5 K-Drama-Inspired Holiday Outfits And Tips For The Party Season

Tis the season to be jolly, and unless you are a super planner on steroids, it’s also the busiest. From scouting out wish-lists to actually ticking them off, by the time Christmas actually rolls around, chances are you are going to be staring hopelessly into the crevasses of your wardrobe, outfit-less and very un-jolly. But you know what, we’re going to throw you a bone here (or perhaps a stocking would be more fitting?), with party outfits for the season that are (e)xtra Xmas-y. No matter who you are or what mood you’re in, there’s something for everyone!

For The Luxe Goddess: Ruffle Some Feathers

This is one for the all-important party with all the who’s who, because everyone has a party like that in our invites (that we can’t dodge), and since we have to be there, why not go with a bang? While Moo Ra (f(x)’s Krystal) from “Bride of the Water God” has some pretty darn gorgeous outfits in her rotation, befitting of her status as a goddess, one of the best would have to be the silky gown that she wore to the riverside.

Dark blush tones are great as a more muted option for those who shy away from the traffic light colors typical of Christmas, and the silky sheen is a nice touch of shimmer for a year that’s been high on holographic and highlighters. Throw some cute ruffles on top of that, and you’ve got the icing to a real solid (log) cake. Pair with some statement jewelry as Moo Ra does with her jewel drops, and you’re going to be dropping jaws, right and left!

For The Casual Young Professional: Comfy and Chic

You’re meeting your old friends for a get-together during the party season, and you need options that take you from work to casual in the blink of an eye. If that sounds like you, just take a leaf out of “Encounter” hotelier Cha Soo Hyun’s (Song Hye Kyo) book.

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The power broker shifts seamlessly from high-key press conferences to late night strolls in a breezy shirt-dress that, as it happens, is very much fit for Christmas too! The vibrant red of the dress is an instant attention-grabber and toes the line between formal and casual. If you’re out for an outfit that is extremely adaptable and can be recycled through the seasons and scenes of life, you’ve got it. To further up the festive ante, throw on some bling if you’re feeling fancy or some funky headbands (I’ve got my antler ones on stand-by) if you’re feeling fun!

For The College Student: Cute On A Budget? Check!

It’s no secret that being a college student means more often than not, you’re struggling with a college budget. And for important occasions like parties, money for shopping has to stretch a long way, or at least, beyond just the festive season. If you need some tips, just look Gil Oh Sol’s (Kim Yoo Jung) way. The job seeker from “Clean With Passion For Now” makes her outfit go the extra mile with how cute and yet, proper it is.

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High-necked details give a sweet dollish feel to the entire outfit that is complemented by the demure midi length. The festive theme is brought through by the check pattern that incorporates the season’s must-haves of red and green without being overly loud about it.

For The Homely Souls: Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Yes, if you’re a homebody whose idea of a good Christmas is hot cocoa on an Elf night, I hereby prescribe you with, lo and behold, ugly Christmas sweaters. Cos if you’re true to form, they are a tradition, and my money’s on you following through anyways, shame be damned. But if you’re still a wee bit self-conscious about flaunting your love for good old Rudolph outside of the comfort of home, Oh Kang Soon (Jeon So Min) from “Top Star U-Back” shows you how to inject some Christmas zest while still keeping it together.

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After all, nothing quite screams Christmas like mistletoe, and that’s sure what our supermarket lady is betting on with her mistletoe-like embroidered cardigan. It’s a sweet and subtle ode to the seasons without having your cup (of cocoa, or mulled wine, take your pick!) runneth over.

For The Grinch In A Winch: Quirky Details

So, Christmas ain’t your favorite time of the year (or maybe that’s the understatement of the year whoops!) and you’re in a pickle because you’re being compelled by forces beyond your control (ahem, fashion dictator friends, I’m watching you) to dress up for the festive season for once in your life. But before you start hatching any half-baked plan to simply steal an outfit from said fashion dictator, let’s consider something new. How about simply accessorizing with a holiday-themed item?

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A la Jung Yi Hyun (Yoon Hyun Min) from “Mama Fairy and the Woodcutter” who sticks to his standard rotation of formal suits except for one very interesting detail — his printed tie! Small accessories like ties, scarves, and socks (if you’re Canadian PM Justin Trudeau) are a subtle way to add some festive cheer and a sure-fire tactic to not overwhelm your Grinch-y tendencies!