Fashion in Korea vs The West
Fashion is subjective. There is no one way to dress, as everyone’s style is personal and unique. People find it in themselves to choose what to wear based on preference and inspiration. Of course, trends influence this heavily for some. The latest style of boots, what skirts are in, what shirts are out. When my mom had taken a trip to Seoul, Korea, I knew I had to ask her about the fashion scene. What are girls my age wearing? Is it similar to the US? To California? To the West in general? I was so curious, as I was unsure what was trending for them. Daily, she had managed to sneak photos of people on the street, who expressed themselves, and here's the breakdown:
What first caught my eye was the pants. Similarly to here, a baggy look dominates the scene. Women sported them on the streets, and shops appeared to carry them everywhere. The baggy pants were all toned down neutrals, with bright colors championing the shirt scene. They seemed to be a staple, something mandatory to wear so the colors of chosen accessories could steal the spotlight. On the topic of bottom’s, skirts also appeared to be a trend. Though the photos I got were scarce, flowy, airy skirts were worn by women. In Korea, the weather is taking a humid turn, so it's not a shock that when you're out, you don't want to heat up. The skirts are a statement piece of sorts, embellished with flowers and containing pleats. Truly, they're gorgeous.
Layering. The art of figuring out what goes together by the use of combining pieces. Girls have mastered it in Korea. Dress shirts went under jean jackets, followed by a heavier jacket. There seemed to always be an "under" to the torso. Something under another. In this example, a business casual shirt is paired with a cardigan. It's light, not heavy, and effortlessly goes together. A pair that does not fight for spotlessness instead works together in it. I noticed this pattern in all the layering that I had spotted in photos. Nothing was overdone, it's all calculated, organized, and clean.
**mentioned the middle style!
If you prefer a more simplistic look, A statement must be made. Here, though the outfit doesn't offer much to the first look when analyzed, we see that a fuzzy jacket is worn. Simple, clean, statement. Tops, jackets, whatever the poison is, seem to, without flaw, compliment the pants, not argue against them in a competition.
I must admit, I was very influenced. Usually, I prefer to dress how I want, not submit to the latest trend that went viral. Fashion is subjective, the way I wear my shirt may be different to the way you wear yours. When my mom had sent me a photo of this bag, I knew I had to ask her to get me one. She mentioned how they were all the rage, and I have to say, I adore it. It somehow goes with everything in a perfect harmony. It's a compliment to what I wear, not a competition. Yalda, when going to our Sunday art courses, had noticed it and spoken highly of it. Another thing that I had fallen to my knees for was a belt that Is displayed with the earlier image of the skirts. I saw it in the back of another photo my mom had sent me and texted her immediately saying "Oh my goodness. I just died. That's stunning". Obviously, when spotting one in an Urban Outfitters, I had to get it immediately. Love at first sight? I think so.
my styling of the bag!
All in all, I had such an amazing time reviewing the style in Korea. What people wear on the daily is so familiar, yet unique. I know that in future writings, art, and workings, I will think back to fashion. Inspiration to make things more general while maintaining my own personal touches.
