7 Must-Try K-Drama fashion trends for UAE winter: From Queen of Tears to Lovely Runner

A brooding ghost who looked just so chic: That was IU in the 2019 Korean drama Hotel Del Luna, with her retro and vintage aesthetics, featuring fitted silhouettes, puffed sleeves, and high necklines. She carried the melancholy bittersweet drama forward, with just her fashion sense that depicted her moods. Think velvet dresses with lace collars, high-waisted skirts paired with blouses and fitted coats with exaggerated shoulders.

And that’s just one Korean drama. It’s 2024 and K-dramas have dialed up the fashion game, by a notch. From the sporty chic of Lovely Runner to the sleek sophistication of When The Phone Rings, these shows are brimming with style inspiration to update your winter wardrobe. While IU’s dazzling hat from Hotel Del Luna might be out of reach, we’ve rounded up trends that come pretty close—tailored to keep you both stylish and comfortable this season, and all on a budget.

1)      Classy blazer ensembles and pantsuits: Queen Of Tears

Beyond dominating the ratings, the romantic drama Queen of Tears sparked conversations with its impeccable fashion taste. We’re talking about Kim Ji-won; an actor who turned the tables on modern elegance and adopted sophisticated blazer ensembles, along with colourful pantsuits. A fractured marriage couldn’t dilute her sense of fashion. She wore tailored blazers in classic colours, like charcoal and navy, paired with formal and casual pieces.

So, here’s how you can style, according to Snigdha Sen, a fashion designer and a K-drama fan, based in Abu Dhabi.

Blazers: Choose lightweight wool or blended fabrics to ensure comfort without overheating. Opt for single-breasted styles with structured shoulders for a polished look.

Trousers and skirts: Pair blazers with high-waisted trousers or midi skirts. For a chic twist, try tapered trousers or pleated skirts that add movement and sophistication.

Footwear: Complement the outfit with sleek ankle boots or loafers, ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings.

The other characters weren’t far behind. They frequently incorporated cosy knitwear into their outfits, creating a balance between warmth and style. So, how about cashmere sweaters, turtlenecks, and oversized cardigans that provide comfort without bulk?

1) Oversized tailoring: The CEO chic look

In King The Land, while Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoon-ah swept us off our feet with their romance, their wardrobe sense kept us talking too.  Sen adds, “The truth is, nothing says sophistication like oversized blazers and tailored coats. King the Land brought back the sharp yet relaxed ‘CEO chic’ style with wide-shouldered coats in neutral tones, paired with sleek trousers.”

 To pull this off in UAE, opt for lightweight wool or cotton blends to stay comfortable while looking polished.

3) Lovely Runner: Sporty chic athleisure

Ah, if only we could look that good while rushing back and forth in time. In this romantic drama that was all about time travel,  Kim Hye-Yoon's character, Im Sol, combined athletic wear with casual fashion, creating a sporty chic aesthetic. So, you might want to pair your sleek track pants with fitted tops. Accessorise them with minimalist sneakers. It works well for UAE’s winter, offering comfort and style for daytime activities, especially for those who like a rather toned down look.

How to style:

Track pants:  Opt for neutral colors like black or navy for versatility.

Tops: Pair with a fitted turtleneck or a cropped hoodie.

Footwear: White sneakers add a clean finish to the ensemble.

4) Soft knit layers and fun knitwear: A Time Called You and Twinkling Watermelon

Another time-travelling tale, A Time Called You might have scarred most of us emotionally but it also gave us some ideas for winter fashion. It was mirrored in soft knits, pastel layers. So, you can pair cropped cardigans over dresses, or chunky knits, paired with plaid skirts. That’s ideal for cooler evenings, and a perfect balance for comfort and femininity.

You can even make it quirky, if you were inspired by Twinkling Watermelon. This youth-centric drama brought playful patterned sweaters and colourful scarves into focus. Ideal for casual outings, you can rock a chunky knit with jeans or opt for a graphic cardigan layered over a midi dress. Lightweight knit fabrics are perfect for balancing warmth with fluctuating temperatures.

5)  Monochrome minimalism: When The Phone Rings, See You In My 19^th Life

For those who are riveted by When The Phone Rings and Chae Soo-bin’s monochrome outfits, you can opt for tailored, monochrome coats and choose neutral colours like black, gray, or beige for versatile styling.

Meanwhile, neutral palettes were a defining feature of Shin Hye-sun’s wardrobe in See You In My 19^th life. Floor-length coats, knit tops, and wide-leg pants in shades of beige, white, and camel are both versatile and chic. Lightweight layers in these tones can help you master understated elegance.

6) Edgy street style with pops of colour: Vigilante

Nam Joo-hyuk brings a modern twist to streetwear in Vigilante. Bomber jackets, hooded sweatshirts, and cargo pants in muted tones are elevated with vibrant accents like neon scarves or sneakers. Sen explains, “You can adopt this look by pairing cropped puffers with colourful accessories for that perfect casual-chic aesthetic.”

7) My Demon: Structured outwear with a modern twist

From suits to oversized sweatshirts and jumpers, Song Kang had us floored in the supernatural romantic drama My Demon. His combination of slim-fit trousers, simple shirts, and clean-cut jackets is perfect for a smart look that’s also comfortable.

Here’s how you can style for the UAE winter:

· A classic white shirt or a simple turtleneck, layered under a lightweight jacket or paired with slim trousers, is a great way to replicate Song Kang’s style. Go for high-waisted, slim-fit trousers, which will give you the modern silhouette seen in the drama.

·  A fitted pullover or knit sweater in neutral tones like beige, black, or gray pairs effortlessly with tailored pants or denim for a chic yet simple look.

·  Finish the outfit with a pair of sleek white sneakers or loafers, which are stylish and versatile enough to wear during both the day and night.

Winter fashion tips for UAE 2024

Layer lightly: Focus on breathable fabrics like cotton or linen blends for daytime and warmer knits for the evening.

Accessorise strategically: Add scarves, hats, or belts for personality without adding too much weight.