When the sun turns up the heat, South Korea doesn’t just survive summer — it slays it. If you’re looking to freshen up your wardrobe, take a cue from Korea — a place where fashion meets fun, and every sidewalk is a style statement. Whether you go for the soft aesthetic or the bold streetwear vibe, just remember: confidence is the key accessory. So whether you’re a K-fashion lover or just trying to dress the part for your next trip to Korea, let’s decode the Korean summer fashion trends — with a splash of Korean vocabulary to help you not only look the part but talk it too.
1. 바캉스 룩 (Ba-Kang-Seu-Look) – “Vacation Look”
바캉스 (ba-kang-seu) is a borrowed word from ‘vacance’ (French for vacation), and it is used to describe stylish summer getaway fashion! Think breezy linen shirts, matching coordinated sets in tropical prints, flowy maxi skirts, and open-toe sandals. Pair that with a woven sunhat and you’ve nailed the ‘I just came from 제주도 (je-ju-do) or Jeju Island aesthetic’, even if you’re just grabbing a 카페라떼 (ka-pe-la-dde) or café latte.
2. 시스루 (Si-Seu-Ru) – “See-Through”
With humidity hitting hard, Koreans are staying cool with 시스루 (si-seu-ru) or sheer tops, mesh dresses, and light knits that let the breeze in. Layered over tank tops or stylish bralettes, it’s the perfect combo of airy and alluring. Think of it as a fashion version of 덥지만 예뻐야 해 (deob-ji-man ye-ppoe-ya hae), ‘It’s hot, but I still have to look good!’,a common summer mood.
3. 크롭티 & 와이드 팬츠 (Keu-Rob-Ti & Wa-I-Deu Paen-Cheu) – “Crop Tops and Wide Pants”
Still going strong in 2025, 크롭티 (keu-rob-ti) crop tee and 와이드 팬츠 (wa-i-deu paen-cheu) wide pants are everywhere — from K-pop stage outfits to casual office wear. The silhouette is about balance: short on top, flowy on the bottom. Add platform sneakers along with a slicked-back 물머리 (mool-meo-ri), wet hair look and you’re ready for any Seoul summer snap.
4. 포인트 악세사리 (Po-In-Teu Ak-Se-Sa-Ri) – “Statement Accessories”
포인트 (po-in-teu) or point in K-fashion lingo refers to a feature that ‘pops’ — like a pop of color, texture, or accessory and 2025 is all about the statement pieces that give simple outfits a standout pop. Giant hair bows, colorful phone straps, metallic handbags, and cool glasses are stealing the spotlight.
5. 뉴트로 (Nyu-Teu-Ro) – “Newtro & Kitsch Comeback”
The 뉴트로 (nyu-teu-ro) or newtro = new + retro trend continues in 2025 with pixel art prints, retro cartoon characters, 90s floral bucket hats, and clashing color combos that scream fun. You’ll find brands bringing back old-school logos or even mixing in 한글 (han-geul) or Hangul typography into shirts and tote bags. Even cafes have their own cute tote bags and merch where language meets fashion in the cutest way.
If there’s one phrase that sums up Korean summer fashion, it’s 더워도 꾸안꾸 (deo-wi-do kku-an-kku) — ‘Even if it’s hot, still go for that effortless styled look’.
Until next time, stay cool, dress cute, and don’t forget your SPF… with your sparkle.
여름도 스타일리시하게! (yeo-reum-do seu-ta-il-li-si-ha-ge!) Let’s make Summer stylish too!
Written by Ariba
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Thanks for the recommendations.