15 Cozy Korean Trend Finds Seoul Locals Love

As a Korean American journey author and editor who has spent a lot of her grownup life touring to and from Seoul, I’ve lengthy identified that Koreans are fashionable year-round, however they actually shine throughout fall and winter as a result of they’re absolute masters at layering.

I have been in Seoul for over a month now and have seen so many stylish but sensible outfits that are perfect for this time of 12 months. From understanding the place so as to add an sudden pop of colour to enjoying with totally different textures and proportions, Koreans have gotten layering right down to a science. And shortly you’ll, too, as I’ve discovered 15 fall staples you may put on on repeat because the climate modifications. From cozy sweaters and turtlenecks to winter coats and wide-leg pants, right here’s how you can costume like a Seoulite.

Thread & Provide Rugby Stripe Polo Sweater

Let’s begin with the MVP of my fall wardrobe proper now: the rugby shirt. It’s each bit as versatile as a Breton-striped shirt, but it surely packs a bit extra of a punch due to its bolder stripes and distinct collar. I sometimes put on my rugby tops (sure, I’ve a number of now) with denims throughout the day, after which layer a jacket on high when temperatures drop. The opposite day, I wrapped one round my shoulders as a preppy accent to an in any other case impartial outfit. Therein lies the great thing about the rugby shirt: it packs a easy assertion by itself, however can even act as a enjoyable layer. 

Nordstrom Lyocell & Wool Turtleneck

Do because the Seoulites do and layer a slim-fitting turtleneck beneath an open collared sweater or a button-down shirt whereas we’re nonetheless in these transitional weeks between fall and winter. The bottom line is to seek out one which doesn’t add an excessive amount of bulk to your silhouette like this lyocell and wool choice from Nordstrom. Accessible in black, white, grey, and pink, it’s surprisingly heat, due to the wool within the mix. Belief me, you’re going to get a lot mileage from a turtleneck high like this.

Everlane The Outsized Polo in Alpaca 

Talking of open collared sweaters, I’ve seen many Korean ladies styling them with turtleneck tops in a contrasting shade. Suppose: a beige sweater with a pink turtleneck peeking out from beneath or a grey sweater paired with a black turtleneck.This polo-like sweater from Everlane is cozily outsized with out drowning you in material, and it’s made with responsibly sourced alpaca wool, recycled nylon, and wool to maintain you heat — by no means frumpy. 

Everlane The Double-breasted Coat in Wool

Impartial outerwear or, extra particularly, a smooth camel or taupe coat appears to be a wardrobe staple for each well-dressed native I’ve encountered on the subways and streets of Seoul. Search for particulars like a notched collar and dropped shoulders to make sure a relaxed but polished match, it doesn’t matter what you’re sporting beneath. 

Everlane The Trouser in Buttersoft

Truth: a pair of wide-leg trousers can elevate any ensemble. Sure, even on a 5-foot-2-inch body like mine. In truth, for my fellow petites on the market, I’d say that wide-leg trousers may give the phantasm of size when paired with a extra fitted high or perhaps a free sweater; simply give the entrance a little bit tuck to steadiness out the proportions. Constituted of 100-percent Tencel Lyocell material, these Everlane pants with refined pleating steadiness kind with perform. You will get them in black, charcoal grey, olive inexperienced, and basic khaki, however I’m keen on charcoal these days as a pleasant counter to the reds I’ve been favoring on high. 

Weekend Max Mara Elvy Broad Leg Cotton Cargo Pants

One other wide-leg backside I’ve been recognizing on fashionable commuters in Seoul are cargo pants. Lest you suppose they’re too dowdy or tough to fashion, I guarantee you, they give the impression of being simply nearly as good with a rugby shirt as they do with a extra fitted cardigan. I not too long ago bought a chocolate brown pair from an area store and I get compliments each time I put on them, which is not less than 3 times per week. To not fear, I discovered this related pair from Nordstrom and one other, extra inexpensive model from Topshop as properly. 

Everlane The Crew Cardigan in Alpaca

The cardigan’s attraction is common in each manner. I’ve seen baby-faced college students close to Hongik College put on cropped variations with dishevelled pants and sneakers, and smooth aunties within the Gangnam district sporting longer cardigans with fitted slacks and loafers. Personally, I cut up the distinction with a size that hits proper above my hips and in brighter colours like this berry pink choice from Everlane, which provides a cheery accent to my in any other case impartial outerwear.

