Fash-on: Cutting Lines

Some like it hot.

Some like it cold.

I like it juuuuuuuust right.

Yes, Goldilocks treks into the city this month to have some fun roaming the streets of the big bad world. But the actual questions should be, do you like it hot, humid and sweaty? That’s right, it’s here, welcome to the Monsoon season in Korea.

Dressing for the monsoon can be quite the daunting task, but ease up and try going back to black and white and experiment with crazy patterns and shapes. Using black and white as neutrals is like ice cream in summer … it “just works.” The thought process in deciding on an outfit is so simple that anyone can do it. Generally black jeans or bottoms work well with brighter and lighter tops. So with these basics in mind, I started to play around with designs and patterns.

The general train of thought is that when a bold pattern is worn, it makes you look bigger or wider. But, it is all about illusion and tricking the eye, depending how you shape or layer your look, while wearing some tribal shapes.

I have used a basic pair of cut-off jean shorts in black and then added various t-shirts to create different looks. The shorts are pretty easy to make, just take a pair of your favorite long jeans, get a sharp pair of scissors and cut at the desired length. The trend for shorts this summer is also a little higher than previous seasons. So guys, get ready to show some leg – not as much as girls in hotpants! For the men, get nothing shorter than 10 cm. above the knee. That might be too revealing @@.

Now moving onto the t-shirts. The first shirt is a maze design that is as visually interesting as it is for people who try and find the route from start to finish. This design is pretty simple with a round neck, but the winning aspect is that the pattern on it is so unique that it creates visual interest. Add a striped cardigan to this top for an afternoon or evening look that is also rounded.

Next is a tribal print of lines and triangles in white and gray. This is quite a hard look to pull off, especially since it seems as there is too much going on with the shirt. Once again it is all about balance. If you wear this type of design with a solid and dark neutral bottom, it has a great balance. I would not suggest wearing a similar pattern at the bottom. This look can also be layered with a shirt in black and white pinstripes for a slimmer summer look.

For the hottest part of the day or just for lounging around the neighborhood, I have invested in some vests. Sleeveless and cool, it is great for layering. Of course it is a bit more risqué to be showing off shoulders for men or women in public, but that does not mean that you can’t wear vests. Try wearing it under an open light cotton shirt which gives you a more refined look that is not so shocking out in public. Go bold and try something in Leopard print like I have.

Lastly, add a great pair of tinted sunglasses and this season’s must-have: the reformed espadrille. This pair of shoes is made from 100 percent cotton and has a rubber sole, which is perfect for the rainy season. It dries quickly and you won’t be worried about hemp unraveling or it breaking apart from all the puddles.

To care for your clothes in the monsoon season, wash regularly and use only half of the fabric softener. If you use too much, your clothing could stay damper for longer and might not dry properly and actually start smelling moldy. I would also suggest turning on your air conditioner for a couple of hours just to remove moisture from your apartment in the crazy humidity.

Have fun experimenting with textures and patterns! And stay dry.

 

Maze T-shirt — Uniqlo

Triangle tribal shirt — Gmarket

Leopard print vest — H&M

Horizontal striped shirt — 8 seconds

Vertical striped shirt — Guess Denim

Jeans — H&M

Shoes — Gmarket