Korean women are renowned for their impeccable fashion sense and masterful mixing and matching skills, and they’ve proven that office attire need not be stifling. They offer a myriad of alternatives to the traditional shirt, adding variety to their wardrobe while maintaining a professional appearance.
In particular, four types of tops are currently taking the country by storm due to their harmonious blend of practicality and style. These are also great suggestions for Vietnamese office ladies to refresh their wardrobe while remaining trendy.
1. Cardigan/Thin Knitwear
Cardigans have long been a staple in the closets of Korean ladies. Instead of merely using them as outerwear, they now style cardigans as the main piece, pairing them with trousers or A-line skirts for an elegant look.
Korean women often opt for pastel shades like beige, ivory, and mint green, creating a soothing and refined aesthetic. For a youthful twist, go for a cropped cardigan, leave a few buttons undone, and pair it with wide-leg pants.
Additionally, a thin-knit cardigan with a round or V-neckline is perfect for the autumn office. This piece offers a relaxed alternative to the traditional shirt while maintaining a polished look, ensuring your comfort throughout the day.
Thin knitwear is a favorite among Korean women for the office, providing a gentle warmth and an elegant alternative to the traditional shirt. Additionally, long-sleeve T-shirts, blouses, and plain T-shirts are go-to choices for a fresh and youthful work style.
Miss Vietnam Lương Thuỳ Linh rocks a pink cardigan with white jeans.
2. Long-sleeve T-shirts
Long-sleeve T-shirts are a popular choice for Korean women who want to feel both neat and comfortable. The slightly fitted cut and stretchy cotton fabric allow for easy movement and suit various occasions, from the workplace to coffee dates.
The beauty of long-sleeve T-shirts lies in their versatility. Pair them with straight-leg trousers for a polished office look, or mix them with a midi skirt for a feminine, graceful ensemble. Korean women often opt for neutral shades like gray, brown, black, or earthy tones, achieving a minimalist yet sophisticated appearance.
A clever styling trick is to lightly tuck your T-shirt into your pants or skirt to create a more streamlined silhouette. Add a delicate necklace or a pair of pearl earrings to elevate the outfit without sacrificing simplicity.
Long-sleeve T-shirts have become a favorite among Korean women for the office. Unlike stiff shirts, these offer comfort and neatness while maintaining an elegant touch. Simply pair them with trousers or a skirt, and you’ve got a polished work outfit.
3. Blouses
If shirts sometimes feel too rigid, blouses provide a way to break free from constraints while retaining a professional look. Korean women adore blouses with puffed sleeves and round or bow-tied necks—details that exude femininity and softness.
Blouses made of voile, silk, or chiffon are also go-to choices for an elevated work style. Opt for a basic white blouse to easily match with other items, or experiment with polka dots or tiny floral prints for a touch of sweetness.
Combine blouses with straight-cut trousers or pencil skirts to strike a balance between professionalism and femininity.
Blouses are a favorite among Korean women for the office, thanks to their feminine and soft appeal while maintaining a professional edge. With puffed sleeves, bow necks, and lightweight voile fabric, this piece adds elegance and grace to your work wardrobe, moving away from the rigidity of traditional shirts.
4. Plain T-shirts
Don’t underestimate the power of a plain T-shirt—Korean women have elevated this basic piece into a “must-have” for the office through clever styling. The key is to choose plain T-shirts without flashy prints, favoring colors like white, gray, navy, and beige.
For a work-appropriate look, pair a plain T-shirt with an oversized blazer, trousers, or a midi skirt. This combination exudes dynamism while retaining a sense of professionalism. Many Korean women also like to tuck their T-shirts into straight-leg jeans, finishing the look with loafers for a polished yet relaxed vibe.
Plain T-shirts are the easiest to transform: after work, simply remove the blazer, and you’ve got a casual, youthful outfit for strolling around town. This is why Korean women always keep plain T-shirts in their wardrobe.
T-shirts are a classic yet timeless piece, especially when styled for the office à la Korean women. Opt for pastel or neutral shades and pair them with blazers or trousers for a youthful, neat, and professional work outfit.
