K-pop Idol fashion trends to add to your wardrobe this winter

FashionaespaMolly
Written By Molly Wilson | K-pop Contributor

To help you spice up your winter outfits, we’ve compiled a list of some of the fashion trends that seem especially popular with K-pop idols right now. You might even already have some of these hiding in the back of your closet!

Karina stands under trees in the snow with a city in the background, bundles in a long black coat and a blue scarf with hair in a high bun and glasses on. Her back is to the camera, but her head it turned back and looking over to the left.

Karina from aespa shows off her winter fashion. Image: @katarinabluu on Instagram.

K-pop idols always seem to have the best style. So many fashion trends are set by what idols wear, whether it’s in a music video, at the airport, or even just a selfie uploaded to Instagram or Bubble.

If you look at your winter wardrobe and feel a little uninspired, taking a look at what your favourite idols have been wearing recently is a great way to get some inspiration. It can even make you feel closer to your bias when you wear an outfit that makes you think of them.

Knit Beanies

Jennie wearing a Chanel beanie, her signature brand. Image: @jennierubyjane on Instagram.

Beanies are a classic winter piece, and a clothing item that all K-pop idols seem to love. Over the years countless idols have worn beanies, and knit hats are a great way to make sure your headwear is warm and winter-appropriate.

We all know that Jennie is a major trendsetter in K-pop idol fashion, and right now her Instagram feed is full of pictures of her wearing cute knit beanies. You don’t have to splash out on Chanel to still look fashionable though! Cable knit and mohair styles are fluffy and warm, and will look great paired with an oversized, comfy jumper.

Bag Charms

Sakuya stands on a wooden staircase side-on with his body turned to the wall but head turned back to smile to the camera. He is showing off a black backpack over his right shoulder, with many plush pink bag charms attached to it.

Sakuya of NCT WISH pioneered the bag charm trend. Image: @sakuya_nct on Instagram.

We have NCT WISH’s Sakuya to thank for the trend of wearing an excessive amount of key-rings and plushies on your bag. It’s a super cute way to spice up a boring backpack, and the best thing is that you can personalise it completely.

Don’t feel like you have to buy a bunch of new keyrings to achieve this look, as you’re sure to have trinkets lying around that would look great as a bag charm. You can use old necklaces, earrings, pieces of ribbon or shoelaces, and attach them with a cheap keyring. Although, the keyring version of NCT WISH’s WISH album would be an adorable addition.

Puffer Jackets

Doyoung grins at the camera with a white sleeveless puffer jacket on, stood outside the huge INSPIRE arena with hands in his pockets.

NCT 127 Doyoung wears a sleeveless puffer jacket. Image: @do0_nct on on Instagram.

Puffer jackets are a classic winter coat option, both fashionable and practical. Guaranteed to keep you warm, puffer jackets come in so many styles there will be something for everyone’s wardrobe. This is another piece that you could pick up at any brand or even a thrift store, as it’s such a timeless piece that you can wear year after year.

A classic puffer jacket can give your outfit a more sporty, streetwear look, or you could choose one with a belt or bow details for a feminine style. If warmth is your priority, you could even try a full-length puffer coat that’ll make you feel like you’re wearing a sleeping bag.

Oversized Scarves

Giselle stands in front of a shuttered wall with a gentle expression towards the camera, wearing a black Loewe beanie and an oversized dark green scarf over his light pink hair.

aespa’s Giselle rocks an oversized scarf. Image: @aerichandesu on Instagram.

A scarf doesn’t have to be a boring, necessary part of your winter wardrobe, you can have fun with this accessory too. Oversized, chunky scarves are a popular trend in Korea at the moment, giving warmth but also a lot of versatility in the way you can wear them.

A chunky scarf can add a cute, bundled-up look to your outfit. Dark colours like green, black or brown are popular, or conversely pastel blue, pink and purple can brighten up your look. Like Giselle, you can wear an oversized scarf around your head as well for added cosiness.

Turtlenecks

Wonyoung stands in a bright carpark in a blue jean skirt and a cropped white Tommy Hilfiger wool turtleneck. Her brown hair is down, and one hand is raised to tuck the left side behind her ear.

IVE’s Wonyoung wearing a turtleneck. Image: @for_everyoung10 on Instagram.

Turtlenecks are a timeless staple of any wardrobe, and if you don’t already own one it’s definitely time to invest. It may seem like a simple item of clothing, but that’s what makes it so versatile and easy to style. You can find them anywhere, and a thick material or heat tech base layer would be perfect for winter.

A white turtleneck like the one Wonyoung wears can give a chic, apres-ski look, or a more classic black turtleneck will go with anything and can suit a more edgy style. You probably already own a turtleneck, or you can find one in good quality material at a thrift store.

 

Hopefully you’re now feeling a little more inspired to switch up your outfits for the cold in 2025. Why not wear your new K-pop idol approved looks while curling up to watch one of the best K-dramas from 2024, or a wintery k-pop playlist?

Edited by Maia Anselmo.

Molly Wilson | K-pop Contributor

As a fashion lover, you’ll find a lot of coverage of K-pop fashion and styling in Molly’s articles for Cherry Chu Magazine.

Previous

The best Korean language learning resources for all levels
Next

The K-beauty essentials you need to survive winter