2021 Korean College Outfit Ideas Inspired By K-dramas

Have you noticed that university students in Korean dramas tend to stick to a specific style?

Are you interested in getting these looks?

It's easy to if you just pay a little attention to detail.

Today we've made a list with examples for you to give you somewhere to start.

Youthful & Simple
Im Soo-hyang 

In Gangnam Beauty, Im Soo-hyang plays the character Kang Mi-rae, a girl who feels subconscious about her appearance despite undergoing plastic surgery.

Even so, this college student has a pretty good sense of style.

This type of style can be seen a lot in Korean universities.

1. Essential Item:
The Button Down

Whether striped or plaid, this is a classic and timeless wardrobe essential.

Pair it with jeans or a skirt and you will look effortlessly fashionable, but still youthful while going to the lecture hall.

Sometimes Kang Mi-rae wears more stylized button downs, a fun, but still classy remix to the original.

2. Typical Korean Style:
White Top + Denim

The white top and denim combo has become a wardrobe go to for everyone, but especially Korean students.

It's uncomplicated and it looks clean and put together, while still being casual for everyday wear.

A white tee, paired with a jean skirt or shorts, with a cute bag to add a pop of color and you're good to go.

Not just T-shirts, but other styles of white shirts are also very popular.

 3. The Overall Dress

Overall dresses are also super simple and fun. 

Just pair with a T-shirt or other top and you're ready to head out.

This look is very popular in Korea due to its simplicity.

 4. The Ruffled Dress

Dresses are, of course, indispensable in every girl's wardrobe.

Dresses with ruffled detailing started to gain popularity a few years ago in Korea and the trend is clearly reflected in Gangnam Beauty.

The ruffles add a touch of femininity and class and the fabric is usually soft and thin, making them perfect for summer. 

Simple & Retro
Kim Go Eun 

King Go Eun plays Hong Seol, an extremely hardworking student in Cheese In The Trap. 

After the drama came out, her signature messy hair became a hot trend.

In general, Kim Go Eun's style in the drama is simple with a bit of a retro vibe, often wearing neutral, dark colors.

 1. Wardrobe Classic:
Overalls

Hong Seol is often seen wearing overalls.

The simple throwback item is versatile and can easily be paired with a t-shirt for going to class.

2. High Teen:
Layered Tops

High teen is a super popular style right now in Korea that draws from 90s and 2000s fashion.

It's name is a Konglish mashup of "high school" and "teenager".

If you're needing some inspiration, look no further than Hong Seol.

3. Retro Sophisticate:
The Blazer

If you prefer a more professional, but still cool and casual look, try styling a blazer with another simple style like the white with denim look.

If you wear a blazer like this, you'll look like an upperclassman.

If you need more ideas, check out Cheese In The Trap where you'll find plenty.

Cute & Comfy
Lee Sung Kyung

Remember the series Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo?

Lee Sun Kyung's image in the show was very cute and dynamic, which worked really well for freshman and sophomore year students.

Let's take a look at some of Kim Bok-joo's favorite items.

1. Simple But Stylish:
The Hoodie

The hoodie is a must have for young Koreans, especially students because of its convenience and versatility.

Kim Bok-joo has a huge collection of hoodies in this show.

Kim Bok-joo favors plain, soft colored hoodies such as lavender, baby pink, or off white. 

You can easily pair a hoodie with pants or a skirt, so it's great if you're on the go a lot.

Kim Bok-joo also often wears hoodies with simple text and logo motifs, another commonly seen trend in Korea.

Minimalism is the most popular theme in fashion in Korea.

2. Winter Must Have:
The Patterned Sweater

Since the it was filmed in winter, sweaters were a very important item.

You will often see Lee Sung Kyung's character sporting a comfy looking patterned sweater, sometimes even with a hoodie underneath.

If you don't prefer lots of colors, you can always go with a solid-colored cable knit sweater.

3. The Vest

Another common fashion trend seen amongst college students in Korea is vests.

You can coordinate them with hoodies, sweaters, or anything else really.

It's versatile and good for many types of weather so it's hard to go wrong with a vest.

4. Cold Weather Accessory:
The Knit Hat

Beanies were also a signature wardrobe item for Kim Bok-joo.

She would pair them with all kinds of outfits fro hoodies to dresses.

Beanies are a great way to accessorize while staying warm.

They're also great on lazy days when you don't feel like doing you hair.

Feminine & Sexy
Kim Yoo Jung

Although Backstret Rookie is not a movie set in a university, the style seen in the show worn by twentysomething Jung Sae Byul is very popular in university students.

1. Thin Sweater

The thin sweater probably became Kim Yoo Jung's trademark clothing item in Backstreet Rookie.

It makes her image completely change from a girl into a woman in the eyes of viewers.

In Korea, students often wear thin sweaters, whether it's summer or winter, with jeans or mini skirts to create a feminine and mature look. 

2. Square Neckline

Since last year, Korea has been very fond of the square neckline.

You can often see Kim You Jung wearing dresses or tops with a square neckline.

This style has a slimming effect and flatters many.

If you want to try a more feminine look , but dresses and skirts aren't really your thing, you can try a top with a square neckline to achieve your desired look.

3. Tone-on-tone

A style that is super popular, all you have to do is match colors that are in the same family, just in varying shades.

I think you can get a better idea by just looking at the photos of Sae Byul.

Above are some examples of college student fashion styles as seen in Korean dramas that you can try out.

Hopefully, this has helped you on your fashion journey or at least given you a jumping off point.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!