Waterbomb is a South Korean summer festival that has become a household name in the K-pop industry. This year, Waterbomb began expanding its events beyond South Korea, and with the festival growing with each edition, companies couldn’t pass up the opportunity to feature their idols on Waterbomb. At four of these festivals, it was fromis_9’s chance to turn up the heat!
Besides massive water fights and live performances, outfits play a key role in the Waterbomb performances, adding to the event’s visual impact and overall experience. In this analysis, we explore the different outfits worn by fromis_9, evaluating how each outfit suited the individual members and the overall group theme, and see what new styling elements Waterbomb brought to the table!
For more fashion talk, check out More Than What It Seams for Feel Good’s styling, and Growth and Glamour where we discussed the girls’ style evolution throughout the years!
Waterbomb Seoul: Refreshing baseball
Photo credit: realfromis_9 (Twitter)
fromis_9 made their Waterbomb debut in Seoul with thematic, refreshing styling! By Chaeyoung’s suggestion, the group wore sporty, blue and white outfits, with baseball shorts, shirts and caps. To help tie things together, all the members wore the same white boots (a fromis_9 classic). As we’ve written about the girls’ styling previously, we have an idea of what they’re typically dressed like. This first performance serves as a good example, with each outfit being tailored to each member’s body and unique charisma.
Photo credit: Fromis_Now (Twitter), lonerom0107 (Twitter)
Starting with the eldest, Saerom wore a tight-fitting dress, going for a sexier look by accentuating her curves and showing her muscles. Because the dress is simple and on the shorter side, Saerom was the only member given knee-high boots to add a little extra, balance out the exposed skin, and match her more alluring look. Saerom’s hair was styled naturally, which works well for her, especially in an event like Waterbomb where it gets wet and she can push it back. Cute goggles were meant to keep her hair back, but she threw them away mid-performance!
Photo credit: SF_shy0929 (Twitter), Fromis_Now (Twitter)
Hello, orange Hayoung! Song’s look is another classic, wearing a pleated skirt, crop top, and some detailed sleeves. This makes her look girly and flowy, going well with her cute demeanor and giving her slender frame more volume. Additionally, the outfit has a white lace tied across Hayoung’s abs, matching her white sleeves with her blue skirt and top. The blue shade of her top matches especially great with her new hair color! Lastly, Hayoung’s necklace and braid fill the space around her neck.
Photo credit: ct4jw (Twitter), ct4jw (Twitter)
An important aspect of Jiwon’s styling, as with the others of the balanced line, is ensuring she doesn’t look too tiny. This is easily accomplished with a short dress, freeing her seemingly long legs. Other than that, Jiwon’s body is neutral, allowing for a wide variety of styling. Her layered and textured white dress matches the group’s shoes nicely and makes Jiwon look effortlessly good.
Photo credit: rupin_flover (Twitter), ksgkuma94 (Twitter)
Jisun often wears oversized shirts, freeing her legs like with Jiwon. For Waterbomb they gave the concept a great twist. This time, Jisun’s top was slitted, teasing a flattering sky-blue bikini underneath. We feel so-so about the execution, however; maybe it would’ve been better with short sleeves or different shorts. Jisun really committed to the goggles, though, making her nose look extra cute! Finally, she tucked her hair behind her ear, detailed with a star earring – a Supersonic easter egg!
Photo credit: Fromis_Now (Twitter), im_theyeon (Instagram)
Our opinions on Seoyeon’s look are split. Seoyeon is seen in a very cool, girl-crush outfit, consisting of a white inner top, black bathing suit, white shorts and a white belt. The outfit is layered and stylishly messy, but it can feel like there’s too much going on. The v-shaped bathing suit complements her hourglass figure, but the belt and shorts give it two clashing vertical cuts. The low-cut shorts nicely show off her pelvic line, but feel way too big, making Seoyeon look super short! For us, it’s a controversial fit.
Photo credit: hyujui_0514 (Twitter), 00cute0514 (Twitter)
The mission: showcase Chaeyoung’s long torso and ears. Chae’s girl-crush look garnered a lot of attention, unveiling her broad shoulders, lean stomach and muscular back by wearing a tube top. While she is technically showing a lot of skin, Chaeyoung’s beautifully long hair gives it enough coverage. To balance things out, she went with long baggy baseball shorts, which give her more volume, as the tube top and straightened hair make the top portion feel flat. Chaeyoung wears two belts, accenting her abs and giving some detailing to an otherwise simplistic outfit. Lastly, her hoop earrings and baseball cap emphasize her cute ears.
