A Simple Guide to Matching Outfits

Couple outfits are a big deal in Korea. While not all Korean couples wear matching outfits, it is quite common to see couples decked out in the same clothes while out on a date.

Matching outfits are an easy way to show off that you’re one half of a pair, as well as a way to express closeness.

Matching ADLV teddy bears for a cuddly couple outfit / Image: Instagram

ADLV Teddy Bear Doll Oversized Short Sleeve T-shirt Beige, retailing at sgd70 at StyleupK

Kun (WayV) has also worn this teddy bear designed ADLV t-shirt, so if you’re a fan, you might be interested in getting the same shirt so that you can rock a couple look with him too!

Kun is known by fans for his cuddly teddy bear-like image / Image: Instagram

ADLV Teddy Bear Doll Oversized Short Sleeve T-shirt Black, retailing at sgd70 at StyleupK

While it is often couples who are often seen sporting matching outfits, it is not uncommon for friends to do the same as well! Just like with couples, wearing matching clothes with your friends is a way to show off how close you are—and also looks cute in photos.

But matching outfits shouldn’t be just about wearing the exact same outfit, because that would be boring, and fashion is all about individuality and finding your own style. So how exactly can you maintain your personal style while still pulling off a matching outfit?

Styling

Just because you’re wearing the same clothes doesn’t mean you have to wear it the same way. The easiest way to do this would be to tuck the top in if the other person has it tucked out, and vice versa. But even the same clothing item can be worn in different ways.

A button up can be turned into a DIY off-shoulder top.

A simple button up shirt can be worn in many ways / Image: Pinterest

Romantic Crown Striped Cuffs Oversized Shirt in White, retailing at sgd110 at StyleupK

An oversized t-shirt is one of the most versatile clothing items, as it can be worn in a variety of different ways. Other than being worn as a t-shirt, it can also be styled as a dress!

An oversized shirt can also double as a dress / Image: Pinterest

Romantic Crown String Figures T-shirt in White, retailing at sgd59 at StyleupK

Colours

Instead of just matching clothes, you can also match the colours of your outfit. While this may not be as showy as wearing the same clothes, everyone will still be able to tell that you and your partner come as a set.

Having a matching colour palette is most effective with bright colours, or other colours that stand out. While it is possible to having a matching black and white or neutral palette, it will not be as eye-catching as brighter colours.

Pairing black and yellow creates a nice obvious contrast / Image: Pinterest

Fila Korea Taslan Short Pants Mango Yellow, retailing at sgd85 at StyleupK

Oioi Signature Logo Oversized T-shirt Yellow, retailing at sgd62 at StyleupK

Matching colours is especially great for a more formal matching look. Because formal fashion for men and women can be quite different, colour is an easy and effective way to tie the outfits together.

Men can rock pastel colours too / Image: Pinterest

Patterns

Other than colours, matching patterns is another easy way to achieve a couple look. You can match patterns on top of matching colours, and the patterned clothing item can even be used as a statement piece.

Adding patterns to your outfit makes it more eye-catching / Image: Pinterest

Of course, while having the exact same pattern would look best, you can also match patterns with other similar patterns.

Make sure to only wear one type of pattern when matching patterns—you want the pattern you’re wearing to stand out, not be lost among a sea of patterns!

Neonmoon Sailor Button Shirt in Yellow, retailing at sgd82.50 at StyleupK

Near & Dear Buttoned V Neck Strap Top in Orange, retailing at sgd99 at StyleupK

Design

If a particular design is available in different colours, then they’re perfect for putting together matching outfits.

Because fashion is a way to express yourself as well, each of you will be able to pick a colour that fits you best, allowing you to retain your individuality while still being part of a set.

Different colours give the same design different vibes / Image: Instagram

CPGN Studio Holy Cow Embroidery Oversized Hoodie in Black, retailing at sgd75 at StyleupK

Go classic with black and white / Image: Pinterest

Nerdy Big Logo Half Sleeve T-Shirt White, retailing at sgd62 at StyleupK

Nerdy Big Logo Half Sleeve T-Shirt Black, retailing at sgd62 at StyleupK

Another great thing about designs that come in various colours is that they’re great for matching outfits with your friends too!

