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 trendy 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 yr. From realizing the place so as to add an surprising pop of shade to enjoying with totally different textures and proportions, Koreans have gotten layering all the way 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 the right way to 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 because of its bolder stripes and distinct collar. I usually put on my rugby tops (sure, I’ve a number of now) with denims through 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 fantastic thing about the rugby shirt: it packs a easy assertion by itself, however may also 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 secret is to seek out one which doesn’t add an excessive amount of bulk to your silhouette like this lyocell and wool possibility from Nordstrom. Obtainable in black, white, grey, and purple, it’s surprisingly heat, because of the wool within the mix. Belief me, you’ll 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 girls styling them with turtleneck tops in a contrasting shade. Assume: a beige sweater with a purple 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 cloth, 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 modern 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 carrying 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 actual fact, for my fellow petites on the market, I’d say that wide-leg trousers can provide the phantasm of size when paired with a extra fitted high or perhaps a unfastened sweater; simply give the entrance slightly tuck to steadiness out the proportions. Constructed from 100-percent Tencel Lyocell cloth, these Everlane pants with refined pleating steadiness type with perform. You will get them in black, charcoal grey, olive inexperienced, and basic khaki, however I’m a fan of charcoal currently as a pleasant counter to the reds I’ve been favoring on high. 

Weekend Max Mara Elvy Vast Leg Cotton Cargo Pants

One other wide-leg backside I’ve been recognizing on trendy commuters in Seoul are cargo pants. Lest you suppose they’re too dowdy or tough to model, I guarantee you, they appear simply pretty much as good with a rugby shirt as they do with a extra fitted cardigan. I just lately bought a chocolate brown pair from an area store and I get compliments each time I put on them, which is no less than thrice per week. To not fear, I discovered this related pair from Nordstrom and one other, extra inexpensive model from Topshop as nicely. 

Everlane The Crew Cardigan in Alpaca

The cardigan’s attraction is common in each approach. I’ve seen baby-faced college students close to Hongik College put on cropped variations with saggy pants and sneakers, and modern aunties within the Gangnam district carrying 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 purple possibility 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 have been warning me in regards to 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 shade like this golden topper from Madewell. Constructed from a supersoft wool mix, it has a chunky rib knitting to it that makes it really feel comfortably cosy on my deceptively giant head. I’m fascinated by selecting up one other shade (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 shade palette and provides slightly definition to their silhouettes. 

Madewell The Important Bucket Tote

After years of principally carrying mini luggage, I’ve just lately 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 modern look. Fortunately, this easy carryall model appears to be trending globally. I’ve discovered near-identical variations from Coach and this barely extra inexpensive possibility 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 come back. (However if you wish to adorn the bag because the Koreans are doing currently, you may add a cute allure or two to the strap.)

Adidas Gazelle Indoor Sneaker

It’s secure to say that 2024 is the yr of Adidas — and the craze is at a fever pitch in Korea proper now. I’m going to be trustworthy with you, I’m extra of a Nike gal myself, however having seen some significantly trendy ensembles that includes Gazelles and Sambas, I get the attraction. The triple-striped footwear look particularly cool in surprising shades like shadow fig, a dusty plum hue that works surprisingly nicely as a impartial. Most significantly, as my cousins attest, these footwear had been made for strolling. Simply be aware that Adidas are likely to run giant, in order that they advocate going no less than a half dimension down.

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

Presenting two fall traits in a single jacket: leather-based and shearling. I’ve seen certainly 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 smooth distinction towards the rugged leather-based and retains you heat.

Favourite Daughter The Collegiate Graphic Hoodie

I’m completely happy to know that whether or not you’re in Los Angeles or Seoul, we are able to all agree {that a} smooth 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 possibility from Favourite Daughter; it’s the perfect size, providing slightly protection over your butt, and the bigger drawstrings on the hood add a pleasant element.

J.Crew Stowe Puffer Jacket With PrimaLoft

Wish to hear one thing cute? Apparently folks 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 relatively not seem like a strolling seaweed roll if I might help it. Fortunately, sleeker puffers are additionally in abundance right here. With a slimmer match by way of the physique and a contrasting collar, this model of coat retains you heat with out sacrificing on model. 

Madewell The Darted Barrel-leg Jean

Free, wide-leg pants have been trending for some time now, however for individuals who favor a barely extra fitted look (or for these events whenever you need to costume issues up slightly), barrel-leg denims are one other standard 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 be aware: they have an inclination to run a bit giant, so I like to recommend sizing down.

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