Spring? Check. Dramas? Check. Words and food? Check! Now it’s time for fashion to take center stage. Spring in Korea is a fashion renaissance where sidewalks become runways, and every café corner is a backdrop for a mini photo shoot. The looks? Immaculate. The terminology? Like decoding stylish Morse code. Korean fashion doesn’t just dress you—it speaks to you. One minute you’re browsing cherry blossom fits on Instagram, the next you’re spiraling down a glossary of aesthetic terms. So buckle up as we’re diving into the world of K-style to bring you this curated guide.
1. 꾸안꾸 (Kku-an-kku) – “Effortlessly Effortful”:
This term describes the look that says, ‘I just threw this on’, when you actually tried on five outfits and perfected the messy bun for 20 minutes. This is the style equivalent of casual fluency— you’re not showing off, but everyone knows you’ve mastered the 꾸안꾸 (kku-an-kku) aesthetic.
Spring must-haves: Oversized blazers, wide-leg trousers, basic tanks, clean white sneakers.
2. 소녀감성 (So-nyeo-gam-seong) – “Soft Girl Aesthetic”:
This term is like a watercolor filter for your closet. It’s all about the core elements like the soft textures, pastel palettes, and silhouettes that whisper feminine energy. Picture yourself in a dreamy K-drama scene, in a café surrounded by cherry blossoms.
Spring must-haves: Midi skirts, dainty hair clips, lace blouses, pastel knits.
3. 하이틴 룩 (Ha-i-tin-Lok) – “High Teen Look”:
We’re sure that you’ve heard of the phrase ‘하이틴 룩’ (ha-i-tin-lok) in many of the high school romance K-dramas. Think of the Y2K fashion with a Korean twist, it’s bold, nostalgic, and totally unapologetic. It’s all about the 옛날 분위기 (yet-nal-bun-wi-gi) or the nostalgic vibes.
Spring must-haves: Crop tops, plaid skirts, varsity jackets, platform loafers.
4. 레이어드 (Le-i-eo-deu) – “Layered look”:
It’s still spring, which means chilly mornings with warm afternoons. Koreans are pros at stylish layering without looking bulky. But here’s the thing, 레이어드 (le-i-eo-deu) or ‘layered’ isn’t just practical, it’s a full-blown aesthetic. Think of unexpected combinations, mesh over t-shirts, dresses over jeans, or a blazer thrown over a hoodie– 완전 쿨걸 룩이네 (wan-jeon khul-geol-lok-i-ne), it’s a total cool girl look.
Spring must-haves: Vests over tees, sheer tops over camisoles, lightweight cardigans, long sleeves under slip dresses.
5. 발레코어 (Bal-le-ko-eo) – Balletcore:
Balletcore has taken hold of the K-fashion industry. Think ballerina but off-duty. Balletcore is all about capturing that graceful, ethereal ballet energy, without ever setting foot on stage. It combines elegance and softness with a touch of effortlessness that’s totally on-brand for spring.
Spring must-haves: Wrap skirts, leg warmers, soft knits, Ballet flats or Mary Janes.
And here you have it—your crash course in spring K-fashion. From sheer tights to cozy cardigans to pastel perfection, K-fashion speaks in textures, layers, and tones that deserve their own dictionary.
그럼 오늘도 스타일 넘치게요! (keu-reom o-neul-do seu-ta-il neom-chi-ge-yo!) Slay the day in style!!!
Written by Ariba
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