Cover Power dress like these K-drama heroines (Photo: tvN)
Power dress like these K-drama heroines (Photo: tvN)
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These iconic outfits by K-drama heroines weren’t just about aesthetics. They defined characters, symbolised transformations and, in some cases, even influenced how viewers dressed.
The fashion in Korean dramas doesn't just set trends; it redefines beauty ideals and shapes how audiences perceive power and prestige. Nowhere is this more evident than in the commanding wardrobes of K-drama heroines. Whether it’s a perfectly tailored suit exuding boardroom dominance or a couture dress that speaks volumes without a single word, fashion in K-dramas isn’t just about show. It’s a tool of storytelling, character development and social commentary. These aren’t just outfits; they are symbols of status, ambition and rebellion against the ordinary.
From sharp-shouldered blazers to striking monochrome ensembles, these power-dressing moments didn’t just make an impact on screen—they inspired real-world fashion movements. Here’s a look at the most iconic K-drama outfits that redefined power dressing, the luxury brands behind them and how they cemented their place in pop culture.
Also read: 6 K-dramas that master the art of payback
1. The checkered trench coat: Son Ye-Jin in ‘Crash Landing on You’ (2019-2020)
Above One of the most beloved K-drama heroines is Yoon Se-ri, here in her ‘Good-bye, North Korea’ look (Photo: tvN)
One of the most beloved K-drama heroines is Yoon Se-ri, here in her ‘Good-bye, North Korea’ look (Photo: tvN)
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Yes, this chaebol heiress and entrepreneur rocked some beautiful pieces when she was living it up in South Korea, but it was her looks in the DPRK that lasted on everyone's minds. Before her planned escape from North Korea, Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin) decided on a special going-away ensemble consisting of a camel-checkered trench coat and a state-approved “good-bye” hairstyle.
But while Yoon Se-ri opted for simpler clothing in North Korea, she by no means left her designer sensibilities behind. The trench coat is a piece by Miu Miu, her purse a Fendi, her earrings Swarovski and her shoes Roger Vivier.
Style legacy: Yoon Se-ri’s wardrobe was a lesson in effortless sophistication. From Celine blazers to Valentino dresses, her style was polished and commanding, but the coat was a defining moment, symbolising quiet resilience while still staying true to her luxurious, upper 0.1% self.
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2. The red ensemble: Hong Hae-in in ‘Queen of Tears’ (2024)
Above You can't beat this ‘Queen of Tears’ revenge look (Screencap: ‘Queen of Tears’)
Above Hong Hae-in went on the offensive when she learns that her husband was planning to divorce her (Screencap: ‘Queen of Tears’)
You can't beat this ‘Queen of Tears’ revenge look (Screencap: ‘Queen of Tears’)
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As the CEO of a luxury department store, Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won) knows how to dress the part. But she still understands when and how to level it up. In a particularly irate mood after learning her husband, the love of her life, wanted to file for divorce, she decides to get her revenge with a killer look. She chooses a stunning Rebecca Vallance off-shoulder red dress paired with a Balmain jacket. The clothes alone already spell power but she tosses in some red strappy Gianvanito Rossis, a matching Valentino purse and some Bulgari Serpenti jewellery that even blinded her employees. As her secretary explains, “The more upset she is, the fancier she dresses. She looked like a fabulous peacock today. It means we're all dead meat.”
Style legacy: Hae-in’s preference for monochrome ensembles—whether it’s an all-white pantsuit or a deep navy evening gown—mirrors her steely exterior. Unlike K-drama heroines who soften their look with pastel florals and flowing silhouettes, she embraces sharp tailoring that underscores her status and emotional armour.
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3. The pink tiered dress: Ko Moon-Young in ‘It's Okay to Not Be Okay’ (2019-2020)
Above Everything Ko Moon-Young wears is a power look (Screencap: ‘It's Okay to Not Be Okay’)
Above (Screencap: ‘It's Okay to Not Be Okay’)
Everything Ko Moon-Young wears is a power look (Screencap: ‘It's Okay to Not Be Okay’)
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Fashion is practically a main character in this dark drama. Ko Moon-Young (Seo Ye-Ji) didn’t just wear clothes—she weaponised them. Her wardrobe exuded gothic romance and untouchable wealth, and choosing just one favourite is a tall order. However, the ethereal pink-tiered tulle dress by Alexander McQueen in Episode 13 stands out. (The black look with a large hat is a worthy runner-up). The structured ribbed-knit bodice and cascading layers of tulle all cinched with a no-nonsense belt perfectly encapsulates Moon-Young’s paradoxical nature. She is delicate yet powerful, whimsical yet commanding. It’s the kind of dress that belongs in a fairytale, which makes it all the more striking against the show’s darker themes of trauma and healing.
