Trend forecasting is the ability to predict whether a specific aspect of fashion will be trendy or not. This skill is really hard to hone because no matter how much a company or team can push an item or style, the public needs to really like it. However, K-Pop has been using this ability for years. The more relevant and fresh they are, the more popular the idol or group will become. Though many fans make fun of the bad stylistic choices the stylists make, there are still plenty of trends. K-Pop stylists have been able to catch trends early enough to build momentum. Here are 5 K-Pop fashion trends to add to your 2021 wardrobe:
Neutral
With many people still working from home, fashion has changed dramatically. InStyle magazine reported that due to quarantine, the color potato brown has become really popular, which makes it a perfect trend to add to your 2021 wardrobe. In Loona’s Relay Dance video, most of the girls are wearing various shades of brown except Yeojin and Kim Lip. The girls styled their potato brown outfits with the always-classic bohemian style. This style is great for the warmer months because of its inherent earthy flavor. Neutral colors usually match with everything and can even be matched together without looking washed out. A great example of this is Olivia Hye’s ensemble. Her brown top contrasts the beige shorts and jacket combo. You can also style it like Choerry did and add a pop of color. The purple shirt under her layered top makes her outfit look eye-catching.
Retro Three-Piece Sets
Some say what’s old becomes new again. When it comes to fashion, that’s actually very true. Throwback fashion has taken off with the rise of the Gen Z. The most recent decades to become popular in fashion are the 80s and 90s, with 80’s fashion embracing the girl boss in every woman, while the 90’s showed comfy street clothes that were vibrant and full of unique patterns. Twice’s “I Can’t Stop Me” era and WJSN’s “Unnatural” era are great examples of the 80’s style in action. The look sends a powerful yet sexy vibe. This is the perfect look for a business meeting or a Zoom job interview. Three piece suits can be pretty pricey so all you really need for this look is a blazer with puffed or defined shoulders, wide leg pants, and a button up blouse to go underneath the blazer. For a more dressed-down look, swap the pants for comfy jeans, throw on a comfortable camisole, and add the blazer to finish the look.
90’s Inspired
Continuing the flashback theme, the 90’s has gained popularity over the past few years. It’s quite a contrast from the 80’s style, with its appeal of more casual streetwear. Despite the sophisticated and expensive nature of the 80’s, the 90’s style is something anyone can replicate. The decade was known for lots of bold colors and statement pieces. Rookie group, Weeekly, is decked out in colorful, bright, and fun clothing. It may be a really bold choice but it shows that fashion is just meant to be fun. The style perfectly matches their comeback song as well as the decade because of this.
If the bold and bright colors are a bit scary, Twice’s Chaeyoung and Dahyun have a much milder option for you with softer colors. However, both options have the classic 90’s look with cargo pants, sports jerseys, sneakers, crop tops, and of course the choice of a beanie or bucket hat. No matter what color palette the clothes have, they both capture the essence of the decade well. Prints were also a big staple for this decade so adding camo or stripes will add a touch of the 90’s to any look.
Jumpsuits/One Pieces
Jumpsuits are a universal staple for any time of year. There is a jumpsuit cut and style for any climate, any time of year, and every occasion. They are also really easy to style. The two examples given here are in two different styles during two different seasons, conveying tones appropriate to the situation. A popular trend that has been circulating In the last few years is the utilitarian style of clothing. A great example of this trend is Weki Meki’s uniform white utility jumpsuits. These are comfortable while still being stylish and can be worn in most seasons, depending on the cut. In another example, Wheein’s of Mamamoo’s jumpsuit is perfect for the warmer weather. It’s loose, legless, and sleeveless which is perfect for the beach or a nice picnic. Both styles are an any-day streetwear attire that can still make anyone look great.
Black and White
Black and white are two colors that will never go out of style. When paired together, they create an unstoppable force that compliments every body shape and skin tone. Sometimes this extremely simple combo can be overlooked by the other trends circulating but it’s always important to go back to a classic. Rookie groups Tri.be, and Lunarsolar, are great examples of this. Combining the two colors together seems to create a refined quality to street wear, giving off a girl crush energy. Mixing black and white can play off of the light and dark quality, creating a balance of elegance and toughness.
This article was written by KPOP-TV Blog Team member Ausia Richardson
