The Value of Fashion in “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay”
Ruffled, puffy sleeves? Grandma’s-patterned-quilt dresses? Princess nightgowns? Released over this summer, Netflix’s Korean drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay features actress Seo Ye-ji styling some of the most pompous and elegant clothing.
The show’s plot revolves around Ko Moon-Young (played by Seo Ye-ji) and Moon Gang-tae (played by Kim Soo-Hyun) as they battle with their dark past. The show sheds light on psychological trauma and mental health, creating an emotional story in which the characters support each other and realize that it is okay to not be okay 100% of the time.
Aside from the gripping storyline, the outfits showcased throughout the episodes are seriously worth appreciating. Ko Moon-Young’s castle-like mansion already awes the audience with her immaculate wealth, but her new-outfit-a-day lifestyle is truly her unapologetic way of proclaiming authority.
Inkistyle
Metro.style / Netflix
Netflix / It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
From dainty to gothic to vintage, the main character wears, walks, and sits with elegant self-confidence. In case you haven’t noticed, Ko Moon-Young carefully pairs each outfit with the appropriate accessories and jewelry.
With the white lace dress, she wears a dainty, drop earring and sports a vintage, sleek hairstyle.
In the next photo, the white belt and beret contrast well against the black dress.
Finally, how loud can a floral dress really be without a giant bow on the shoulder and a gold-chained, mini handbag?
tvN / It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
An oversized silhouette and tiered ruffles for a nightgown suddenly contrasts her daytime rascality with fairy-like innocence. This dress is designed by Minju Kim, a South Korean designer. Might one mention that she also wears a different nightgown every night?
Netflix / It’s Okay to Not be Okay Ep. 2
Netflix / It’s Okay to Not be Okay Ep. 2
Rain and puddles don’t keep her from wearing heels, especially these red Prada pumps in reference to the fairytale The Red Shoes. As she struts into the hospital in episode 2, her outfit alone produces a mystical aura that persuades the audience that she is not just inspired by the fairytale; she is the fairytale.
Netflix / It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Ep. 9
Ko Moon-Young’s fashion style is a crucial part of her personality and expression. When asked why one would style herself so excessively, the psychiatrist in the drama explains that it’s not so much that she wants to show off, but that she treats clothes like armor—protective and obscure. This analysis of fashion is not definitive, but it introduces a deeper, psychological interpretation of clothing choices.
Whatever the reason is behind her ostentatious outfits, at least she has fed us with inspiration. And not only is her style inspiring, but her confidence is as well.
Ashley Leung