[Note: This was originally published on Reddit. I have republished it here for archival purposes. You can read the original post and comments here. Also, please note that this list only covers Treasure and Fever eras as I lack a Cromer and had not experienced The World yet.]
There's been some. . . chatter. . . recently about Ateez's stylists here and there. I, for one, am a big fan. I think they do a great job of being inventive and creative without going over the top, all while making sure the styling suits each member. That doesn't mean I adore everything they've ever done. There are definitely some choices that I find questionable (Yeosang's shorts, I'm looking at you--but let's be honest, he still looks real cute).
So, I am inspired to share a list I compiled just after the ES MV went live. I, a classic indecisive libra, like to challenge myself to make a series of meaningless choices all while making it feel like it's a life or death situation because I require drama to function. My goal was to choose one favorite look for each member from their MVs. This includes any MV (so collaborations and Japanese releases and versions are fair game) but not performances (that's a whole other list); however, I am only allowed to choose one member per MV to keep it spicy. I am also not allowing myself to apologize for the looks I didn't pick or even mention my runners-up or the looks that are tied for first in my heart (because we'd be here all day).
After much deliberation and agony, here are my choices:
IMO, this is the Hongjoongiest Hong has ever looked. I love the bold, fluffy coat and the layered jewelry paired with the simple tee and jeans. I especially love the swooshy soft orange hair and slightly sun-kissed makeup. He's in his full Peter Pan glory here about to lead his lost boys to some treasure.
Okay, hear me out. I know at first glance it's just a blue top, jeans, and boots--what's so special about that? First of all, I am a dark hair Seonghwa enthusiast. Secondly, I am absolutely fascinated by this top. It looks like it's some kind of midnight blue velvet, but it's also definitely sheer. Most importantly, I love the shape--it seems to take some inspiration from Regency era men's shirts (an example here--notice the dropped shoulder seams and full, gathered sleeves). The drawstring cowl neck (with the draws tied in bows) not only looks very soft and comfy, but also somewhat mimics the look of a lacy collar like we see in the example. Altogether, he looks very romantic (in the classic sense). Also, the single dangly earring was invented both by and for Seonghwa--I'm not interested in any arguments on this issue.
This sweater hoodie belongs at the very top of my Ateez Sweaters I Want to Steal list. To me, Yunho looks his best when he looks comfy and casual, easy and breezy. I love the simple jewelry and the classic plaid trousers. Not to mention the gorgeous blue/green hair. He looks very "boyfriend" in the best way possible.
There are definitely some thought-provoking things happening with this outfit (more details can be seen on the album photos). I don't typically love a PVC pant, but there's a double zipper situation going on that I find interesting. The scuba shirt has some very intriguing layering (as well as some mysterious stitching that I can't figure out the purpose of). I do also really love his kind of dirty blond (?) hair. What really seals the deal for me, however, is not actually the outfit but the overwhelming glow up in his level of confidence. I chose this particular look simply because it was the one where Yeosang's confident aura came blasting at me in full force.
San:
Y'all--I don't know if I can explain this one. You ever feel something in your heart that you can't put into words? This is that for me. I don't care about Morrissey, so it's not the shirt. I don't even know whether the pants are actually jeans or not (they don't seem to have a denim texture) and I don't typically care for clothing that looks scribbled on. It's true I love the hair and his face in general. Is it the rolled up sleeves that are giving me 50s greaser vibes? I don't know, but I'm standing by my choice. I think the lesson here is that the right attitude can elevate any outfit.
This one was an easy choice and I will die on this hill. I will never get over this Mingi hair--the sandyish blond with the clipped sides is perfection. I love the deconstructed school uniforms. I particularly appreciate that Mingi's pants aren't comically oversized the way they can be sometimes (I know it's a look, but I'm not a huge fan). All of his accessories just scream "angst" to me, and we all know how I feel about Angsteez as a genre.
SMN was my first ever Ateez MV and I am surprised looking back that Wooyoung didn't become my bias with this look. Maybe I was intimidated. I love the bomber jacket with the excessive faux fur collar/hood. The rest of the outfit is very understated so that the jacket and the accessories can do all the talking. I also love the careless hair and the slightly smudged eyeliner. The bad boy energy is strong with this one.
I don't know what y'all want me to tell you--this man was born to wear a suit and be a boss but with eyeliner. Let's make the suit fancy with some medals or whatever that he earned by being awesome. Let's also put him in front for some choreo--look at how he moves. Seriously--what else is there to say??
Now it's your turn. What are your favorite looks? Feel free to completely ignore my arbitrary rules and do whatever you want.
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