Madewell Wool-Mix Knit Beanie

As a current transplant from Los Angeles, my family members have been warning me concerning the extraordinarily chilly winters that await me right here in Korea. The primary line of protection, they are saying, is a heat coat. The second is a thick beanie, ideally in a enjoyable colour like this golden topper from Madewell. Constituted of a supersoft wool mix, it has a chunky rib knitting to it that makes it really feel comfortably comfortable on my deceptively massive head. I’m fascinated about choosing up one other colour (maybe lilac?) to enrich my camel coat. 

Fortunate Model Cloud Plaid Boyfriend Shirt

A relaxed plaid button up is likely one of the best layers just about anybody can put on, which is why I now have them in a number of colorways. I’ve worn them half buttoned over a cropped tank and denims throughout hotter fall days and layered them over a turtleneck when it’s chillier out. I’ve additionally seen stylish locals tie their plaid shirts round their waists beneath their coats and sweaters so it breaks up a monotone colour palette and provides a little bit definition to their silhouettes. 

Madewell The Important Bucket Tote

After years of principally carrying mini luggage, I’ve not too long ago upgraded to a bigger leather-based quantity from a stylish Korean model known as Roh. It’s roomy sufficient to suit all of my day by day necessities and, regardless of this, nonetheless retains a smooth look. Fortunately, this straightforward carryall fashion appears to be trending globally. I’ve discovered near-identical variations from Coach and this barely extra inexpensive choice from Madewell. With no flashy patterns, logos, or gildings to the bag’s design, it’s a flexible piece I do know I’ll carry for a few years to return. (However if you wish to beautify the bag because the Koreans are doing these days, you may add a cute attraction or two to the strap.)

Adidas Gazelle Indoor Sneaker

It’s secure to say that 2024 is the 12 months of Adidas — and the craze is at a fever pitch in Korea proper now. I’m going to be sincere with you, I’m extra of a Nike gal myself, however having seen some severely fashionable ensembles that includes Gazelles and Sambas, I get the attraction. The triple-striped sneakers look particularly cool in sudden shades like shadow fig, a dusty plum hue that works surprisingly properly as a impartial. Most significantly, as my cousins attest, these sneakers have been made for strolling. Simply notice that Adidas are likely to run massive, in order that they advocate going not less than a half measurement down.

Levi’s Fake Leather-based & Fake Shearling Bomber Jacket

Presenting two fall developments in a single jacket: leather-based and shearling. I’ve seen considered one of these jackets on show at just about each mall and store in Seoul, in addition to on loads of modern civilians. The fuzzy shearling provides a delicate distinction towards the rugged leather-based and retains you heat.

Favourite Daughter The Collegiate Graphic Hoodie

I’m blissful to know that whether or not you’re in Los Angeles or Seoul, we will all agree {that a} delicate hoodie is a necessary constructing block of each fall wardrobe. I’ve seen many posh locals put on theirs beneath a sleeker coat to decorate issues up only a contact. I’d advocate beginning with a hoodie in a impartial tone like this heather grey choice from Favourite Daughter; it’s the best size, providing a little bit protection over your butt, and the bigger drawstrings on the hood add a pleasant element.

J.Crew Stowe Puffer Jacket With PrimaLoft

Need to hear one thing cute? Apparently individuals consult with lengthy black puffer coats as “kimbap coats” or “kimbap padding” due to their uncanny resemblance to the favored dish. Cute as that’s, I’d fairly not appear to be a strolling seaweed roll if I might help it. Fortunately, sleeker puffers are additionally in abundance right here. With a slimmer match by the physique and a contrasting collar, this fashion of coat retains you heat with out sacrificing on fashion. 

Madewell The Darted Barrel-leg Jean

Free, wide-leg pants have been trending for some time now, however for many who choose a barely extra fitted look (or for these events while you wish to costume issues up a little bit), barrel-leg denims are one other common choose in Seoul. I admire this model from Madewell as a result of the barrel form is refined and it is available in each petite and tall sizing. On that notice: they have a tendency to run a bit massive, so I like to recommend sizing down.

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