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K-pop Outfit Staples That Can Spice Up Your Wardrobe

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Temple chapter.

As it is infamously known, the K-pop industry is a big player in South Korea’s (and increasingly the world’s) music industry. However, K-pop groups not only specialize in creating music but present funky and exciting fashion staples that could enhance any type of outfit.

Now more than ever, it is common to want to develop a style that differs from those around you, especially after quarantining for multiple months on end. However, it can be difficult to imagine accessories and different styling options that make your style stand out in the crowd. The K-pop industry, although categorized with music, is a good outlet for introducing different ways of styling clothing and accessories. For each album and song released, these groups perform live, and with each live performance comes a different unique outfit. From “girly girl” to goth and preppy styles, K-pop girl groups cover it all. Here are a few of their fashion staples:

1. Shorts/skirt and High Shoe Combo

It is quite common for at least one member of a girl group to be wearing this combo in every performance. It is a staple in the community, and for good reason. The shorts and skirt offer a more girly aspect to the outfit, but adding a pair of combat boots or knee-high boots/ sneakers can add an edgier layer. 

2. Funky Patterns

If you were to search up any K-pop girl group, there are destined to be a variety of different patterns on their clothing. This can range anywhere from argyle, to checkerboard, to plaid, and even to nonsensical patterns such as a collection of random words or objects. Patterned clothing items are a sure choice for making an outfit stand out. The wilder the better. 

3. Denim on Denim

In the past few years, denim on denim has been viewed as a fashion DON’T. However, k-pop girl groups prove that it can be a fashion DO. They usually pair jeans or a denim skirt with some sort of denim vest. If you’re lucky enough to find a tighter-fitting denim vest like they have, don’t hesitate to throw it on with a pair of jeans. 

4. Body Chains

Bracelets, necklaces, and earrings aren’t the only jewels that can bedazzle your body. K-pop girl groups love to accessorize a body chain above clothing or directly on their skin. If worn with a crop top or low-rise jeans, it can be seen placed directly on your stomach, which adds a little pizzazz to that area. It can also be worn above a shirt or pair of pants to add layers and define body lines. 

5. Blazer and Skirt Combo

Once again, this is another outfit combo that K-pop idols can frequently be seen wearing. The blazer adds a fun layer to an outfit that might have originally just been a skirt and tank top. A shorter blazer will provide a more free and informal look. However, a regular blazer could look cool too, especially if it is buttoned.

Maybe K-pop isn’t your preferred choice of music; however, it doesn’t mean that you should disregard the industry altogether. By watching a few videos of different performances by these idols, you may gain multiple visions of outfit ideas for yourself. Their outfits are meant to make a statement, and by replicating aspects of their fashion, your outfits can stand out as well.

I'm Jules Bernardo and I'm a freshmen journalism major at Temple University! Some of hobbies include traveling, photography, singing/acting, and spending way too much money on clothing. I also spend an exceptional amount of time learning KPOP dances for fun. I'm actually pretty new to writing, so I'm excited to get involved with Her Campus!