Introduction
K-pop idols are no longer just music stars—they have become powerful fashion icons shaping trends worldwide.
From the Y2K revival led by LE SSERAFIM to BTS V’s gender-fluid outfits, K-pop fashion now influences both high fashion runways and everyday streetwear.
In this article, we’ll explore how K-pop idols are setting global fashion trends in 2025 and the key styles they’re popularizing.
Trend 1: The Return of Y2K 2.0
Key Idols: LE SSERAFIM, IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, TWICE’s Nayeon
Y2K fashion, which emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has made a strong comeback.
Iconic pieces like crop tops, wide-leg jeans, cargo pants with oversized pockets, velvet tracksuits, and knee-high boots are trending again—thanks to the influence of K-pop idols.
LE SSERAFIM
LE SSERAFIM embraces Y2K with low-rise wide pants, cropped tops, and a cool, edgy attitude.
Kim Chaewon pairs crop tops with sneakers to transform her sweet image into something more hip.
Sakura plays with bold prints and colorful outfits, while Huh Yunjin favors loose-fit cargo pants.
Kazuha often wears joggers and sporty pieces in her own elegant way, and Hong Eunchae adds her flair with playful accessories like pendant hairpins.
IVE
IVE reinterprets Y2K through a “high-teen core” lens—combining pleated skirts, button-down shirts, and a polished yet youthful preppy vibe.
Ahn Yujin matches crop tops with low-rise skirts for a sporty, sleek look.
Gaeul wears tweed jackets and pastel-tone check skirts for a soft, romantic feel.
Rei loves bold patterns and colorful, quirky outfits.
Jang Wonyoung favors sparkly materials like sequins and glitter.
Liz keeps it fresh with girlish styles, while Leeseo, the youngest, rocks denim and pleated skirts for a cheerful, school-girl vibe.
TWICE
TWICE emphasizes a healthy, chic appeal by showing toned abs in cropped tops, paired with low-rise jeans or shorts.
Sana often goes for glamorous, eye-catching styles.
Nayeon wears trendy crop blouse and shirred shorts sets.
Mina keeps it playful with oversized tees and short denim shorts.
Trend 2: Genderless & Fluid Fashion
Key Idols: BTS V, SHINee Taemin, TXT Yeonjun
Genderless and gender-fluid fashion is another key movement led by K-pop idols.
These styles blur the lines of traditional gender roles and highlight personal expression and artistic freedom.
BTS V
V has become a global fashion icon with a style that combines elegance and streetwear, often embracing genderless and fluid silhouettes.
From flowy blouses to dramatic coats, his look transcends gender norms and blends classic with contemporary.
SHINee Taemin
Taemin is a pioneer in using fashion as artistic expression.
Since debuting, he’s pushed boundaries with conceptual performances and avant-garde styling.
His fashion is an extension of his identity—fluid, expressive, and fearless.
TXT Yeonjun
Yeonjun is known for his experimental style. He wears sheer shirts and oversized blouses, mixing delicate textures with bold visuals.
His fashion reflects his desire to explore identity and creativity beyond traditional expectations.
As high fashion and global designers embrace gender fluidity, K-pop idols are not just following the trend—they’re helping to define it.
Trend 3: Retro Luxury Revival
Key Idols: BLACKPINK’s Jennie, LE SSERAFIM’s Kazuha, BTS Jungkook
Retro luxury is making a comeback—but with a twist.
Instead of simply repeating old trends, K-pop idols reimagine vintage glamour through modern tailoring and high-end materials.
Jennie (BLACKPINK)
Jennie redefines retro elegance with a modern edge. As a Chanel ambassador, she seamlessly blends classic pieces like tweed sets and 90s-style crop tops into today's fashion scene.
Her use of accessories like chain belts enhances the luxurious feel while keeping things contemporary.
Kazuha (LE SSERAFIM)
With a background in ballet, Kazuha brings poise and grace to her fashion.
Her take on retro luxury is clean and minimalist, with refined silhouettes and rich materials.
Her style also ties naturally into the rising “balletcore” trend, mixing elegance with edge.
Jungkook (BTS)
Jungkook combines Y2K nostalgia with high-end streetwear.
He often wears hoodies or sweats for casual looks, but adds statement jewelry or designer pieces for a luxe touch.
By merging high fashion with street style, Jungkook sets global trends and appeals to both mainstream and fashion-forward audiences.
Idol Brand Collaborations: What They Wear Becomes the Trend
Notable Brand Collabs:
Calvin Klein – Jungkook
Miu Miu – Kazuha, Jennie
Ader Error, AMI Paris – RM, V
Louis Vuitton – J-Hope, Jackson Wang
When a K-pop idol wears a brand, it instantly skyrockets in search rankings.
Fashion brands targeting Gen Z and millennials often collaborate with idols not just as models, but as trendsetters.
These partnerships help brands achieve global relevance and cultural influence.
Conclusion
In 2025, K-pop is not just entertainment—it’s a cultural engine shaping the global fashion industry.
What K-pop idols wear is more than just clothing—it’s a message, a trendsetter, and a reflection of what's next.
As K-pop continues to evolve, so will the styles it inspires around the world.
Stay tuned—because the next big fashion movement might just begin with your favorite idol.