
K-Pop, short for Korean popular culture, is taking off in the charts and is a major influence on fashion right now, with echoes of the look present on the catwalk, the high street, and in schools across the country.
K-Pop encompasses multiple influences from around the world, including jazz, hip-hop, gospel, rock, and reggae, and its origins can be traced back to the mid-1990s with the cult success of the boyband H.O.T.
But what is the K-Pop Look, and how to pull it off effectively? Let’s take a look.
Hair Colour and Styles
We’ll take it from the top, and start with hair color. Members of K-Pop bands and their followers love hair dye in a big way – and the brighter the better. Bands regularly feature members each sporting different color hair, in pinks, blues, purples, greens, and neon versions of every shade imaginable! So if you’re serious about getting the K-Pop look, you’re going to need to go loud and proud with color.
If a permanent bright pink hairdo isn’t going to fly in your office job, there are plenty of temporary, wash-out dyes and sprays available; hair crayons are a great option, too, and can be painted onto the hair with ease and washed away just as quickly.
In terms of style, a pixie haircut is big on the K-Pop scene right now, as is the two-tone look, where hair is dyed in two shades of color. Multiple braids, ponytails, and high-top double buns are also a popular look, so consider incorporating one of these options into your makeover.
For men, K-Pop hair trends include a small top knot with shaved sides, or a platinum dye job combined with a center parting or mohawk.
Get the Style
The K-Pop vibe can best be summed up as bubbly and bright with a hint of preppy. To achieve this, mix up sportswear with blazers and ties. Think high-top trainers and on-trend eyewear: have a look at an online glasses store to help you achieve your perfect K-Pop look. Choose loud shorts, a T-shirt, or sports shirts and combine them with a fitted blazer and a bright tie, and you’re in business. K-Pop style is a fusion of retro, futuristic and urban, so there is plenty of scopes here to create a bespoke K-Pop look unique to you.
Many K-Pop looks combine a stylized version of a vintage retro style, such as 60s bell-bottom trousers or flairs, partnered with ultra-modern flourishes, such as super on-trend glasses and sharper than sharp hairstyles. Enjoy experimenting with these different stylistic elements to find the look that works for you.
Classic K-Pop looks include denim on denim, fishnets, and matching two-piece suits, and pastel colors feature heavily. Cheerleading uniforms, crop-tops, and brightly colored or patterned tights are also key features of this distinctive style.
Try coupling short or pleated skirts with belly tops or a tie-dyed vest, or mix evening wear with a tracksuit top. The key to creating the K-Pop look is to have fun with your outfit and to not be afraid to put together seemingly mismatched elements.
Trainers are the footwear to choose for this look. Ideally as bright as possible, and if they feature a neon stripe – absolutely perfect. Combined with a shirt and tie, this is classic K-Pop styling.
The Art of Accessories
To craft the most authentic K-Pop style, add some fabulous accessories to your ensemble. Flower crowns are often worn by K-Pop acolytes, and berets are a popular choice, too.
Stacking bracelets, multiple rings, and mismatched earrings are perfect for adding some trademark K-Pop quirkiness; chokers and large, chunky necklaces will also offset your look and add authenticity.
Miniature backpacks, bum bags, and fancy-dress elements are also often in play when it comes to K-Pop styles, so raid your little one’s dressing up box for some makeover inspiration!
The Magic of Makeup
Up the fun factor by replicating your favorite K-Pop idol’s makeup when you’re putting together your outfit! Makeup tends to be bright, colorful, and sparkling, with multiple shades and tones used all at once.
Opt for face stickers, jewels, and eyelash gems to level up your look and add glamour and a party vibe! Many K-Pop stars use makeup to make their eyebrows the same color as their eyeshadow, so consider adding this flamboyant touch to your K-Pop makeover!
For an added K-Pop vibe, try painting a small motif on your cheeks, such as a heart or diamond, in colors that match the rest of your outfit.
Putting it All Together
So, we’ve talked about the clothes, the makeup, and the accessories – now we just need to figure out how to pull it all together to create the perfect K-Pop look. For everyday and easy to recreate the style, experiment with oversized T-shirts, trainers, and a pop of neon eyeliner under the eye.
For a more dramatic effect, experiment with combining sports clothes with blazers and formal wear, add some bold hair accessories and flamboyant makeup and you are on course for the perfect K-Pop makeover!