Fall Fashion In Korea: The Trends To Know
Fashion plays an important role in how we perceive a culture and helps us express ourselves in various ways. In Korea’s case, the bold and unique K-pop style, the traditional Hanbok (한복), and the clean everyday, or minimalist look are the most common styles that we see overall.
If you’ve been following the Korean fashion trends, then you know how people worldwide are now embracing the Korean styles more and more. You probably also know how fast the trends in Korean fashion change. What is hot on a drama one day, is not just a week later. While we’re all just trying to keep up, there are some main stays in Korean fall fashion.
Together let’s explore the ever-trending styles along with what items appear to be on the rise in Korean fashion for fall 2022.
- See The Styles In Person
- Where To Shop In Seoul
- Styles On The Rise as Fall Approaches
- What To Buy
- Where To Shop Online
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Hi there! My name is Suzy and I’m currently a student pursuing a career in digital marketing. While doing so I’ve discovered the love for writing blogs as I am able to incorporate my own thoughts on topics I have interest in. I was born and raised in Canada in which my parents had immigrated to, therefore I had felt a disconnection with my Korean heritage growing up.
Exchange programs through school gave me the opportunity for me to visit and gain a better understanding of the language and the culture. I lived there for a total of 2 years, and as a result have found it super fun to write on topics involving Korea because I can share my knowledge but also learn at the same time!
Suzy is currently working with one of our favorite Korean subscription companies: Seoul Box. If you’re interested in Korean culture, food, and more, you should definitely check out the Seoul Box subscription service. You can read our review of Seoulbox here. Or go straight to the source and get your own Seoulbox here.
Let’s Dive Into Korean Fall Fashion 2022
I’m sure you are familiar with the popularity of Korea’s food, culture, and music. If you haven’t stopped to notice the fashion though, you’re definitely missing out.
As the weather is cooling down from the hot and humid summer, the months of September to November are well-loved by fashion lovers in Korea. It’s the perfect time to try out different styles without feeling too hot or too cold, and you can bring out those pieces that don’t seem to really fit into the seasons of summer or winter!
The fall season in Korea is often filled with clear blue skies, which allows for some fun outfits to come out by day without the worry of the monsoon weather of summer. However, it can still get a little chilly in the evening so it’s all about the layers if you want to go from day to night and everywhere in between.
See The Styles In Person
Your personal style can be a glimpse into your character, however let’s not forget…your clothes don’t determine who you are or your worth! Walking along the streets of Seoul, you will be able to see a diverse set of styles. These can range from edgy street style to effortlessly put together outfits.
Seoul is interesting because depending on the area you are in, you will be able to sense that there is a trending look among the individuals there. Although everyone has their own look, you’re bound to find others with a similar taste as you if that’s what you’re looking for.
If there is a style that you find yourself gravitating to, consider visiting these areas of Seoul to gather outfit inspiration from others.
Hongdae: K-pop style and street style that has been spiced up with some chain accessories or belts abound here. This expands to nearby areas such as Hapjeong station and Sangsu station. This area is especially popular with student-aged people as Yonsei University, Sogang University and Hongik University are all in close proximity. If I were to generalize what street style can consist of it would include: wide leg pants, oversized t-shirts, and neutral tones such as black, white, or gray with a pop of color added by the shoes.
Yeouido: Here you will be able to find office and business wear because this is where many companies have their offices located. Therefore, they will be able to be spotted during the start and end of their working hours as well as during lunch break. Want to style for work, head to Yeouido for inspo.
Gangnam: Gangnam station often consists of people in what seems to be effortlessly put together outfits. This look can be accomplished with a blouse and a pair of slacks or a nice fitted skirt. During the night, you will see more people dressed up for the nightlife located along exit 10.
Apgujeong/Cheongdam: This area is well-known for being a more expensive area so you’ll see a lot more designer brands here.
Itaewon: Itaewon as well as Hannam-dong appear to be a cross between Gangnam and Hongdae in the sense that you will be able to spot lots of designer brands as well as toned down streetwear.
The styles I have mentioned along with the locations associated with them have been greatly generalized, and I strongly encourage you to wear any style that you like despite where you are going as there are so many more styles you can see in Korea!
Where to Shop In Seoul
If you’re in Korea already, then there are plenty of places to find the Korean fall fashion items that are trending. Check out this guide to all of the areas that are notable for shopping in Seoul. If you’re all about browsing before you buy, and enjoy affordable costs (don’t we all), areas like Hongdae by exit 9 of the subway station, or Gangnam’s Express Bus Terminal underground shopping center will be your jam.
As Hongdae is the center of street style and K-pop, this is where you’ll be able to easily find outfits inspired by those styles here. Thrift stores are also very popular along the streets, and many of them carry Y2K style clothing which has become increasingly popular over the years.
At the 800 meter long underground shopping center at Gangnam Express Bus Terminal, there are many stores lined up in a stall-like fashion. Every time I’ve visited this shopping area, I found myself being drawn to the delicate looking blouses.
