10 Korean Winter Fashion Trends 2023 to 2024

The arrival of the coldest season has us clinging to chic pieces that provide coverage, warmth, and style. Indeed, the winter season is the perfect time to experiment with different fabrics, garments, and accessories for seamless layering. In fact, our favorite Korean icons have already displayed their unique cop-worthy pieces for the perfect winter ensemble! Seeing these classic winter staples revived with modern twists, we can’t help but gush over these Korean winter fashion trends that speak South Korea’s distinctive clothing style.

If you’re wondering how you can have a voguish wardrobe for winter, see for yourself how Koreans never fail to amaze us with their yearly winter looks! We actually have more notable winter pieces for 2024 with versatile garments desired and past trends hyped like never before. To cop the hottest winter (pun intended) staples of the K-fashion scene, below are 10 of the best Korean winter fashion trends of this year ’til 2024!

(Hailing from the Southern Hemisphere and transitioning to summer? Browse some outfit inspiration from our previous Korean Summer Fashion Trends 2023.)

Table of Contents

1. Slim-Fit Turtleneck Sweater
2. Leg Warmers
3. Faux Sheepskin Boots
4. Ushanka Hat
5. Fluffy Faux Fur Jacket
6. Oversized Scarf
7. Puffer Parka
8. Crew Neck Pullover
9. Dark Overcoat
10. Knit Beanie

1. Slim-Fit Turtleneck Sweater

One of the most versatile and year-round pieces to grace this list is a classic slim-fit turtleneck sweater. As popular as it is during the fall season, this slimming long-sleeved garment is a go-to winter piece even for idols. It is best for highlighting one’s silhouette, providing coverage, and layering. Plain-colored ones tend to get the spotlight, especially when paired with a coat, blazer, or sweater vest for a simple yet preppy look.

Red Velvet’s Wendy shows us a sleek and basic ensemble by pairing her black slim-fit turtleneck top with a pair of denim pants, adding some bling with a pearl necklace. You can also explore other hues like IVE’s Gaeul in a pink turtleneck sweater paired with professional black trousers and a classy crossbody bag. If you tend to dress simple but chic, these idols might serve some inspiration!

2. Leg Warmers

Leg warmers are a 1980s fashion fad revived by both the winter season and the Korean fashion scene. KPOP Stage performance this year has been filled with Y2K concepts which includes leg warmers. Generally worn to provide warmth for one’s lower legs and prevent leg cramps for dancers, leg warmers have proven their worth in K-pop idols’ winter style. They often come as tubular sleeves wrapped around one’s calves not just for functionality but also for fashion. Additionally, it is best paired with sneakers or loafers and shorter clothing.

IVE’s Wonyoung rocks a pair of thick cherry-colored leg warmers with a denim skirt and a graphic tee with a similar motif. Matching these leg warmers with fur slippers also creates a cuter and more snuggly look. If you want a street-style touch, consider a combination of white leg warmers and white sneakers with a button-down dress and a loud parka just like TWICE’s Nayeon.

3. Faux Sheepskin Boots

Perhaps there is nothing warmer for your feet than a pair of faux sheepskin boots to keep them toasty while treading snow-covered pavements. Aside from their provided warmth and convenience with flat soles, faux sheepskin boots are also cute and iconic additions to your winter wardrobe, especially if they come in a brown color. Their neutral hue allows our favorite Korean idols to easily match them with cozy and similarly neutral clothing for effortless fashion.

Some examples of idols wearing these neutral sheepskin boots are HyunA and Le Sserafim’s Chaewon. The female solo singer resorts to a casual dark OOTD with a black cap, pullover, and baggy sweatpants to pair her brown boots. On the other hand, Le Sserafim’s leader dons a lighter ensemble with a beige coat, a light plaid scarf, cream-colored pants, and platform sheepskin boots.

4. Ushanka Hat

You might have been wondering for a long time now what these warm caps with ear flaps are called. These warm hats worn by some Korean icons are termed as Ushanka hats, which have their roots in Russia but have been popularized globally as a winter accessory. Apart from its unique design for styling purposes, a Ushanka hat replaces the need for a separate beanie and earmuffs for warmth. While this hat is traditionally made out of fur, knit versions and ones with brims are also favored.

Red Velvet’s Yeri gives us a warm yet elegant getup with a brown jacket, a black scarf, and a matching black pants combo topped with a white knit Ushanka hat for contrast. If you want a lighter alternative, perhaps Suzy’s beige hoodie, fur brown bag, and brimmed Ushanka hat might serve as inspo!

