12 style tips we've learnt from the youthful and feminine IU

Find out why the South Korean singer and actress excels in the fashion department

Credit: Getty Images/Pascal Le Segretain
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Debuting at the age of 15 in 2007 with the mini album Lost and Found, IU, or Lee Ji-eun, is not an unfamiliar name for those who love K-pop. Besides excelling as a solo singer and songwriter, IU has also found success in acting with shows such as Dream High (2011), Moon Lover: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) and Hotel del Luna (2019) under her belt. In more recent news, the "Nation's Little Sister" starred in the latest Netflix series, When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025), alongside her co-star Park Bo-gum.

Beloved by many for her classic and feminine style, here's a few fashion tips we've learned from the starlet.

Build your outfit around a bold focal point

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With layers of pearls, a sculpted silhouette, and a tiara to top it all off, IU is giving full fairytale fantasy—and we’re here for it. Whether it’s pearls, sparkles, or a dramatic silhouette, pick one hero detail and build your look around it.

Grey days done right

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IU nails off-duty style by sticking to a soft, monochrome palette—think muted greys and whites that look effortlessly put together. The oversized bag and cap add a sporty vibe, but it’s the colour coordination that pulls it all together. 

Sculpted sophistication

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IU proves that when the silhouette is this sculpted, you don’t need much else. A one-shoulder gown with delicate pleating does all the talking, giving Greek goddess energy without trying too hard. Keep the accessories minimal, sweep your hair back, and let the draping steal the spotlight. It’s the kind of quiet luxury that whispers class.

Bare your shoulders

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From cold shoulder tops to off-shoulder dresses, baring your shoulders is a great way to show off some skin and cool off at the same time.

Colourblock it

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Seen here at a Gucci event in Seoul, IU's polished outfit consisted of a brown dress accented with a black leather top and boots. The neutral outfit was then further accented with an off-white handbag that added a pop of brightness.

Everlasting pearls

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Pearls have an unfortunate reputation of being old-fashioned and dowdy. However, as IU shows here, you just need to pick the right pearl necklace and complement it with other accessories to harness its sartorial sensibilities.

Softly knitted

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While lightweight knits are not an instinctive choice for us tropical weather dwellers, these soft sweaters and jumpers add a nice visual contrast to any outfit. Plus, lightweight knits are great for freezing office conditions.

Top it off with a blazer

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Need to quickly jazz up a casual outfit? Take a leaf from IU's books and throw on a blazer to quickly elevate the look for any daytime smart casual event.

Dainty and delicate

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There's always a time and place for small, delicate jewellery pieces, especially when you're wearing an outfit filled with colourful, statement floral prints. Pick ones that will flatter your skin tone.

Little bow peep

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Bow and ribbon details add a sweet, youthful feminine energy, whether you have it on your clothing or knotted around a ponytail.

Cap it off

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From basketball caps to berets, IU frequently sports various types of headwear as accessories. Not only do they hide messy hair you didn't have time to style, but they also add visual interest to the ensemble too.

Vested interests

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Want to spiff up an outfit without suffocating yourself with a blazer? Then, like IU, pick up a vest instead. A vest would add dapper points without the weight of a jacket weighing you down or heating you up.

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