Thank Jennie from Blackpink for South Korea’s ‘high teen’ fashion explosion – vintage 1990s items like scrunchies, pleated skirts and wide-legged jeans

In fashion, ‘high teen’ means adopting the look and style of characters in films and TV shows from the 1990s or early 2000s

It was first popularised in South Korea by Jennie from K-pop girl group Blackpink, who is considered something of a fashion icon in the country

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Blackpink’s Jennie Kim attends the Melon Music Awards 2016 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: ImaZins via Getty Images

Published: 5:30pm, 24 May 2020Updated: 6:24pm, 25 May 2020

“High teen” is a Konglish (a mishmash of Korean and English) term that comes from “high school” and “teenager”, and refers to various aspects of pop culture as it relates to young people. Today, it is more commonly used to refer to Western coming-of-age movies and television dramas like Clueless and Gossip Girl.

In fashion, high teen translates into preppy pieces such as pleated skirts and tartan patterns.

Looks and items from the 1990s or early 2000s, such as the outfits worn by Cher Horowitz in Clueless or baguette-style handbags and scrunchies, are fast becoming a staple in every youth’s wardrobe in South Korea, as are candy-coloured crop tops and wide-legged jeans.

A quick scan of clothing websites popular among teens attests to that, with items such as cardigan sets and sheer, off-the-shoulder ribbed tops high on the bestseller pages.

Although the trend has cemented itself as a mainstay in South Korea this year, it was first popularised last year by Jennie Kim of K-pop girl group Blackpink, who is considered something of a fashion icon in the country. Many have praised her “high teen” looks that come from her fashion style, overseas upbringing and natural charisma.

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Thank Jennie from Blackpink for South Korea’s ‘high teen’ fashion explosion – vintage 1990s items like scrunchies, pleated skirts and wide-legged jeans

In fashion, ‘high teen’ means adopting the look and style of characters in films and TV shows from the 1990s or early 2000s It was first popularised in South Korea by Jennie from K-pop girl group Blackpink, who is considered something of a fashion icon in the country

In fashion, ‘high teen’ means adopting the look and style of characters in films and TV shows from the 1990s or early 2000s

It was first popularised in South Korea by Jennie from K-pop girl group Blackpink, who is considered something of a fashion icon in the country