How K-pop has Influenced Fashion

From hair colors to monochromatic sets to nail designs, K-pop has influenced the world 🌎 with its unique and intricate styles.

South Korea 🇰🇷 has become an important fashion capital through the rise of K-pop and K-Dramas, with Seoul Fashion Week 🗓️acknowledged as one of the world’s top 5️⃣ Fashion Weeks.

We have seen the “Hallyu Wave” which contributes to the estimated $13 billion K-Beauty market. It has brought forth many trends outside of Korea such as :

1.) Leg warmers/Arm warmers:

Leg/Arm warmers are coverings for the lower legs or arms, similar to long socks/gloves but thicker. In the 1980s, they grew in popularity as a way to keep the muscles of dancers' lower legs and arms warm. They can be made up of numerous textures, patterns & materials such as denim, fur, wool, etc.

Though going out of style in the late 80s’ the expansion of K-pop has brought back this awesome trend. Most popular in minimalism, y2k, and more. Now it’s mostly styled with ribbons and chains.

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2.) Body jewelry:

Body jewelry can be any adornment placed through and attached to a body part {this can also include piercings} They were popular back in the 2000s, we saw them with low-rise jeans.

Today's look is more elevated with skirts, suits, and jeans. Often layered on top of dresses or blouses. A popular look in Vegas for sure. But can also be incorporated in edgier/grunge look thanks to versatile materials such as leather chains, pearls, diamonds, etc.

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3.) Suits:

Though suits have been around for centuries, K-pop has revolutionized it. Different silhouettes, materials, and cutouts are now popular.

Women can be seen leaning more towards a masc silhouette, creating a dark fem look with baggy pants and shoulder pads. While also keeping their feminine touch by adding: ribbons, fur, tights, and cropped blazers.

Male idols can be seen pulling away from the traditional silhouette 🕴️ by adding: trains, cutouts, cinched waistlines, and intricate ties.

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4.) Layering:

Rooted in the aesthetics of the '80s, layering got a lot of attention when many actresses wore t-shirts under dresses. Iconic actress Brooke Shields did so much to spread this now-hugely popular trend. Layering brings a warm and at-home feel to your outfits.

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5.) Corsets:

Corsets, another old but never forgotten piece. This piece has been revamped and modernized to fit into more casual and edgy looks.However, Idols have put this article of clothing to use in aesthetics that one would consider odd. Despite this, Corsets are another old but never forgotten piece. This piece has been revamped and modernized to fit into more casual and edgy looks. wear it leaning towards its original aesthetic while simultaneously modernizing the elegant factor.

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6.) Cutout pants:

The 6th-century BC pieces have gone through many modifications. But this one has to be the most creative. Just like music, it’s made its way into the western entertainment industry. Being worn by artists like Camila Cabello, Ariana Grande, Becky G, and Rihanna. The “Girl crush” and “Tech-wear” concepts have brought about this new version of pants with cutouts near the thigh/knee/ calf area.

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7.) Combat boots:

In the punk scene of the 1970s, combat boots made their way into the civilian world. Slowly but surely it became mainstream. With BTS, BLACK PINK & ENHYPHEN being famous in the states, it was only a matter of time before they became trendsetters in western fashion. BTS’s Jungkook officially deserves the title of combat boot king, since it’s all he ever wears, along with his supporters, who have popularized the shoe wear once again.

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8.) Hats:

Along with its unique concepts K-pop has brought forth many unique and creative hats. From fur to bucket hats. And bunny hats to bonnets. Clearly taken from their colorful MV’s and casual wear.

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9.) Acubi style:

Acubi is made up of 4 different aesthetics: Grunge, Desert, Y2k, and Tech. The style usually includes a basic brown, black, gray, green, and white color palette, baggy on baggy/tight on baggy cloths, headphones, tote bags, LOTS of knitted pieces, platform shoes, and arm/leg warmers.

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10.) Accentuated ligaments:

The doll silhouette has mostly been seen in cartoons and dolls, hence the name. It is created by accentuating/enlarging the feet/legs/arms/head. It’s mostly popular in winter outfits but can be used for other aesthetics.K-pop idols used this silhouette to their advantage on stage since it makes dance moves appear grander and cleaner. Similar to theater actors who make exaggerated expressions and movement.