Photo credit: Fromis_Now (Twitter)
Dressed as the athlete’s girlfriend, Nagyung looked the cutest and most wholesome of the group! Not much can be said about this look; Nagyung was simply styled in an oversized jersey, suiting her girly and cute visuals. As far as we’re aware, this is the first time we’re seeing her dressed like this! The goggles and her ponytails were some necessary extra elements and added to the cuteness!
Photo credit: jiheonnibaek (Instagram), Fromis_Now (Twitter)
Reflecting her character, Jiheon is dressed like a cool but cute youngster. Her outfit consists of a short dress that slightly loosens and widens at the bottom, making it look cuter and highlighting her hip-to-waist ratio. This volume is matched around her shoulders, where her long hair rests. A necklace is added as a detail, and to look cooler, Jiheon wears a baseball cap with hoop earrings, just like Chaeyoung!
Waterbomb Fukuoka: Timberlands at the beach
Photo credit: 프로미스9.1 (YouTube)
For Fukuoka’s Waterbomb, the stylists took a different approach. While in Seoul, the group got a wide variety of unique outfits tailored to each member, Fukuoka went for a more uniform beach look. Every member donned the same classic brown Timberlands with a short denim skirt or shorts. They paired this with a wide variety of pastel tops, including swimwear. Some of the members were adorned with drawstrings, literally tying the group’s look together! Overall, these outfits are a little more daring than Seoul’s, unveiling the girls’ legs, shoulders and flat stomachs. The members have mentioned working hard for a “hot body” with abs in a video and some posts, and it has paid off!
Photo credit: saeromssee (Instagram), lonerom0107 (Twitter)
For day two, Saerom is seen wearing an open-back swimsuit, going once again with an alluring tight-fitting piece. Small cuts at the swimsuit’s waist help bring out her hourglass figure, and strings give the outfit extra character. An additional string is tied around Saerom’s thigh, bringing the outfit together and highlighting her legs. Since Saerom’s top has a plain color, she wore a skirt with print to give the outfit more character.
Photo credit: FallinLove_0929 (Twitter), AutumnLight_Cat (Twitter)
If she can’t wear some extra sleeves, Hayoung’s definitely going to wear an off-shoulder top. Once again, the loose top gives her slim frame a bit more volume and adds to her feminine look. The shirt is held up by a huge safety pin, revealing the abs Hayoung is so proud of. More details can be found around Hayoung’s shoulder, neck and back with the strings of her bikini. For bottoms, Hayoung wore v-shaped denim shorts making her legs look longer. The fringe hem of the shorts is a nice extra, fitting Hayoung’s look!
Photo credit: Daltokki320 (Twitter), Dalbaragi (YouTube)
Hi, Barbie! With Jiwon’s blonde hair as a guiding principle, the stylists decided to maximize her Barbie look by choosing a pink top and a high ponytail. The added safety pin on Jiwon’s tube top is a nice accent piece matching Hayoung. The tube top, paired with low-cut shorts, gives Jiwon a more revealing look than usual. Finally, the black bikini bottom strap creates a slightly mature vibe.
Photo credit: Close_to_jisun (Twitter), rupin_flover (Twitter)
Jisun’s top departures from the pastel theme, instead matching with the bandanas she and Seoyeon had tied from their waists. While it can be beneficial for a member’s styling to stand out from the others, we don’t think this odd color choice was a successful way of doing it. The top was tucked in her shorts at the right side, creating flowing diagonals, matching the openings around her neck, and tying the top and shorts together. The high-waist shorts nicely trace Jisun’s hips and thighs. Finally, the bandana adds some waviness to her otherwise tight-fitting outfit.
Photo credit: syeonflower (Twitter), lonerom0107 (Twitter)
The member who stood out the most to fans was probably Seoyeon, revealing her defined abs in a low-cut shorts and bikini combo! It’s daring but it’s a good look on her. The main concept of this outfit is “layering” as seen with her two bikinis and two bottoms. A good idea, although a bit odd looking. Her boxy shorts are given a v-shape by the red layer underneath. As with Jisun, a bandana is added to give this outfit a bit more volume and waviness.
Photo credit: hyujui_0514 (Twitter), 00cute0514 (Twitter)
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Chaeyoung wear a triangular bandana with low-cut denim. For a tall member with an hourglass shape who’s not afraid to show some skin, it’s a perfect look! The bandana is a perfect mix of tight- and loose-fitting and its v-shape nicely covers Chae’s long torso. The line of her figure was further drawn by her black underwear straps; a great addition to her skirt, making her waist look really snatched.
