Choi Soo-young’s 24/7 style: how the ‘Idol I’ actress dresses for every occasion
Girls’ Generation’s Choi Soo-young has spent nearly two decades in the spotlight, transforming from coordinated idol looks to become one of Korean entertainment’s most sophisticated dressers. At 172cm tall with a statuesque frame, the actress, fresh off the success of her K-drama Idol I, approaches fashion with architectural precision, favouring silhouette and texture over logo saturation. From her signature bob haircut to her masterful mixing of high-low styles, Soo-young concocts the perfect outfit for every moment of life.
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The morning ritual: balletcore knit set
Choi Soo-young in a chocolate brown knit set embodying wellness luxury (Photo: @sooyoungchoi / Instagram)
Soo-young elevates workout dressing with this wrap-style knit ensemble. The chocolate brown hue warms her complexion whilst the ballerina-inspired silhouette highlights her dancer’s posture without revealing too much skin. This wellness-rich aesthetic proves that loungewear doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it’s meditation meets high fashion.
The elegant event: tweed pearl jacket
Choi Soo-young channels chaebol heiress energy in a cropped black jacket (Photo: @sooyoungchoi / Instagram)
Soo-young wears a cropped Chanel black tweed jacket with pearl embellishments. The heritage fabric—originally transformed by Coco Chanel into a symbol of female empowerment—gets a youthful update when paired with bermuda shorts. Worn at the Second Shot at Love press conference, the piece perfectly captures the rich girl aesthetic without feeling costumey.
The working lunch: intellectual coat and book tote
Choi Soo-young demonstrates transitional dressing in a lightweight coat (Photo: @sooyoungchoi / Instagram)
A masterclass in professional polish, this lightweight, long-line coat creates movement when left unbuttoned. The oversized black leather tote—the Dress-Age shoulder bag by Maison Margiela—grounds the look in reality. This look signals a woman with meaningful work to accomplish.
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The afternoon stroll: oversized black blazer
Choi Soo-young in an oversized black blazer amongst cherry blossoms (Photo: @sooyoungchoi / Instagram)
Against a backdrop of sakura, Soo-young wears a boxy blazer with loose grey trousers. The oversized, double-breasted silhouette hangs from the shoulders rather than nipping at the waist—a deliberate rejection of traditional femininity. This Seoul minimalist approach proves you don’t need form-fitting clothes to look undeniably chic.
The creative engagement: leather coat and necktie
Choi Soo-young subverts corporate dressing with a leather coat and teal necktie (Photo: @sooyoungchoi / Instagram)
Among her most fashion-forward moments is this heavy black leather coat layered over a grey knit vest and teal necktie. The ensemble transforms masculine corporate symbols into punk-inspired accessories, embodying the “corpcore” trend sweeping Gen Z. It’s the ultimate creative director power move—authoritative yet rebellious.
The city explorer: Seoul graphic tee
Choi Soo-young celebrates her hometown in a graphic Seoul tee (Photo: @sooyoungchoi / Instagram)
Patriotism meets street style in this black graphic tee from Re/Done, boldly declaring Seoul as “The Special City”. Tucked into lightwash jeans and paired with a Saint Laurent shoulder bag, this high-low mix reshapes the conversation around logomania—making local pride look stylish.
The fashion getaway: Etro print set
Choi Soo-young in a blue and white Etro crop top and maxi skirt (Photo: @sooyoungchoi / Instagram)
At Milan Fashion Week, Choi Soo-young turns to bold pattern play with this Etro matching set. The blue-and-white paisley and baroque print creates visual elongation, whilst the crop-and-maxi proportion balances skin exposure with coverage. It’s a maximalist departure from her usual neutrals, proving her versatility extends beyond monochrome minimalism.
The Japan solo debut: asymmetric cutout gown
Choi Soo-young commands attention in a black one-shoulder dress (Photo: @sooyoungchoi / Instagram)
For her solo debut in Japan with the single “Unstoppable”, Choi Soo-young chose sculptural elegance: a black, draped one-shoulder Courrèges dress with strategic waist cutout. The French house’s dress highlights her physique whilst maintaining restraint. Anchored with Mondry sandals, this look proves that for life’s biggest moments, less is more.
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