For all Fashion lovers out there, getting ready for an upcoming season can be challenging. New trends surface rather suddenly, and keeping up with them can leave us dizzy – and broke. “Pre-pandemic” trends were all about structure, looking expensive, and standing out. This year is a bit different. While watching (from afar and online) the New York, London, Milan, Paris, and Seoul fashion weeks, I was hit with the same wave every time: nostalgia. It impacts Korean fall/winter fashion trends in 2022!
Going Back in Time
K-fashion, like Western fashion, seems to emphasize the need for comfort our generation is facing after “surviving” lockdowns and job shortages. The last two years were harsh, and as restrictions softened and businesses began to rebuild their activities, we seem to need comfort more than ever. This is reflected in how we dress, as we will see in the 2022 K-fashion Fall/Winter trends in Korea and elsewhere. Here are four umbrella trends and the sub-trends to get ready for!
Top Korean Fall/Winter Fashion Trends 2022
Y2K (the Year 2000)
The first K-fashion Fall/Winter trend, nearly impossible to ignore, is the return to early 2000s fashion by brands, celebrities, and influencers alike. Millennials are dusting off old clothes and accessories while brands are revamping classic styles. Add the clear lip gloss, ultra-light makeup, and slicked-back hair, and you’re in 2005 again! Here are the main stars of the Y2K trend.
The Low-rise Mini
[source: W Korea, ELLE Korea, Koreaboo, Wonyoung Jang Instagram]
Showing the midriff is so 2019. Paris Hilton’s signature low-rise mini skirts have made a comeback, and only they are even shorter. Miu Miu has made the ultra mini its it-item, and at some point, almost every trendy K-celebrity was seen wearing it on photoshoots or at events.
Minibags and platform shoes
[source: Tmon Korea, Artinsight, Charles & Keith]
Made famous by Fendi, the baguette bag has remained an iconic piece in the closet of fashionistas. After being overshadowed by oversized, then ultra-mini bags, it has come back in varied fancy designs, not without keeping the overall classic rectangular shape. It can be seen worn by celebrities and everyday fashionistas alike.
In the same wave, small shoulder bags remain on top of Korea’s trends and seem to be here to stay, at least this year!
Platform Flip-flops
[source: Coperni, Charles & Keith]
She may have been “cringe” and slightly forgotten for a while, but the early 2000s platform flip-flop remains iconic! As a self-admitted fan, this trend seems like a special gift to my fellow Millenials and me. The shoe has made a comeback in several new shapes and colors. From sneakers to mules, every design is getting extra centimeters to give us that boost of comfort and confidence.
Denim on Denim
[source: Vogue Korea, Fashion Insight Korea, Inkstyle]
Wearing head-to-toe denim can hardly be a trend, as it has been popular for decades and shows no sign of slowing down. But the entire look comes and goes between the mom jean and the denim jacket every few cycles, and we are happy to see it come back.
Italian premium denim brand Diesel pushed denim in their last show, while Yohji Yamamoto’s oversized shirts and Loewe’s bag-like denim boots continued to use the material into new shapes. While keeping a bit of structure, denim looks also exude comfort and freedom of movement. I don’t know about you, but a total denim look always makes me feel like a 2000s pop icon, à la TLC.
For what it’s worth, denim is a useful material for recycling and upcycling, which can justify its continued comebacks.
Preppy Look
Clueless
[source: W Korea, Fashion Insight Korea, Amazon]
After Miu Miu’s micro low-rise skirt went viral, their creative director Miuccia Prada returned to the 2000s inspiration, mixed with that of tennis wear to create a mix between cute sporty looks, preppy fashion, and Chanel’s tweed.
Matching sets have been a part of our wardrobes since pre-pandemic times, and it seems like they are here to stay as part of the trend of nostalgia-the clueless style. The Korean high school uniform look has also been popular for a long time, making this trend even stronger among Korean Fashionistas.
Smart Look
[source: Fashion Insight Korea, Vogue Korea]
Will blazers ever go out of style? The contrary seems to be happening as new interpretations of the blazer keep popping up here and there. This time, structured blazers are making space for flowier, boxier designs with broad shoulders, giving a more impressive silhouette and an oversize, comfy feeling. The trend is pushed further with matching tops and pants that fall neatly on the ankle, providing a comfortable look and a classic feel.
Still Oversizing in Korean Fashion Trends 2022
Sporty or Cocooning
[source: Allure Korea, Fashion Insight Korea]
Whether with a sporty sweater or a granny jumper, a significant trend on the world’s runways is the return of the oversized jumper, robe, and sweatshirt. Everything is disproportionate and looks and feels like a blanket, protecting us from the harshness of the outside world. This could stem from the need for comfort previously mentioned after two years of stress and uncertainty.
Gucci and Adidas collaborating at Milan Fashion Week helped expand sportswear, while Louis Vuitton pushed the layering of polo shirts over dresses. The rise of loungewear during lockdown carries this trend into current times, increasing interest in “glamorized” sportswear.
Lingerie Out
[source: Fashion Insight Korea, Allure Korea, Naver]
No, wearing lingerie on the outside is not new. However, the trend has seen a boost in design variety and styling. From corset sets to sheer bra tops, see-through underwear has made its way into our wardrobes, paired with blazers or blouses. Along with low-rise jeans and minis rising again among the MZ generation’s women, we are in for an early 2000s fashion treat!
There are many ways that Fashion likes to come back every ten years or so, but 2022 K-fashion Fall/Winter trends are indeed a roller coaster of nostalgia and new aspirations. We want to feel free but also protected and warm while moving in total comfort. Just like the clothes, beauty goes back to basics with clear lip glosses and sleek hairstyles, as if to leave the clothes to do the talking. We cannot wait to see what happens next, but for now, happy thrifting in your high school closet. You might just find that you already have all the latest K-fashion fall/winter trends!
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