We're sure you've binge-watched quite a few K-dramas during your years of staying and working from home. And now that the country is opening up, it's finally your chance to emulate your favorite K-drama characters' outfits IRL!
We know you're all itching to show off your long-hidden wardrobe pieces. So ahead, we've compiled a list of 15 back-to-work looks inspired by your favorite K-drama leading ladies, as well as tips on how to polish and elevate office-friendly looks.
15 Office Outfit Ideas, As Seen on K-Dramas
1. Kim Se Jeong as Shin Ha-ri, Business Proposal
When we think of an office look, the first thing that comes to mind is a pantsuit. To elevate yours, try pairing it with a lovely white blouse from your basics drawer. A ribboned white one like Ha-ri's would be the best for a dainty vibe!
2. Seol In Ah as Jin Young-seo, Business Proposal
Any sleek, monochrome look is guaranteed to look office-ready! Jin Young-seo nailed the monochrome trend with her all-white coords, which gives off a fresh and relaxed vibe. Like her, instead of the traditional blazer and trouser look, opt for a midi skirt to make your outfit extra breezy. (Tip: wearing a peplum top or skirt can help you achieve an hourglass figure by defining your natural body shape.)
3. Son Ye Jin as Cha Mi-jo, Thirty Nine
Cha Mi-jo also loves rocking a monochrome ensemble at work, and this navy button-up shirt and satin midi skirt is one classic example. While midi skirts with long slits may give off a hint of a sultry vibe, when paired with a long- or short-sleeved top, it can definitely be office-friendly.
4. Jeon Mi Do as Jeong Chan-yeong, Thirty Nine
This casual Friday get-up is excellent for anyone looking for a simple yet elevated look. Simply throw on a jacket or cardigan, and let the collar of your button-down peek out to achieve a charming, preppy style. Don’t forget to finish your whole look with a neutral shoulder bag!
5. Park Min Young as Jin Ha-kyung, Forecasting Love & Weather
Blouses with a perky tie detail, such as Ha-kyung's tan top below, allows you to wear less accessories since the tie (especially when done in a bow) already does all the talking. Wear it with a simple black trousers for that fuss-free vibe and a matching black baguette bag to tie the look together.
6. Kim Tae Ri as Na Hee-do, Twenty Five Twenty One
Catching up with your friends after work? Simply wear a plain white top over a cropped vest and then substitute your light-washed denim jeans with some neutral slacks. It's the perfect balance between casual and formal!
7. Kim Da Mi as Kook Yeon-soo, Our Beloved Summer
Apart from the usual polo and trousers combo, midi skirts are a great way to achieve a laid-back office look. You can also add texture to your polo by scrunching up the sleeves and swapping your heels with elegant pointed-toe flats.
8. Shin Min Ah as Yoon Hye-jin, Hometown Cha Cha Cha
We can't deny that dresses are unquestionably the easiest to throw on outfits, especially when you're sick of matching tops and bottoms. A good pop of color, like this pink puff-sleeve dress, will make you look effortlessly stylish.
9. Son Ye Jin as Yoon Se-ri, Crash Landing on You
A cardigan over a dress or long skirt is the coziest and most comfortable 'fit to turn to when you just want to chill during long work day. So your OOTD isn't too relaxed, accessorize with a simple braided hairstyle and a cute scrunchie!
10. Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Start-Up
Want an outfit that's easiest to put-together? Jump into a well-tailored collared jumpsuit! Cop one in a neutral color like sand beige so it's easy to re-wear. And to the petite girls out there, this 'fit is also a good option if you want to add a bit of height.
11. Park Min Young as Kim Mi-so, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim
Pairing pieces with complementary tones, like Mi-so's silk nude pink polo and wine red midi skirt, is one way to perfect the two-tone palette. Give it a try when you want a break from the monochrome but still want something easy to put together.
12. Seo Ye Ji as Go Moon-young, It’s Okay Not To Be Okay
Go Moon-young is a true K-drama fashion icon. We'd all love to channel her style on the daily, but not everyone has a closet full of couture! Thankfully, we can cop this casual look from episode 16, which includes jeans, a white blouse, and a short embroidered jacket. Feel free to switch up the footwear to match your mood and your dress code!
13. Kim Go Eun as Kim Yu-mi, Yumi’s Cells
Waistcoats have long been associated with formal attire, but Kim Yu-mi has altered the trend into a more laid-back look. She layered her waistcoat over a neutral button-down top, and then wore it with straight-cut jeans that can be swapped with cigarette trousers. Finish your version off with a roomy messenger bag, which is also a trendy bag style in Korea!
14. Jeon Yeo Been as Hong Cha-young, Vincenzo
A dark monochrome ensemble with a crisp blazer and wide-leg trousers is ideal for a full day of meetings. To balance out the edge from the color, you can top it off with some dainty jewelry and style your tresses in soft, undone waves.
15. Song Hye Kyo as Ha Young-eun, Now We Are Breaking Up
This denim on denim outfit on Ha Young-eun had us all swooning in this K-drama. To pull off the same style, look for tops and bottoms that have similar washes and textures. Tuck the top into a chic cut like high-waisted flared jeans to add length to your body and give your OOTD that retro edge.
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