Curated by Editorial · Mar 5, 2026
Wausan-ro on a Saturday is half the reason to come to Hongdae at all. There's a stretch with maybe eight vintage stores in a row — Boon the Shop, Sangsudong Vintage, the basement one whose name I can never remember — and you can spend three hours in those without buying anything and feel like you've done a thing. The trick to dressing for it is to wear vintage-looking pieces that aren't actually vintage. The shopkeepers can clock 100% authentic 90s denim from across the room and they will price accordingly when they see you eyeing something. Wear the Amazon version, look like you're a casual but discerning customer, get a fairer price. Mary Janes are non-optional this year. The chunky platform versions specifically — they go with denim, with skirts, with absolutely nothing matching. Hongdae girls wear them with everything.
3 pieces
By Editorial
Qazel Vorrlon
Balloon-Sleeve Cropped Denim JacketThe balloon sleeves are doing the heavy lifting here, gathered tight at the cuff and ballooning out through the arm in a way that feels more late-90s club kid than classic trucker. Light-wash denim with an elasticated cropped hem keeps it boxy up top and tidy at the waist, so it sits cleanly over a bralette, baby tee, or high-rise shorts. Reach for it when a regular jean jacket feels too plain.
XMM
Patent Lug-Sole Mary Jane FlatsGlossy patent uppers sit on a chunky lug sole, which gives the classic Mary Jane silhouette a bit of stomp instead of sweetness. Reach for them when a pleated mini or a long black skirt needs grounding, the way K-fashion stylists pair shiny round-toe shoes with slouchy white socks. Buckle strap keeps it tidy without veering into costume territory.
RUSTIC TOWN
Saddle Flap Leather CrossbodySaddle-shaped, with a curved flap, brass buckle, and the kind of supple cognac leather that will only get better after a summer of being dragged through grass and spilled drinks. It's small enough to keep you honest about what you actually need (phone, keys, lipstick, a folded tote), and reads equally at home with wide-leg jeans, a prairie dress, or a band tee tucked into denim shorts.