IU and her fashion journey through each of her iconic roles on screen
Let's review 6 iconic drama series of IU, from Bel Ami and The Producers to Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, My Mister, Hotel Del Luna and When Life Gives You Tangerines, to see IU's transformation through each stage.
IU (Lee Ji Eun) isn’t just a powerhouse K-pop soloist—she’s also a phenomenal actress who continuously pushes her limits with complex, multi-faceted roles. From her early "good girl" charm to exuding undeniable charisma, IU never shies away from reinvention, both in her music and on-screen fashion.
Let’s take a journey through six of her standout dramas—Bel Ami, The Producers, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, My Mister, Hotel Del Luna and When Life Gives You Tangerines—and witness her stunning evolution at every stage.
Bel Ami
Bel Ami is adapted from the popular comic series by Cheon Kye Young and follows the story of Dokgo Ma Te (played by Jang Geun Suk), a strikingly handsome man on a quest to uncover the secrets of his past. IU takes on the role of Kim Bo Tong, a quirky and devoted girl who harbors deep feelings for Ma Te and becomes the driving force behind his personal growth.
In the series, IU’s style is vibrant, quirky, and full of personality, perfectly capturing the playful energy of an ultimate fangirl. Her outfits burst with bright colours and unexpected combinations, reflecting Kim Bo Tong’s innocent and carefree nature. She frequently pairs floral dresses with sporty Adidas jackets, accessorized with a signature burgundy necklace.
One of her most memorable looks includes a bold red cape, hilariously styled with Christmas socks repurposed as a handbag. From playful overalls to a chic British-style long coat and a statement bag shaped like red lips, IU’s wardrobe in Bel Ami is as eccentric as it is unforgettable.
The Producers
The Producers is a romantic comedy that follows the lives of four television producers, offering a glimpse into the fast-paced world behind the cameras. IU takes on the role of Cindy, a top idol known for her icy expression and aloof demeanour. But as she interacts with those around her, the cracks in her façade begin to show, revealing a vulnerable young woman yearning for love and connection.
Cindy’s fashion evolution mirrors her emotional journey. At first, she opts for sleek yet effortlessly chic outfits—think denim overalls with a crisp white T-shirt or a bold fuchsia sleeveless top. On stage, she transforms into a sultry, confident star, pairing edgy jackets with sheer skirts. But as her walls start to crumble, her wardrobe softens too—delicate A-line dresses and dainty hair bows signal a newfound openness, proving that Cindy’s strength isn’t just in her cold exterior, but also in embracing her softer, more authentic self.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Released in 2016, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo sees IU take on the role of Hae Soo, a modern-day girl who is unexpectedly swept back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty. There, she finds herself entangled in a world where love and betrayal go hand in hand, and emotions shift like the tides. In the grandeur of the palace, she may seem small—fragile but never weak, gentle yet far from ordinary.
IU’s costumes in the drama beautifully blend tradition with a touch of modern elegance. Unlike the deep, regal tones often worn in the royal court, Hae Soo’s hanbok features soft hues of pink, cream, and light blue. Delicate floral patterns replace traditional royal embroidery, while understated silhouettes take the place of ornate, elaborate designs. But beyond the fabric and colors, Hae Soo’s fashion tells a deeper story—one of transformation. From a bright-eyed girl stepping into palace life to a woman whose heart bears the weight of history, IU’s wardrobe reflects every joy, sorrow, and sacrifice along the way.
My Mister
If Moon Lovers sweeps IU through the tides of history, then My Mister drops her straight into the raw, unfiltered gray of reality. As Lee Ji An—a young woman struggling to survive in the unforgiving streets of Seoul—IU practically abandons the very idea of fashion.
Gone are the flowy dresses and pastel hues. Instead, Ji An’s world is painted in shades of black, gray, and brown. Her threadbare coat and faded canvas bag, which stay with her from start to finish, serve as both armor against the world and a cloak of invisibility. Here, power isn’t found in extravagant outfits or bold colors, but in the quiet weight of a dark turtleneck, an oversized hoodie, or a simple white shirt.
