BY ANDREA AVIADO
K-drama has already certainly etched its name in the pop culture scene. From the classic Boys Over Flowers to the Netflix-record-breaking Squid Game, binge-watching one has become a lifestyle for most people who enjoy watching series with exciting storylines and unexpected plot twists. And along with these good story elements are those head-turner looks and outfits that provide a subtle yet powerful impact in delivering the moods and personas of our favorite K-drama characters.
Whether you’re an avid fan, who has already seen hundreds of series or someone who is simply looking for her next style inspiration, turn to these five stylish K-drama female leads and cop some of their cute and standout outfits to get that main character feels.
Ko Moon-young from It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
If you’ve seen this 2020 hit K-drama series about a male psychiatric ward worker and a female children’s book author, then you’ve probably spotted the handful of designer brands that Seo-Ye Ji’s character, Ko Moon-young, has worn in the entire show. From Dior, Zimmerman to Magda Butrym, Moon-young’s troubled childhood was masked by her all-black and colorful extravagant outfits that make her look cold, assertive, and intimidating.
It’s hard to pick one outfit from Moon-young’s diverse wardrobe, but we love her chic yet contradicting look in her children’s book launch in the show’s second episode. Donning a black structured blazer dress that flares at the bottom with its box pleats, her tailored outfit was balanced with her matching thigh-high socks and heeled brogues. Her striking big gold statement earrings completed her look, adding to her entire ensemble’s intimidating yet dainty appeal.
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Jang Man-wol from Hotel Del Luna (2019)
This series’ fantasy-drama genre made an excellent excuse for its protagonist Jang Man-wol, played by IU, to be able to wear the most striking looks in the show’s episodes. Working as a general manager of a supernatural hotel dedicated to souls with unfinished business, Man-wol has been the establishment’s constant presence for thousands of years as punishment for her past life’s sins. This long-time curse has made her aloof, cold, and moody, which she showed through her love for extravagant and flashy outfits of both the current and past millennia.
Man-wol’s vintage-inspired outfits are probably the most striking and show-stopping looks she had on the series. Her floral midi dress in episode six perfectly balances modern time and the past. Its flowy fabric, pussy-bow neckline, and pleated hems are ideal for adding a dainty touch to any woman’s Sunday brunch look.
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Yoon Se-Ri from Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)
Who doesn’t know of Yoon Se-Ri from the hit K-drama series Crash Landing on You that swept everyone’s hearts with its story? An heiress and a fashion company CEO, this list would not be complete without one of Son Ye-jin’s iconic role outfits.
Complementing her elite urban lifestyle, Se-Ri’s wardrobe is mainly composed of luxury clothing from designer brands like Miu Miu, Bottega Veneta, and Off-White. One of the outfits we love the most from her is her checked Chanel blazer and jabot collar top combo in episode 11 that oozes a chic-preppy feel while shopping with Captain Ri. This look was finished with a white Chanel tote bag with tweed trimmings that she wore on her shoulders.
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Hong Cha-young from Vincenzo (2021)
Aside from Song Joong-ki’s dapper ensemble as an Italian mafia leader, his female lead, Jeon Yeo-bin, plays the driven lawyer, Hong Cha-young, who also has outfits that provide its feminine versions. Through matching tailored blazers and trousers, partnered with a complementing structured handbag, Cha-young defines the idea of power-dressing and her profession’s formal environment.
A combination of tailored and sweet, Cha-young veered away from her usual tailored trousers and swapped them for a more feminine pleated midi skirt when she and Vincenzo visited his ailing mother at the hospital in episode 16. Viewers were treated to a photo shoot of the three together at the end, which is a delicate moment for the protagonist Vincenzo and added context to Yeo-bin’s costume diversion.
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Cheon Song-Yi from My Love from the Star (2013–2014)
Probably one of the first few K-dramas that we’ve seen and the oldest on this list, its snobbish and vain female lead Cheon Song-yi, played by Jun Ji-hyun, will most likely contradict our use of the word old. A famous Hallyu star that happened to live next to a perfect-human-form alien played by Kim Soo-Hyun, her outfits in the show are far from being called old-fashioned.
Her iconic and funny first meeting with Soo Hyun’s character, Do Min-joon, reflects her impeccable fashion sense with her black leather jacket and brown mini skirt combination. She effortlessly partnered this with a solid-color square frame sunnies, matching high-heel cutout ankle boots, and a leather clutch to complete her off-duty celebrity look.
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Which one of these K-drama series have you seen — or better, have you seen all of them already? Share your favorite looks from the lead actresses of these shows in the comments below!