Autumn comes slowly to Seoul, in cool nights and bursts of red on leaves. Then, as if all at once in mid October, it’s sweaters and heating packs galore. Autumn is fleeting. A brief transition before the big, black parkas come out and the monotony of winter takes over. During winter, Seoul becomes impossible to distinguish. With everyone in masks and long dark coats one blends easily into the masses. Autumn months are a Seoulites last hurrah.
But where does the recent pandemic leave fashion in Korea? Fashion is emblic of individual expression only seen through social activity. As for Korea, the Koreans did what they do best. They handled their shit. Life was halted in short spurts but for the better part of the year, they moved foreword. The streets are alive with those who are known to always put their best food forward, whether that foot is in Doc Martens or Manolo Blahnik. Seoul girl style can be described as modern yet classic, and traditionally feminine, with pervasive subversions. There are girls who embrace dainty and cute with plaid mini skirts and posh sweaters. Others intimidate in high heels and blazers. Many subway surf in chunky sneakers and oversized sweatshirts minted with gibberish. The street style is vastly underrated compared to other major cities. However, we can all learn a thing or two from Korea, especially in the clothing department.
Wide Pants Were Made for Walking
Wide legged pants are a staple in Seoul. They come in all fabrics from corduroy to denim. They’re not only comfortable to traverse the city in but can easily be dressed up or down. Pairing them with chunky sneakers creates a cool girl look that one can abandon easily when switching out to a pair of kitten keels and a blazer.
Trail Blazers
Seoul’s outerwear of choice is a clean blazer. Many girls don blazers over their everyday casual outfits. They look like boss bitches on their way to the board room even if they’re only on a trip to the market. The close relative to the blazer, the blazer dress, has also been making more of an appearance lately. Commitment to the dress is a strong choice that creates an intimidating, chic look fully owned by those wearing it.
Pumped Up Kicks
Chunky dad sneakers are here to stay, at least in Seoul. These behemoths are everywhere and complete outfits one wouldn’t imagine pairing. One notable fashion statement the Seoul girl kills are ugly dad sneakers and long socks under aforementioned blazers. Chefs kiss.
Sweater on Sweater
Pairing a sweater top underneath a matching long sleeved sweater takes the recent monochrome trend a step further in the right direction. Boutiques and subway markets are filled with hangers upon hangers of this combination. They're a perfect, easy way to create a warm ensemble without too much effort. This is particularly useful as week nights in Seoul can be huge events. The last thing one wants to do is come home from a night of BBQ and soju to coordinate an outfit for the workday.
It's All in the Bootleg
If not sneakers, boots are the runner ups for frequent footwear. Knee and thigh highs are particularly pervasive on the streets under shorts and dresses. They add a classic, sleek look to a softer outfit. In the transitionary weeks, the Seoul girl pairs knee highs with denim, bermuda shorts or mini skirts. Another example of simple pieces used to create an immaculate finish.
Big Top
Seoul ditches sexy for full coverage drapings. Tops here swallow girls whole. Over sized hoodies, button ups with balloon sleeves and huge boxy shirts. Seoulites manage to salvage these items from everyday laze wear to thoughtful outfits.
Skirting the Issues
What better way to continue the trend of long, draping fabrics than flowing skirts. The variety of skirts is salvation; plaid, pleated, denim or sweats. These skirts create a prim and proper look in conjunction with any pairing. Falling over long boots, chunky sneakers or high heels and peeking under sweaters, sweatshirts or blouses, any combination is ensured to be an elevated ensemble.
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