15 Tricks We've Learned From Korean Street Style Stars

by Hilary George-Parkin
Photo: Sandra Semburg

Even amid the peacocking hordes at New York Fashion Week, Irene Kim always manages to stand out. Maybe it's her ever-changing Technicolor hair or her eclectic yet perfectly executed outfits, but the Korean street style star is a perennial highlight of the week.

And it's not just her—there's a whole contingent of cool girls hailing from Seoul who are very much worth an Instagram follow, both to get a peek at the latest Korean fashion trends and to snag some clever styling tricks along the way.

If there's a Korean translation for je ne sais quoi, well, these girls have it. Keep scrolling to get to know them!

@ireneisgood

Born in Seattle and raised in Seoul, Irene Kim mixes colors and prints like a pro (which, as a model and blogger, we suppose she kind of is).

1 / 15
 

Came to get tampons & toothpaste ????

A post shared by Irene Kim 아이린 (@ireneisgood) on

Who says a magenta pencil skirt and matching booties aren't CVS attire? Throw on a T-shirt and a denim jacket, and you'll prove otherwise.

2 / 15
 

#Parisianing in @longchamp ???????????? #MademoiselleLongchamp

A post shared by Irene Kim 아이린 (@ireneisgood) on

Match your dress to your hair—or at least add a little sparkle with your earrings.

3 / 15
 

Starting off Monday bright ????????????

A post shared by Irene Kim 아이린 (@ireneisgood) on

With a statement top like this, you don't need to do much else.

@imvely_jihyun

As the creative director of the popular online boutique Imvely, Im Ji-hyun has access to some of the country's coolest new designers—and she models her favorite pieces on Instagram for her 665,000 followers.

4 / 15

Head-to-toe pink looks cooler when it's a little rough around the edges (literally).

5 / 15
 

#imvely #임블리 #paris #파리블리 _ 뿅?????

A post shared by imvely, imjihyun???? (@imvely_jihyun) on

Add a little individuality to the school-uniform look with a cheeky sweater-vest and mismatched earrings.

6 / 15
 

#imvely #임블리 #paris #파리블리 _ 앞모리 없애기 신공????????????

A post shared by imvely, imjihyun???? (@imvely_jihyun) on

Suddenly, sweater-vests and knee socks seem cool again—especially if they're Balenciaga.

@_sungheekim

Model on the rise Sunghee Kim sticks mainly to a color palette of blue, black, and white, which means you can probably re-create many of her looks from your own closet.

7 / 15
 

One find day in Capri ???? #dvcapriteam #sungheeincapri

A post shared by Sunghee Kim 김성희 (@_sungheekim) on

A striped caftan and a floppy sun hat make for a perfect vacation ensemble.

8 / 15
 

????????

A post shared by Sunghee Kim 김성희 (@_sungheekim) on

The corset belt gives this Canadian tuxedo a fashion-forward touch.

9 / 15
 

???????? - 이태리느낌으로 현실은 서울☀️ - #chloegirls

A post shared by Sunghee Kim 김성희 (@_sungheekim) on

Linen pants and an off-the-shoulder top are an elegant warm-weather choice.

Related

The Latest Street Style From New York Fashion Week

@kieunse

Ki Eun-se is an actor turned full-time influencer who posts photos of her world travels and enviable wardrobe.

10 / 15
 

꿈꾸다온거같다 ✨✨ . #나다시돌아갈래#기여사여행이야기 #italy #capri

A post shared by 기은세 (@kieunse) on

You can't go wrong with a bold print in red, white, and blue.

11 / 15
 

어둑어둑 해질무렵 ???? . . #기여사제주도여행 #jeju#ootd

A post shared by 기은세 (@kieunse) on

If you're going to be taking photos against such a striking backdrop, you might as well wear a dress that can hold its own.

12 / 15

A flouncy top isn't overly girly if you opt for soft ivory and wear it with matching pants.

@songhaena

Follow Korean model Haena Song for behind-the-scenes snaps from sets, workout inspo (she's a Pilates buff), and chic #ootds.

13 / 15
 

????오잉

A post shared by 송해나 Haena Song (@songhaena) on

This risky denim silhouette is a winner with a graphic tee, a jumble of bracelets, and some of-the-moment wire-frame glasses.

14 / 15
 

우산없셔 비오지마아

A post shared by 송해나 Haena Song (@songhaena) on

Pull off the no-pants look with a boyfriend flannel, chunky boots, and a distressed cap.

15 / 15

Or take it in a flirtier direction, and try a blazer belted with a ribbon and coordinating bright-blue accessories.

Up next, meet the "ugly" shoe trend Marc Jacobs wants you to wear next season.