Style legacy: Much like the character, the fashion in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay challenges K-drama norms, veering away from the usual girl-next-door aesthetic in favour of avant-garde couture. Styled with sky-high heels and her signature razor-sharp gaze, this look cements Moon-Young as one of the most stylish—and intimidating—K-drama heroines in history.
4. The pink tweed suit: Cheon Song-yi in ‘My Love From the Star’ (2013)
Above When in doubt, Cheon Song-yi says dress in head-to-toe Chanel (Screencap: ‘My Love From the Star’)
Above The colour gives this classic look a unique and modern twist (Screencap: ‘My Love From the Star’)
When in doubt, Cheon Song-yi says dress in head-to-toe Chanel (Screencap: ‘My Love From the Star’)
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If there’s one K-drama outfit that defined an era, it’s Jun Ji-hyun’s iconic pink Chanel ensemble in My Love from the Star (2013). Playing the larger-than-life actress Cheon Song-yi, Jun’s wardrobe was nothing short of spectacular, but it was this particular bubblegum pink tweed set from the 2013 pre-fall collection that became a pop culture moment—one that solidified her as not only a K-drama heroine but also a bona fide fashion icon. It came complete with multiple rows of pearls and two-tone pumps, all radiating elegance and playfulness. She keeps her hair loose and parted in the middle, striking the middle ground between high fashion and effortless charm.
Overall style legacy: You could say that this K-drama started the trend of highly stylised leads. Before My Love From the Star, K-drama heroines had a few luxury pieces here and there, but Cheon Song-yi unapologetically dressed like an A-lister because, well, she was one. Her wardrobe, filled with head-to-toe Givenchy, Balmain and Fendi, wasn’t just aspirational; it launched a trend about being boldly stylish.
FYI, sales of pink tweed sets skyrocketed after this show aired.
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5. The purple gown: Jang Man-wol in ‘Hotel del Luna’ (2019)
Above The deep purple hue of Jang Man-won's dress stood out against the crowd in ‘Hotel del Luna’ (Photo: IMDB)
The deep purple hue of Jang Man-won's dress stood out against the crowd in ‘Hotel del Luna’ (Photo: IMDB)
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When Jang Man-wol (IU) arrives to conduct supernatural revenge on behalf of a client, she wears a deep purple gown with a high neckline, beautiful buttons on the bodice and sleeves and a sexy slit. With a black veiled hat, dark pumps, Man-wol’s signature crimson lip and, of course, an ornate shotgun, the effect was otherworldly—a perfect match for the character, the enigmatic and eternally chic hotel owner. The look was less ghostly hotelier and more modern-day gothic royalty. The rich purple shade, often associated with luxury, mystery and power, reflects Man-wol’s complex persona, someone haunted by the past yet exuding effortless opulence.
Style legacy: While K-drama fashion has long been defined by contemporary, everyday elegance, Hotel Del Luna rewrote the script. Instead of the usual minimalist aesthetic, IU’s wardrobe was a glamorous parade of couture-like ensembles, reflecting her character’s centuries-old history, wealth and dramatic flair. Indeed, Jang Man-wol dressed like a woman who had lived for centuries and collected the best of every fashion era along the way.
6. Prim punk outfit: Park Yeon-jin in ‘The Glory’ (2022)
Above The imposing silhouette emphasises Park Yeon-jin's dominance and control (Screencap: ‘The Glory’)
Above You can even see it a mile away (Screencap: ‘My Love From the Star’)
The imposing silhouette emphasises Park Yeon-jin's dominance and control (Screencap: ‘The Glory’)
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The Glory didn’t just give us one of the most chilling revenge plots in K-drama history, it also redefined how a villain can be as much a style icon as a protagonist. It’s tempting to put Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo) and her outfits on this list, but there’s just something so delicious about Park Yeon-jin’s impeccable and ruthless style. Her orange Vivienne Westwood look, complete with that signature necklace, bold shoulders and precise tailoring, wasn’t just an outfit—it was a warning. A declaration that, in her mind, she was untouchable.
The fiery hue was no coincidence either. In the context of The Glory, where Yeon-jin’s sins and arrogance burn as brightly as the flame she once used to scar Moon Dong-eun, the colour is a metaphor for both her power and her eventual downfall. Westwood’s designs are rooted in rebellion and provocation, so it’s fitting that Yeon-jin, who built her entire life on impunity, draped herself in the legacy of a designer who revolutionised fashion with attitude.
Style legacy: While Park Yeon-jin’s empire eventually crumbled, her fashion legacy remains untarnished. This look cemented her as one of K-drama’s most stylish villains, proving that being bad never looked this good. After The Glory, searches for Vivienne Westwood’s tailored pieces surged, with fans and fashion enthusiasts alike dissecting how Yeon-jin’s wardrobe reflected her character arc.
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