In XO, Kitty season 3, it seems like Oregon-raised Kitty Covey is finally beginning to figure out how to get around Seoul, or at least, her school, aptly nicknamed KISS. With the confidence she’s gained, her outfits are changing too.
“Teens are always exploring and evolving, testing out their voices and ways they can express themselves, and we wanted to portray that in our world,” costume designer Mojdeh Daftary tells Teen Vogue. “This season Kitty is exploring romance, thinking about her future, and as always thinking about her friends. She is continuing to become more confident in who she is. We see how all these things have influenced her look this season.”
Kitty’s not just taking risks for love but also for fashion. When she’s not in her school uniform, which is actually pretty trendy these days thanks to its preppy aesthetic, she’s showing off her casual and cool sense of style that’s just as charming as she is. Daftary explains that her budding romance with Minho (Sang Heon Lee) is a key factor in her style evolution, but she’s also influenced by her time in Korea, friendships, and sister Lara Jean (Lana Condor, who returns to the To All the Boys extended universe this season).
“[Kitty] plays with romantic colors and textiles, she plays with silhouettes that are a nod to K-fashion and to her friendships forged in Korea and showcase her confidence as she is discovering herself,” Daftary says. “We wanted to make sure that Kitty feels like she is growing, but staying true to the Kitty we all love.”
Kitty’s style is also very international. Even if you’re not currently living, studying, and playing in Seoul like our favorite little sister, you could still take some inspiration from her.
“For Kitty specifically, we wanted the outfits to feel cool, relevant and fresh, but also accessible,” Daftary says. “That’s what makes Kitty unique. We want the audience to see themselves in her.”
We’ve rounded up some of Kitty’s best outfits from XO, Kitty season 3 and found details and similar styles. There are spoilers ahead, so scroll with caution!
Episode 1
Kitty may have had to trash her room to put this look together for her Busan beach date with Minho (and friends), but it was so worth it! “This year we wanted to play with softer colors, and more romantic textiles, like lace and florals, showing a more romantic and flirty side of her that comes with her wanting to explore her relationship with Min Ho on a deeper level,” Daftary says. “We definitely wanted to play with a romantic softness, but we didn’t want to tell the world she is changing herself because she is dating Minho. He likes her for her.” Kitty’s ultra trendy adidas Tokyo sneakers help strike that balance, and they may have even been scene-stealers.
Leave it to Kitty to show us that florals can still work in the fall. She styles a smocked top with a plaid skirt and two-tone loafers—a very fitting look for her first day back on the KISS campus.
If it wasn’t already obvious that love is in the air between Kitty and Minho, this dress adorned with hearts makes it all the more clear. She pairs it with her trusty loafers, giving it her signature touch.
Kitty’s not letting go of her love for graphic shirts, even though Minho slights her citrus-inspired graphic tee and skort earlier in the season. “She is not afraid to explore who she is, but that doesn’t mean she has to change herself to fit a mold that makes sense for others,” Daftary says.
Episode 3
To go behind the scenes of Eunice’s music video shoot, Kitty opts for a little black dress with a floral twist, which is from the celeb-favorite brand Réalisation Par. The French brand was also picked up by Emily in the latest season of Emily in Paris. But, for Kitty’s twist in Seoul, she goes with maximalist accessories.
Episode 4
Kitty is all about repurposing in this episode. Her very first look, the satin red dress, is the same as the one she wears in season 2, as is the red leather blazer she wears next. To give the closet staple a new life this time, she layers it with a matching lace-trim tank top and a mini skort with a leg slit. She accessorizes with a geometric chain belt.
Episode 5
An oversized shirt is a go-to option for amusement parks, and Kitty wears hers with some of her other favorites this season to give it a trendy twist. She wears a lace-trim pointelle tank top under her striped button-down, letting it hang off the shoulder to reveal the bottom layer. She also adds a pair of jorts, making the look very similar to what she wears during her summer in New York City. Kitty loves a good outfit formula just as much as we do.
Down on her luck, Kitty goes with a more subdued look in this episode, but it’s still a great base. A ruched tank offers a twist on a classic style, and the wide leg jeans and flats are a great combo for spring. The look goes perfectly with Lara Jean’s as they shop their way through Seoul together, highlighting both their relationship and how Kitty has grown beyond being just the littlest Covey sister during her time in South Korea. “We also get to see how Korea, her friends, and even her beloved sister LJ have influenced her current life, her perspective, and therefore her style,” Daftary says.
Episode 7
When Kitty needs to attend a professional event to support Yuri, she goes full business casual—and nothing says business casual like a collared shirt with jeans.
But as Daftary notes, Kitty is still Kitty at the end of the day. So, her switch to this adorable pinstripe skort with a bow belt is the perfect balance.
Episode 8
This ombré pink dress is the perfect backdrop for Kitty and Minho’s heart to heart. And, we have to give his Prada bolo tie a shout out, of course.
As if this moment wasn’t romantic enough, a red cardigan is the perfect final touch. And the yellow accessories are a callback to season 1 Kitty too, showing how much Kitty has grown over three seasons—and how she’ll always be herself no matter where she lives.