An unfortunate thing about these places though are that they do not allow customers to try on the clothes, as it can result in makeup transferring onto the clothes. These are where people pick up quick fashion finds as they’re enroot to their next stop.
It can also be difficult to find clothing catered to men’s fashion here. Also note that it can get quite crowded in these areas, therefore I recommend avoiding high peak times like commuting hours or the weekends if possible.
Styles on the Rise as Fall Approaches
Having done some detective work, fall 2022 is seeing idols and celebrities mixing the Y2K look and the toned down street style. What this style may look like is well worn by groups such as Blackpink and New Jeans. The Y2K style consists of denim or cargo skirts paired with a well-fitted vintage t-shirt and tall boots.
Whereas the street style look, as mentioned previously, consists of wide leg pants paired with sneakers such as Nike Dunks and a pair of headsets to complete the look. FYI, As Dunks can be hard to come by, some nice alternatives include Air Force 1s, sneakers from New Balance, or the classic Converse. In addition, there have been many fashionistas wearing the academic style.
This look can be accomplished by pairing a sweater with a collared button up shirt underneath with a pleated or cargo skirt. This look is well worn by Ive member Wonyoung.
However, when we think of fall there is one clothing item that cannot be forgotten…a coat. These can range from trench coats to a soft wool coat but trench coats are especially popular in Korea and come in so many different styles that they fit many different style aesthetics.
Whatever the year, these are a staple in everyone’s closet. They are great for making a simple outfit look put together while keeping us warm during the cooler times. If you think a coat is too simple for your liking, faux fur or fleece coats are a personal favorite.
What To Buy
Trench Coats
The trench coat trends every fall in Korea. It is one of the most popular items and is definitely a wardrobe essential. With the various styles available, you can look professional and relaxed depending on the item. Trench coats bring every fall look together whether you’re going for a street style look or a business casual look.
Sweater Vests
It’s all about layers come autumn, but you might be surprised at how warm autumn can be in Korea. The warmer weather lasts through October but there are cooler breezes that start blowing in so it’s all about smart layering. The sweater vest has been popular in Korea for a few years now and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Wear the on top of a t-shirt for a more street style look or on top of a collared shirt for a preppy look.
Blazers
Oversize comfortable fitting blazers in lieu of the flowing ones of spring or summer create a chic look. To amp it up, go matchy matchy with a pants set.
Denim Jackets
Denim jackets are always a popular outfit addition and when it comes to street fashion, you’ll see a lot of the infamous denim suits strutting their stuff on the streets. Whether you’re topping a billowing dress from summer you weren’t ready to put away, or matching your jeans, it’s a good go-to for the changing weather.
Jeans
Jeans are always popular and pairing jean pants with jean jackets is raging. This season, it’s all about wide leg jeans, those baggy boyfriend jeans that you stuffed away ages ago are back so dig them out of the closet.
Y2K Trends
Maybe you’re old enough to remember the year 2000, maybe you’re not. Either way, the fashion is back. Super low rise jeans, low-rise mini skirts, and anything that shows off that midriff. Once those came back, it was just a matter of time before our favorite iconic looks from the movie Clueless came back in style. Mix and match those mini skirts with tweed for some preppy looks.
Platform Shoes
Our shoes are having inches added to them. From the iconic platform flipflops of the Y2K era, now there are also platform sneakers and platform mules. Make yourself just a bit taller with this trending style.
Berets & Beanies
Finally, you need to top off your look with.. a topper. Berets and beanies are in and they’ll help keep you warm this season.
Where To Shop Online
If crowded spaces and browsing in person are not your cup of tea, online shopping is always an option in Korea and especially good if you’re abroad but want to find the fashion trends you’ve seen on Korean dramas and music videos. Online and in the app store, there are many domestic and global stores available.
YesStyle
One of the biggest sites for all things Korean from Kbeauty to Kstyle. If you want it, they’re bound to have it. They have a huge variety and often have amazing sales going on so if you’re looking for a budget friendly option, definitely look to YesStyle. Check out YesStyle’s fashion finds now.
Kooding
Another major online shopping mall of sorts for Korean goods, Kooding has everything from clothing to phone cases. They also have some fabulous modern Hanboks so I included them on my list of best sites to find modern Hanboks awhile ago. They have a huge selection of fashionable Korean items for great prices. Check out Kooding’s clothes now.
Fashion Chingu
If you’re looking for a site that really caters to you as a Kpop fan and following in step with your favorite idols and their style, then this is the site for you. Since idols are really the ones leading so much of the Korean fashion industry, this site is up to date on the newest trends. This site has men’s and women’s clothing from a variety of popular Korean fashion brands. Check out Fashion Chingu now.
These are online shopping malls that have collected various brands and sellers in one place for users’ convenience. Most online shopping malls will also have a section dedicated to items that can be delivered the next day in Korea if you’re in a time crunch and want something ASAP.
I hope that reading this, you were inspired in your search for what to wear this fall and that it helps you find the pieces you want to create your dream wardrobe.
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