K-pop stars are famous for their inimitable style, and it doesn't stop at apparel. In recent years Korea has developed a growing reputation for unique fashion and innovative beauty trends that have been adopted by countries worldwide. With the K-pop aesthetic also gaining traction, many are left wanting to know how to emulate the look
To give a basic guide to K-pop style is something of a challenge, as the look tends to be the opposite of basic: an elaborate mash-up of retro, futuristic and street style influences that also takes its cues from Western popular culture, particularly the music and movies of 50s and 60s America. Much is said about K-pop apparel, but less about accenting the outfits with jewelry. Jewelry is often the unsung hero of outfits, helping to pull a look together with just a few carefully-chosen pieces.
Casual Cool
A more laid-back, leisurely style is a throwback to the OG style of 90s K-Pop boy-groups like Seo Taiji and H.O.T., who drew on American street style and fashion to create their style. For the look, beaded bracelets, G-Shock watches and simple silver pieces like chunky chains (as worn by BTS for 2021's "Butter" video) are ideal.
Luxe Looks
Another popular K-pop look was sported by Twice's Nayeon in 2022, when she stepped into her solo career wearing a Chanel-inspired two-piece trimmed with pearls and accented with diamond earrings. For this look you can always opt for costume jewelry, but if you're looking for places that sell gold NYC and most other major cities have secondhand vendors (many of which can also be found online).
Kitsch K-Pop
One of the defining features of K-Pop fashion is also a kitsch element, which you can work into your jewelry look by mixing more luxe pieces with pieces made from acrylic. This pairs perfectly with the trend for brightly colored hair worn in a range of styles from bobs to braids.
Pretty Pastels
A common theme in K-Pop fashion is pastel colors as worn by groups like Girl's Generation and 2NE1. Delicate, layered necklaces, bracelets and butterfly or floral motifs (including flower garlands worn on the head) would all work well with this particular look.
Rock and K-Pop
If you're looking for more of a juxtaposition, you can mix your some tougher, more punk style pieces, like Baekhyun's pierced lip chain in the video for Exo's Monster. Multiple piercings are more common these days amongst K-pop performers, but if you'd rather stay clear of the piercing salon you can always go for faux piercings instead.
Fun With Textures
One of the best things about K-Pop is the sense that fashion rules are made to be broken. In addition to the eclectic mix of style influences on the menu are items such as jewelry pieces incorporating less conventional materials like faux fur.
Out of This World
Channel your inner Princess Leia with an intergalactic look as worn by girl-group Twice, who wore a range of coordinating outfits on the South Korean TV show M Countdown in 2019. Sporting shiny metallic wide leg pants and mini skirts, the group were way ahead of the current Y2K trend now taking place. Style this look with equally nostalgic pieces in chunky, curved shapes with celestial motifs like stars.