5. Fluffy Faux Fur Jacket

And speaking of faux fur, you cannot have more than enough of it given the coldest season of the year. As one of the boldest Korean winter fashion trends, fluffy faux fur jackets are in full swing among idols. Light-colored fur jackets tend to emanate a regal, elegant, and expensive vibe. This explains why they are a common sight among rich ladies in Korean dramas. Moreover, they are best complemented with fancy jewelry and formal outfits.

Want the expensive aura of fur jackets for yourself? Then you can cop IVE’s Wonyoung’s equestrian-like coordinating set in black with a white blouse underneath for full-on elegance under a fur hooded jacket. Want to keep it simple yet classy? Then go with a classic white silk mini-dress under a beige fur jacket for a romantic and feminine look like ITZY’s Yuna.

6. Oversized Scarf

A scarf will always be handy to get you in style through any season of the year. Still, Korean idols welcome it the most during the fall and winter months as an excellent layering accessory for its comfort and thickness. To emphasize the latter, we’ve been introduced to oversized versions often in cashmere and with tassels for their aesthetic appeal. Its voluminous appearance also takes focus from your ensemble to create an illusion of a smaller figure. Neutrals and plaid are the typical scarf designs as seen on K-artists.

BLACKPINK’s Jennie prefers to keep her getup sleek and regal with black from head to toe, accessorized with an oversized luxury scarf. IVE’s Wonyoung dons a more casual yet edgy winter outfit with by exploring colors and textures, specifically through a black leather jacket, denim pants, and a light fuzzy scarf.

7. Puffer Parka

If you want to spice up any plain top and pants for winter, puffer parkas are your go-to! This padded outerwear typically comes in a lightweight waterproof fabric that provides enough warmth but still leaves room for layering basics. It also emanates a sporty vibe that looks fit for winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. Fashion-wise, a puffer parka is appreciated for its added volume to the upper body and below-the-hip length. 

Want to play on the safer side? Then consider Suzy’s classic white puffer parka matched with flared denim trousers.

8. Crew Neck Pullover

Still not over with the holiday sweater fever? We got you! Crew neck pullovers are excellent laid-back pieces if you wish to dress down and go about with any pair of trousers and lace-up kicks. While plain-colored ones are always viable, we tend to gravitate towards those with abstract and embroidered designs for a more creative look. Crew necks also give enough coverage, a balance between mock necks and round necks.

BLACKPINK’s Rose rocks a fuzzy crew neck pullover in light blue with black pants and sneakers for a cute everyday ensemble. If you want an even more laid-back version, then you can channel Red Velvet’s Seulgi’s getup with knit embroidered pullover, baggy pinstripe pants, and sheepskin boots. 

9. Dark Overcoat

Perhaps nothing on this list speaks Korean fashion more than long dark overcoats that we see our coolest K-drama oppas wear! This winter fashion staple is worn by both male and female Korean artists for an elegant, sleek, and sometimes mysterious vibe. If you want the cool and professional aura, consider pairing a dark buttoned overcoat with a black turtleneck sweater and boots.

Starting with a casual OOTD, SNSD’s Sooyoung serves us a cute pink-and-white clothing combination under a neutral black overcoat for contrast. On the other hand, BLACKPINK’s Rose keeps her outfit monochromatic with a black sweater, a gray beanie, and a dark gray overcoat.

10. Knit Beanie

The last year-round staple on this list of Korean winter fashion trends is a beanie to pair your casual or street-style fits. They are a classic accessory for your head. providing heat and protection, especially if knitted. Moreover, a knit beanie is perfect if you think your winter outfit needs a little flair to look complete. Idols are usually seen wearing beanies to match their laid-back looks.

With her signature rapper swag, BLACKPINK’s Lisa is a big fan of knit beanies to enliven her fits. She wears a plain gray beanie to add a hip-hop touch to her cropped shirt and coat combo, and sometimes a white knit beanie with ears for a more adorable take with a snuggly pullover.

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So which of these Korean winter fashion trends has won a spot in your wardrobe? We hope that you got some fantastic K-style inspiration for your picture-worthy ensembles outside while keeping you warm to make the most out of the snowy season! Let us know in the comments below your favorite winter piece or if we missed anything worth the hype!

To complement your spectacular fits, why don’t you search for additional inspiration from our best trends in Korean-style shoes and jewelry? If the winter season has still left you with some holiday fever, you might still want to channel that festive vibe with our Korean Christmas outfit ideas!

Thanks for reading and happy shopping!