Bae Suzys best back-to-work looks from Netflixs Start-Up: how to steal her K-drama character S

Publish date: 2024-04-02

As pockets of the world slowly bring Covid-19 under relative control and a sense of normalcy returns, it’s time to lose the slippers and sweatpants, and get dressed once more for the office. Remember that?

For style tips, we’ve decided to turn to Korean screen star Bae Suzy – the face of numerous brands from Lancôme to Guess, and often praised as a trendsetter. Why? Well one need only look to her most recent Netflix drama Start-Up for inspiration. Her character, Seo Dal-mi, sported a whole range of smart casual outfits to die for, including business blazers and casual hoodies, cardigans and button-downs.

So let’s take a closer look at her inimitable style, the brands she’s been flaunting and which looks we can steal for ourselves.

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Her Lanvin, Tod’s, Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo and Loewe office bags

Throughout the series, Seo Dal-mi carries a covetable collection of designer bags that partner seamlessly with her everyday looks. She’s seen with the Tod’s Oboe Bag in brown, the Bottega Veneta BV Classic in black and the Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini Hobo, among others. Later on, we also see her toting a brown leather shoulder bag from Lanvin.

The brands may differ but the style does not – all of her choices in the show are neutral in shade, practical in size, and either a shoulder or handbag; qualities that reflect Seo’s no-fuss style.

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Suit up in an army of French designer brands

Although it might not be immediately obvious, Bae Suzy’s office ensembles came from some of the very finest Parisian ateliers.

She dons cotton button-downs from LeMaire, a cardigan from Rochas, a silk pussy bow dress under a blazer also from Rochas, and a pair of sensible black heels from Roger Vivier.

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Become a Dior darling

It should come as no surprise that Bae Suzy’s character was often seen sporting a Dior piece, as she’s one of the fashion label’s most valued celebrity ambassadors. In episode 15, she donned one of the fashion house’s classic trench coats; and in the episode before that, eagle-eyed fans would have noticed her oh-so-subtle golden Dior Mimirose necklace.

One of the most expensive bags audiences saw her carry in the show was the lambskin leather Lady Dior handbag that accompanied her in at least two episodes – one in black, another in white. The iconic bag, which was made popular by Princess Diana some 25 years ago, comes with a price tag of US$4,400 for the mini, and US$5,300 for the medium sized style.

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Get preppy in Ralph Lauren

For her more streamlined looks, Seo occasionally wore shirts from American designer Ralph Lauren. They came in an array of playful prints and patterns – a sheer polka dot shirt, a cable-knit cardigan, and a striped necktie shirt were among the most chic pieces spotted in the show.

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Don’t forget to finish the look with sensible shoes

Like most of us, Seo Dal-mi is the type of character who appeared to value function over form, so her collection of wearable (and comfortable!) heels are the true must-have items in any self respecting person’s work wardrobe. One of the most prominent in the show were the white pumps with block heels by Italian designer Gianvito Rossi.

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