Because in My Mister, IU isn’t an idol bathed in the spotlight—she’s a girl weathered by life, with every scar, glance, and gesture telling a story far louder than any fashion statement ever could.
Hotel Del Luna
When it comes to IU’s most iconic small-screen transformation, Hotel Del Luna is the undeniable showstopper. A drama that blends magic, humor, and heart-wrenching tragedy, it introduces us to Jang Man Wol—the fierce, mysterious, and unapologetically extravagant hotel owner whose fashion choices are just as unpredictable as her temper.
If Man Wol had a signature color, it would be black—bold, commanding, and dripping with power. Flowing gowns with sheer fabrics, razor-sharp blazers, and vintage dresses laced with gothic elegance make her look less like a hotel manager and more like a queen reigning over the night. The devil, of course, is in the details—lace gloves, wide-brimmed hats, cinched waist belts—each accessory adding another layer to her untouchable aura. But the ultimate serve? A leopard-print shirt dress paired with killer high-heeled boots, a look that screams black panther on the prowl—ready to strike down anyone foolish enough to cross her.
IU also brought European aristocratic flair to Hotel Del Luna with her collection of stunning suits. One of her most unforgettable looks? A mint green suit cinched with a crisp white belt, paired with matching gloves and finished with a dazzling CHANEL jewelry chain—pure elegance with a touch of old-money sophistication.
Even when draped in all white, a color that can easily fade into the background, IU’s presence remained undeniable, elevated by carefully chosen statement jewelry. And let’s not forget the show-stopping combo of a dramatic bow blouse and a plaid fishtail skirt—a vintage-inspired masterpiece that screams power, poise, and every office girl’s dream wardrobe upgrade.
But Man Wol isn’t just about looking extravagant—her fashion tells a deeper story, one that bridges the past and the present. She blends nostalgia with bold modernity, donning sleek silk dresses, leopard-print tights, cinched waist belts, and dramatic wide-brimmed hats, creating a look that’s both regal and untamed. IU also channels the glamour of the ’50s and ’60s, slipping into rose-patterned strapless gowns and shimmering metallic pencil skirts, cementing herself as an undisputed fashion icon of the Korean drama world.
When Life Gives You Tangerines
And now we have IU's latest work When Life Gives You Tangerines, which is currently the most raved about K-drama starring her and Park Bogum. In fashion's view, this series is a transformative journey of IU, where we can see all the different stages of the star as she progresses through the story.
IU portrays Oh Ae Sun, a character whose wardrobe artfully reflects her journey from the 1950s through subsequent decades. Initially, Ae Sun is seen in modest school uniforms, embodying her youthful innocence and academic aspirations. A notable departure from this simplicity occurs when she dons a vibrant floral dress, accessorized with a red polka-dot scarf and pearl necklace—items she acquires under dubious circumstances—highlighting her rebellious streak and desire for transformation.
As the narrative progresses, Ae Sun's attire evolves to mirror her personal growth and the changing societal landscape. She adopts practical, monochromatic dresses with high collars, reflecting the conservative fashion of the era and her increasing responsibilities. Her wedding ensemble—a white gown adorned with delicate lace and a wide-brimmed hat—captures the vintage elegance of mid-20th-century bridal fashion.
Then came the switch to modern times, where IU moves on to play the character of her own daughter Yang Geum-myeong, where she dons various casual chic looks mirroring her life as a Seoul National University student.
One of the main highlights was her wedding dress, one that is similar to her mother Ae Sun's, but given her own twist to reflect her personality as she marries Park Chung Seop (played by Kim Seonho).
While her wardrobe for this series might not have shone as glamorously as her previous works, it reflects a new sense of maturity and confidence of IU as an actress as she takes on a new type of role, one that departs from her various drama projects prior and brings a breathe of fresh air to her repertoire.