Photo credit: realfromis_9 (Twitter), Dalbaragi (YouTube)
This time, the concept for Nagyung’s outfit is more typical of her styling. Just like Saerom, Nakko wears a swimsuit highlighting her figure. Paired with tight high-waist denim shorts, the outfit constantly narrows and widens, accentuating Nakko’s curves. The narrow straps on her shoulders widen as they lower to her chest area. Then the outfit narrows again as it follows her waist, and the v-shaped shorts widen Nagyung’s hips. Finally, her figure narrows again through her legs. Her outfit was given a bit more character with a black frilly undergarment and pockets sticking out under her shorts.
Photo credit: AutumnLight_Cat (Twitter), AutumnLight_Cat (Twitter)
There isn’t much to be said about Jiheon’s styling. It’s similar to Chaeyoung, using a bandana as a tube top. The maknae’s high-waist shorts emphasize her figure and are frayed for detailing. What strikes us the most is how well-balanced the outfit is for her height. The proportions are perfect which makes the outfit look effortlessly good.
Waterbomb Busan: Supersonic grunge
Photo credit: realfromis_9 (Twitter)
Being the first Waterbomb after Supersonic was revealed, Busan sees the members glimmer with all kinds of star accessories! Overall, the group no longer went for an explicit summer theme like the previous two performances. Instead, they’re wearing boots, chains, belts, laces, plaid and of course the color black, all hallmarks of grunge!
Photo credit: Flomvongvong (Twitter), mirai42322 (Twitter)
Saerom’s outfit stands out from the rest of the group with a sunny pop of yellow! The thick black outline of her tank top emphasizes her shoulders and matches it with the grunge theme. Saerom’s plaid skirt fans out to emphasize her figure and her knee-high boots draw your eye to her thighs. Of course, Saerom’s abs couldn’t be left out.
Photo credit: AutumnLight_Cat (Twitter), x
Hayoung is back at it with an off-shoulder top, but this time with less volume than usual, revealing her slender figure. Her top has a splash of yellow, making the two oldest members match. Hayoung wears a voluminous layered skirt, this time with a huge belt and extra vertical belt straps. These straps make her legs look longer and match her knee-high boots. Add a pair of Y2K thigh-high socks, and that’s the fit!
Photo credit: Daltokki320 (Twitter), ct4jw (Twitter)
Coming straight from an Avril Lavigne music video, Jiwon wears a laced up denim dress. The laces draw nice vertical lines on her body, making her look slimmer and taller than ever! Jiwon’s hair is down this day which covers her bare shoulders and mimics the shape of the dress.
Photo credit: rosieline_ (Instagram), Close_to_jisun (Twitter)
Another short member in a one-piece dress! Jisun won the bling-bling category for this theme with her earrings, starry belt, the rings on the hem of her dress, and everything that’s going on with her boots. Jisun’s dress is nicely detailed and cut around the chest area, with a little peep of her skin giving shape to her body. The starry belt cuts her waist, further elevating her figure.
Photo credit: syeonflower (Twitter), Fromis_Now (Twitter)
Seoyeon’s fit toes the line of the grunge look, standing out from the group in a white top. When her tank top got soaked, it subtly revealed the bikini underneath and added a slightly mature vibe. The point of her outfit is the stars draped from her cute plaid skirt. A fantastic pair of thigh-high laced boots (that only Seoyeon could make work) complete the outfit.
Photo credit: 00cute0514 (Twitter)
Our tallest member goes for an all-black look, consisting of a sheer top, bikini, a miniskirt, leg warmers and of course thick boots. Chaeyoung’s punk outfit has two portions. The top portion feels very light and exposed, with her hair providing extra coverage. The bottom portion feels heavy due to the leg warmers being suspended from her skirt. The leg warmers are wrapped in black belts, giving extra grungy texture to her outfit.
Photo credit: Fromis_Now (Twitter)
Nagyung has the stars, the belt, the plaid, the silver accessories and the color black – everything the group was going for that day. Once again, her hourglass figure is nicely highlighted by a tight top paired with a loose skirt and a tiny diagonal belt. Her bottoms are layered with two skirts, and her top is layered with the same black frilly undergarment from the previous performance!
Photo credit: AutumnLight_Cat (Twitter), jiheonnibaek (Instagram)
Once again, Jiheon’s outfit seems to effortlessly work. Give the girl some boots, v-cut shorts and a plaid halter top, and she will stun you. On a closer look, Jiheon has legs as long as a baby giraffe’s, some stars hanging from her shorts, and her top has an open back which reveals some more swimwear. Her gorgeous long hair provides the maknae’s back with a little extra coverage though!
