(Note: This post was originally published on Reddit. I have republished it here for archival purposes. You can read the original post and comments here.)
Ages ago I posted a list of my favorite MV looks for each member. I gave myself all sorts of rules to follow which made it more challenging (the agonies of choosing between this Wooyoung and this Wooyoung were pretty severe) but also lots of fun to compile. Now I want to do the same with stage outfits, but this time around, I’m playing it loosey goosey–no rules, just good vibes.
I watched every stage that is publicly available and chose the ones where I liked the looks for the overall group, but I also picked a couple standouts for each. The one “rule” I gave myself is that I didn’t consider any outfits used in the MVs since I’ve already talked about those. So as much as I love these Deja Vu fits, they weren’t eligible (but please know that Bikerteez is immaculate and untouchable and I’m just not here to argue about it).
Let’s do this in chronological order and watch the boys grow up, shall we? Also, fair warning: there’s a lot of Hongjoong and a lot of good, good jackets on this list.
1. Pirate King 181117 (Faves: Seonghwa, Jongho)
Ateez don’t go full pirate nearly as much as I’d like. That’s why I really love what’s happening with these outfits. Loose, billowy shirts that have that romantic pirate vibe. The fringe and netting that suggests the ropes and rigging of a pirate ship. It gives the feel of life on the seven seas without going full “shiver me timbers” (which, just so we’re clear, I would also be on board with). I particularly like Seonghwa’s distressed sweater with the dramatic netting accessory–which does lean a little costume-y, but I say more costumes and camp in our everyday wear not less. Also, Jongho in a black “pirate” shirt with the wrap-around choker is just. . . a very good Jongho.
2. Wave 190613 (Faves: Hongjoong, Yunho)
You want a refreshing summer vibe, look no further than this stage. I know this is a fan favorite for fancams, but I am living for the striking red that contrasts with the blue of the wavy set pieces. Hongjoong’s sweater and Yunho’s faded blue hair are giving cherry popsicles and sea salt ice cream (Kingdom Hearts fans know) at the beach and maybe that’s how we all need to celebrate Hakuna Matata Ya on June 10.
3. Sherlock (Clue + Note) 191018 (Faves: Hongjoong, Jongho)
I don’t know–I think I have a thing for anytime Ateez looks like they’re definitely going to hit up the Bellagio later. I also definitely have a thing for very good jackets, and both Hongjoong and Jongho are wearing very good jackets.
4. Wonderland 191026 (Faves: Seonghwa, San)
Listen, I know a lot of Atinys advocate for Ateez’s colors being black and orange, but I will be on team blue and gold until I die. I am also partial to military details. Seonghwa and San in particular look truly fantastic. The cuts work perfectly with their proportions in my entirely unprofessional opinion.
5. Answer 200109 (Faves: Mingi, San, Hongjoong)
Ateez in black is always a correct choice. This is one of those rare instances when the stylists chose not to give Mingi the longest coat possible, and as much as I love a dramatic coat, this jacket is just hitting all the spots for me. Jack Frost Hongjoong is still one of my favorites, and it would be simply unjust if I didn’t mention San’s iconic pie chart hair and crystal teardrop.
6. Inception 200813 (Faves: Hongjoong, San, Yunho)
Punkteez is the revolution.
7. Good Lil Boy 200901 (Faves: Hongjoong, Wooyoung)
I don’t know if I can explain this one, but I love everything about it. Hongjoong’s got those Christian Girl Autumn vibes. Hwa looks like he’s on his third divorce, he drank one too many mimosas at brunch, and has a spin class in an hour. The fringe and the feathers are just too good. But I’m especially loving Woo’s embellished denim jacket and his absolutely adorable ponytail.
8. Fireworks 210313 (Fave: Seonghwa)
They all look luxurious as hell, but the person who put Seonghwa in full purple velvet is a genius.
9. Eternal Sunshine 211009 (Faves: Seonghwa, San)
I don’t even need to explain myself. The pink and gray was precious, end of story. The pink wasn’t my favorite Hwa hair, but this stage in particular really makes me miss it. I am, once again, smitten with a jacket–San’s, in this case. I just think the pink chiffon details are interesting and unexpected and maybe I need to make one for myself.
10. Gayo Daejeon 211225 (Faves: Yunho, Jongho)
Top tier looks for everyone, for sure. Jongho as Karate Kid Ralph Macchio will be with me forever, and there’s just something about this jacket/choker combo on Yunho that makes me wonder how he wasn’t added to my bias line much earlier.
And now a special shout out to a couple stages in particular–Inception 200903 Korea on Stage and Answer: Ode to Joy–because if I could fly to Korea to visit these outfits in a museum I absolutely would. Perfect. 10/10.
Finally, I just need you to see a few individual looks that I’m not getting over anytime soon. Answer 200201 Yunho–I just love it when the tall boys get the short jackets– and Gang San are just special to me for undefined reasons. (Editor's Note: I had also originally picked a Pirate King Yeo but then realized looking back that it was an MV outfit).
And now I would very much like to know what your favorite stage outfits are. I feel like my list could use more Yeosang, Mingi, and Wooyoung in particular, so I am especially interested in your top picks for them.
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