The more colours the merrier / Image: Instagram

MMLG 1987 Logo Oversized T-shirt Yellow, retailing at sgd60 at StyleupK

MMLG 1987 Logo Oversized T-shirt White, retailing at sgd60 at StyleupK

MMLG 1987 Logo Oversized T-shirt Navy, retailing at sgd60 at StyleupK

MMLG 1987 Logo Oversized T-shirt Black, retailing at sgd60 at StyleupK

Brands

If you’re not a fan of obvious couple outfits and prefer something more subtle, you can try just wearing clothes from the same brand instead!

Most brands have their own unique style, so even if you’re wearing different pieces, it will still have a cohesive vibe.

@keelohys and @annie.nmy styled in Dominant / Image: Instagram

Dominant Space Boys Oversized T-shirt, retailing at sgd75 at StyleupK

Dominant Pigment Embroidery Oversized Hoodie Jacket, retailing at sgd119 at StyleupK

Of course, if you want to be a little more obvious about it, you can choose clothing items that feature the brand’s name and logo. That way, even while sporting different pieces, it will be clear that there is a theme going on.

Twin bears for double the cuteness / Image: Instagram

Ambler Korea Mini Twins Bear Oversized Short Sleeve T-shirt in Black, retailing at sg35 at StyleupK

Ambler Korea Pastel Twin Bears Oversized Sweatshirt in Ivory, retailing at sgd58 at StyleupK

Aesthetics

You can also rock a matching look by dressing in the same aesthetic. This requires much more planning and coordination, as there are a few things that should be taken into account when coming up with a matching outfit with the same aesthetic.

While having the exact same colour palette is not necessary, it is still best to make sure that the colours still look good together. For example, if one person is wearing pastel colours, the other person should also wear pastel colours, and not neon colours.

Girly and luxurious high teen aesthetic / Image: Tumblr

Baguette bags and pastel colours are must-haves when it comes to the high teen aesthetic—which makes pastel-coloured baguette bags perfect for this aesthetic, and an easy way to match outfits with your BFFs.

Donkie Rosemary Bag in Baby Pink, retailing at sgd89 at StyleupK

Alki Alka Baguette Checkered Bag in Baby Pink, retailing at sgd69.50 at StyleupK

If the high teen aesthetic is too girly for your liking, why not try a grungy couple look instead?

Dark and edgy grunge aesthetic / Image: Instagram

Black and other dark neutral or muted colours such as khaki green work best for this look.

This style of matching outfits is similar to matching colours, but with more freedom as the colours do not have to be identical. As long as the overall style is the outfit is similar, slight differences in colour across brands will not matter.

Dominant Chino Pocket Pants in Khaki, retailing at sgd115 at StyleupK

ADLV x Buried Alive Pocket Drawstring Bucket Hat Camouflage Army Green, retailing at sgd95 at StyleupK

Shoes

If matching clothes with someone is a bit too showy for you, try getting a pair of couple shoes instead! Sneakers are not only casual and comfortable, they can also be pulled off by anyone—plus, they’re lowkey enough that your couple shoes won’t stand out too much.

Chunky sneakers are popular with both men and women / Image: Pinterest

Fila Korea Disruptor 2 White Shoes, retailing at sgd140 at StyleupK

Just like with clothes, you can also add a little bit more individuality by getting the same design in different colours.

Blue and pink in particular make for really cute ‘His & Hers’ shoes / Image: Pinterest

Fila Korea Ray Prism White Shoes, retailing at sgd110 at StyleupK

Fila Korea Ray Prism Shiny Pink Shoes, retailing at sgd110 at StyleupK

How do you match your couple outfit?

Matching outfits are an easy way to show off that you’re part of a set—both romantic and platonic! Not only can you show off your closeness with matching outfits, it can even bring you closer together, as matching outfits require planning and coordination to pull off.

However, as fashion is about expressing yourself, there is more to matching outfits than simply wearing the exact same clothing item. There are many different ways to dress up in matching outfits while retaining each person’s individuality and personal style.

Shop for your own matching outfits at StyleupK today! StyleupK is an online korean fashion platform that ships 100% authentic k-fashion worldwide.