FASH-ON WITH XXL JJDP – WINTER WARMERS

Shot by ALEX HONG

Shot on Location – GWANGJU CHEON 

The great part of living in Korea is that we are able to have two New Years – Solar and Lunar, and the latter started this month, so first, Happy New Year. The start of February this year also marks the start of The Year of the Horse, fast, hardworking and noble. Are you ready? Therefore, taking all of these new beginnings into consideration, I decided to go with a relaxed and casual country theme this month to kick off a year, which is sure to heat up as we gallop toward the finish line.

One of my favorite things to do in Gwangju is to walk along the Gwangju Cheon or stream which runs from Mudeung Mountain all the way through the city and past Sangmu. Sometimes, if I just want to clear my mind or hear flowing water, I know just where to go to get a refreshing perspective on things. For many who are new to Gwangju, just walk down Wedding Street away from the Culture Complex, and you should find it. But as it is chilly at the moment, wrap up warm and enjoy the somber straw palette that nature has prepared.

I, for one, love embracing these color cues from nature, and the amazing classic tones and shades can also be applied to your wardrobe in a few easy steps. Just look outside and be inspired – browns, greens, beiges and dark hunter greens are all ready to take their spot on your daily fashion adventure. That being said, a really hot look at the moment is the knee length beige or caramel coat. Long and luxurious, it is a staple for many international designers this season, including Louis Vuitton and Gucci. So try it out and instantly double up on the bets in the fashion stakes.

But before you get to the finishing touch, which is the coat, be aware that it is very cold out there and that the wind chills are going to be at their worst this month. So layer up and start from the inside out with some great heat tech underwear from Uniqlo. These are my winter staples and I never dare leave my home without them. I am from a warmer climate, so having my bones chilled is not exactly how I wish to start my day or year. Although it might seem old fashioned, I love the heat protection long johns and long v-neck vests provide. The heat tech range is available in neutrals, such as black, white or grey, and the ladies section has a larger variety of patterns and cuts to best suit your outfit needs.

Now that underwear has been taken care of, we can start by individualizing your look. For our first outfit for ladies, we start off with a pair of light oatmeal skinny jeans from 8 Seconds. To the jeans, add a deep mustard knit sweater and finish up with the must-have beige coat and scarf in an accent color, and finally add a pair of suede tassel half boots. Remember that choosing a skinnier leg is great if you are going for a more bulky top. Proportions are important as chunkier jeans and a heavy cable knitted jersey are not the best pairing.

For the ladies’ second look, keep the oatmeal skinny jeans and layer on top a chunky cable knit for warmth and comfort and which also has a luxurious feel. The multi-textured knit on the top wonderfully balances out with skinny jeans. To complete the look, finish with a chocolate brown scarf and a plaid poor boy hat.

For the men’s look, start with skinny jeans in a deep honeycomb brown and layer on top a rustic and faded denim shirt. Then, add a lambskin coat with a large chocolate brown and beige print. This thick plaid will instantly evoke memories of a visit to the countryside or hanging out in front of a fire place keeping warm. Finish off with a pair of utility boots in dark chocolate brown and with a grey snapback hat.

For the second look that will be a bit more preppy and inspired by Pharrel Williams, musician, fashion designer and producer, add a cable knit cardigan with vertical stripes in blue to the jeans and shirt combo. Top off with pair of caramel lambskin leather gloves and dark blue silver metallic aviators to ward off the super sharp light: super easy and super fast style.

Finally don’t forget your sunscreen, lip balm and hand cream to stay supple and moisturized.

Happy New Year

새해 복 많이 받으세요

 

 

Clothing

Belinda

Shoes – encore52

Jeans – 8 Seconds

Beige Coat – Vin Prime

Hat – H&M

Cable Sweater – Tokyo Juice

Beanie and Scarf – The Gam

Jarrod

Jacket – Vinprime

Cardigan – Tokyo Juice

Shoes – Caterpillar

Gloves – H&M

Sunglasses – H&M

Jeans – H&M