There’s something “real” about airport fashion, and South Korean celebrities have really made the bar higher in the past few years. Often seen as style inspo, airport fashion gained popularity in the mid-2000s (Hallyu 2.0) and has since become a way for celebs to showcase their personal style off-stage, without a stylist and theme to adhere to.
Yes, the on-stage costumes and red carpets are where many Korean celebrities and K-pop idols would dress to the nines, but their airport looks have been an inspiration for many of us mainly because the looks are comparably comfortable and wearable, making them easier for fans to replicate. It’s gotten to a point where strutting through the terminal earned them equally, if not more, flashlights than walking down the red carpets.
Like some of us, these celebrities could be following trends. Just look at how LE SSERAFFIM member Huh Yunjin rocked a pair of red stockings and a pair of red Mary Janes from Carel that went viral on TikTok, or how Kim Do Yeon stays firm with the classics, wearing a white tee and blue jeans. Want to get your hands on the exact same thing they’re wearing? Look for style accounts that will list nearly everything; some even with prices listed.
Below, we list our favourite Korean celeb airport fashion of 2023 that need to be immortalised.
Blackpink Jennie
The drop waistline is a major trend that resurfaced on the runways this season. While it creates an illusion of a longer torso, it may be challenging for some to pull it off and the best way to balance it out is like how Jennie did it here: pair it with boots.
(Image credit: X)
Jun Ji-hyun
Nothing hits like a good ol’ trusty beige trench coat, especially one from the English heritage house Burberry.
(Image credit: Burberry)
Blackpink Rosé
Business chic à la Rosé, not forgetting that practical yet “ludicrously capacious bag“.
(Image credit: Rosé s Instagram @roses_are_rosie)
(G)I-dle Soyeon
Acid green is never the best colour to play around with but pairing it with a pink mesh sneakers and a silver bag make Soyeon’s airport fit an exemplary street look.
(Image credit: Soyeon’s Instagram @tiny.pretty.j)
BTS V
Data shown that “Eclectic Grandpa” will be the style of 2024 but if going full-on “grandpa” is not your cup of tea, try to mix and match with streets elements such as sneakers or ripped jeans, just like Taehyung.
(Image credit: Celine)
Weki Meki Kim Do Yeon
Blue jeans, white shirt, what could go wrong? Spice it up with leather outerwear and a pair of heavy duty boots (and a vintage camera as a prop) to add some edginess to the look and you are good to go.
(Image credit: Kim Do Yeon’s Instagram @lafilledhiver_)
aespa Giselle
Cargo pants might just be the most comfortable trousers, especially when you need to catch a flight. Pairing it with a slouchy distressed knitwear, Giselle added a hint of punk pop to her airport look.
(Image credit: Giselle’s Instagram @aerichandesu)
Stray Kids Felix
#Felix #필릭스 #이용복 #StrayKids #스트레이키즈
231130 인천 출국 pic.twitter.com/HfJDQBkJBM
— HYUNLIX_SPELL (@HYUNLIX_SPELL) November 29, 2023
If you are heading to a colder region, try putting on a long coat over a jacket, best if they are of different textures and colours. It’s all about layering.
LE SSERAFIM Yunjin
A staple of the indie sleaze era, red tights is making a fierce comeback this season, along with the classic red Mary Janes. This ensemble can easily pass as a party look if you are looking for some inspirations for your year-end celebrations.
(Image credit: Yunjin’s Instagram @jenaissante)