From blokette to office siren: 8 looks from K-pop style icon Taeyeon

As K-pop star Taeyeon marks a decade as a solo artist—highlighted by the release of her compilation album Panorama on December 1—her style tells a story of transformation. The Girls’ Generation leader has moved beyond the polished precision of her idol beginnings, adopting a raw, textured aesthetic that aligns with fashion’s hunger for authenticity. She shifts easily between grunge-leaning layers and hyper-feminine coquette looks, proving her wardrobe isn’t reacting to trends so much as steering them.

Here are the defining outfits that confirm Taeyeon as one of today’s most compelling style figures.

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Grungy punk diarist

Taeyeon revives indie style in an oversized leather jacket and leopard print cardigan (Photo: @taeyeon_ss / Instagram)

Perfection is officially out; texture and chaos reign supreme. An oversized leather jacket engulfs Taeyeon’s frame, layered over a leopard-print cardigan and white tank top in a masterclass of anti-fit styling. Heavy, buckled combat boots—reminiscent of New Rock or Demonia designs—ground the look with literal and figurative weight. The look acts as protective armour, signalling a rockstar perpetually off-duty.

Blokette core

Taeyeon embodies blokette core in a red sporty jersey and billowing white skirt (Photo: @taeyeon_ss / Instagram)

Shot in London for the Letter to Myself EP, this look marries masculine athletic energy with romantic femininity. A red long-sleeved jersey featuring white stripes pairs unexpectedly with a billowing white skirt, while a striped knit scarf trails behind. The backpack completes the “main character on a journey” narrative, proving that gym wear needn’t sacrifice romance for functionality.

Soft surrealist doll

Taeyeon explores coquette aesthetics in a mint babydoll top for a Tamburins event (Photo: @taeyeon_ss / Instagram)

At a Tamburins event, this look proves pastels can possess an avant-garde edge when paired with architectural silhouettes. A structural mint-green jacquard babydoll top by Cecilie Bahnsen is paired with a sheer, tiered pink tulle skirt from Ugly Shadow. White knee-high lace socks and beige platform Mary Janes complete the awkward-pretty aesthetic—intentionally surrealist rather than merely cute.

Minimalist biker chic

Taeyeon strips down to the essentials in sleek biker chic for ‘Panorama’ (Photo: @taeyeon_ss / Instagram)

Sometimes, attitude requires no embellishment. For Panorama, the artist strips away lace, fur and tulle to focus purely on silhouette: a sleeveless top and trousers cinched with a large-buckle belt. The aerodynamic fit and wet look waves create motorcore sophistication. It’s the ultimate cool-girl uniform, proving a rock star needs only confidence.

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Intellectual ‘Bayonetta’

Taeyeon channels office siren energy in rimless spectacles and a chocolate brown dress (Photo: @taeyeon_ss / Instagram)

The must-have accessory isn’t a handbag—it’s rimless glasses. At a Gentle Monster event in Hong Kong, Taeyeon pairs silver specs with a chocolate brown ruched mini dress, its halter neckline and body-conscious silhouette subverting the studious archetype. The earthy brown tone deliberately breaks from K-pop’s typical pastel palette, while her braided hairstyle adds geometric severity. This look transforms intellect into an aesthetic weapon.

Maximalist mob wife

Taeyeon embraces mob wife maximalism in a shaggy lilac faux-fur coat (Photo: @taeyeon_ss / Instagram).

If you’re going to wear a coat, make it the biggest thing in the room. This philosophy drives Taeyeon’s Letter to Myself look: a massive, shaggy lilac faux-fur coat worn over minimal black separates—a bra top and shorts that create deliberate contrast. Knee-high lace-up combat boots add glam-rock edge, while the lilac hue (her signature colour) softens the aggression.

Gothic romanticism

Taeyeon poses against a giant flower in gothic black tailoring for her ‘Panorama’ exhibit (Photo: @taeyeon_ss / Instagram)

Gracing the Panorama exhibit, this severe ensemble feels lifted from a Tim Burton film. A Comme des Garçons outfit—oversized black jacket with exaggerated shoulders worn with cropped pants—creates a monochromatic monument broken only by bright red socks—the crucial “error” colour that prevents flatness. Posed against a fantastical giant flower, Taeyeon becomes a gothic explorer in her own strange wonderland.

Blue fairy grunge

Taeyeon wears a shredded tulle dress for her ‘The Tense’ tour performance (Photo: @taeyeon_ss / Instagram)

In Macau, this The Tense tour costume by Denicheur walks the line between Disney princess and rock vocalist with effortless grit. Light blue tulle and sequins form an asymmetrical, corset-like bodice that looks intentionally distressed—beautiful yet tattered. The loose side braid adds softness to the aggressive deconstruction. It’s Cinderella reimagined for the mosh pit, proving that stage wear needn’t choose between ethereal and edgy.

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