear one sparkly piece to mix and match with your basics.

Go all-black

If colors, loud prints, and shiny stuff aren’t exactly your thing, go the opposite route and wear all-black outfits. Take cues from strong unnies like Lee Hyori and Jessi who look fierce, sexy, and empowered in their dark looks.

Jay Park and iKON’s Bobby are stylish men in black

You can never go wrong with denim

You probably have a staple denim piece in your closet. Bring them all out and wear the denim-on-denim style that K-pop stars love.

Left to right: Suzy, ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo (top), Got7’s Jinyoung, Lee Hyori

Rock that street style

Bring out your Supremes, Yeezys, and all other hip brand items to get that ultra-cool swag look like HyunA and Zico.

NCT’s WinWin looks like a winner in this romantic suit mixed with touches of hip hop

Put your best foot forward

It’s all about the cool kids with cool kicks.

Left to right: Jessica, G-Dragon, Ahn So Hee

Coordinate with your squad

Call your squad for backup and coordinate your outfits to make maximum impact. Wanna One and BLACKPINK turn heads wherever they go.

Be spec-tacular

Whether they’re clear eyeglasses or cool shades, wearing eyewear is a must for K-pop stars. The more oversized, the better!

Left to right: WINNER’s Song Mino, Heize (top), BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, HyunA

Be subtle with makeup

Unless they’re performing a song that has a strong or fierce concept, female K-pop stars are often shown wearing subtle makeup looks. The latest look is Heize’s doll-like makeup, while Taeyeon’s and Seulgi’s barely-there makeup looks are great for day and night.

Be creative with your hairstyle

Whether it’s a buzz cut, blunt bangs, a side trim, or full-on bright color, K-pop hairstyles are always on point. The hair is their main glory and all the outfits come together when they top it off with a standout hairstyle that’s sure to become a trending topic.

Left to right: Lisa is known for her always changing hair colors, Irene has got blunt bangs (top), Hwasa and Hyoyeon went for hip hop looks.

Left to right: Dean always has his signature James Dean hair, you’ll never know what G-Dragon will do next with his hair (top), Rap Monster always experiments with his hair color, and Kai recently sported surprising dreadlocks.

Be confident!

Last but not least, the most important accessory for your K-pop look is your beaming smile and confidence. Just be comfortable in your own skin and wear the looks you like no matter what people say.

Hey Soompiers, what are some of your fashion tips that were inspired by K-pop fashion? Let us know in the comments below!

DP_Kim is an English magazine writer and fashion fan whose goal in life is to wear heels and find the best OOTD locations while living in the farm outside of Jeonju, South Korea. Follow her Korean adventures here.