Waterbomb Busan: Vivid (tennis-playing) fruits
Photo credit: realfromis_9 (Twitter)
Goodbye, Waterbomb (for now)! The group’s most flashy (and possibly best) outfits were saved for last! In Incheon, the girls stunned in a wide array of bright colors. Jisun dubbed the outfits “vivid fruits.” We’d like to add “tennis-playing” to that, as the groups’ sporty skirts and shorts make it look like they’re ready to hit some ball!
Photo credit: saeromssee (Instagram), kingmoflover (Twitter)
With a lime green bikini top and denim shorts, Saerom flabbergasted flovers that day. Her bronze, chiseled abs were put on full display as the highlight of the outfit. As Hayoung put it, Saerom brought six morning breads!
Photo credit: AutumnLight_Cat (Twitter), AutumnLight_Cat (Twitter)
By now, Hayoung’s outfits should be clear: a loose overshirt gives her more volume and a feminine pleated skirt suits her character. This time, her hair is styled in cute pigtails, covering her shoulders. A bright green tank top provides an accent color.
Photo credit: snowFlake_jw (Twitter), starrynight0124 (Twitter)
Jiwon wears a baby blue top and blue earrings that go well with her blonde hair. Jiwon was the only member to have a different hairstyle for each performance. This time her hair is tied, and as with the previous three stages, the outfit matches with her hairstyling.
Photo credit: rosieline_ (Instagram), Close_to_jisun (Twitter)
While we agree that Jisun is styled in one-piece dresses a little too often, this outfit is one of our favorite takes! The dress is actually made up of two layers: a white base layer and a sheer yellow outer dress, textured with pretty butterflies. A pink accent at the neckline gives the dress some extra pop!
Photo credit: syeonflower (Twitter), syeonflower (Twitter)
Seoyeon goes for a very sporty look with gym shorts and a high ponytail. The matching pinks help create this athletic vibe. Additionally, Lee’s pink eyeshadow, hoops and choker make her look like a doll. Lastly, the tight fit of these clothes make Seoyeon look super tiny.
Photo credit: hyujui_0514 (Twitter), 00cute0514 (Twitter)
Chaeyoung’s midriff is out one last time. The stylists went with an alexanderwang sports bra and gym shorts to create another sporty outfit! A white jacket was tied around Chaeyoung’s waist to make it look smaller, but she took it off right away. The added eyepatch gives Chae a pirate vibe. Yarr!
Photo credit: Fromis_Now (Twitter), mirai42322 (Twitter)
One of our favorite looks, Nagyung’s outfit is simple but well done. Her hourglass figure is nicely highlighted, being exactly in the middle of the cuts of her top and skirt. For detailing, Nakko’s black undergarment adds an alluring layer of texture to her aquacore aesthetic dolphin top.
Photo credit: AutumnLight_Cat (Twitter), starrynight0124 (Twitter)
Like in Busan, Jiheon’s halter top emphasizes her shoulders. Her tied-up hair helps give us a better look. Jiheon’s top is paired with a pleated skirt to give her some more volume, highlight her figure, and make her look adorable!
Conclusion
As we can see over these four performances, a lot of thought is put into each outfit. They have to work as a whole, but also be tailored to each individual member’s charms and bodies. There are a few ways to tie outfits together as a group: working with a color palette, using materials such as plaid or denim, adding accents such as baseball caps, and of course matching boots! Most of the outfits had suitable a refreshing or bright summery theme, but it was switched up with Waterbomb Busan, maybe to give us a tease of Supersonic’s #COOL ver. styling.
As for the members, each of them has a styling formula, with consistent elements to fit the member’s vibe. It’s no secret that Saerom has a great physique and her styling highlights this, going with more tight-fitting clothing and natural hairstyles. In contrast, Hayoung’s clothes are the loosest, giving her slim body more volume and making her look cute and feminine. Jiwon looks good in a variety of outfits, as long as she doesn’t look too tiny. For these performances specifically, lots of attention went to her new Barbie look! Jisun doesn’t often show her midriff, instead going for outfits that free her legs and shoulders. She also shows some skin with a low neckline, suiting Jisun’s feminine and mature charm! Seoyeon leans toward the girl-crush side but can look super cute too. Additionally, she has a great hourglass figure and her styling shows it. Being the girl-crush member of the group, Chaeyoung loves showing off her torso and wears the coolest outfits while doing it. Nagyung, the group’s visual of visuals, doesn’t need much to look great. Her styling can lean both towards Hayoung’s or Saerom’s side of the spectrum. And lastly, Jiheon’s outfits have an air of youthfulness. Our maknae likes to show off her shoulders and super long legs, and easily looks great in any cool, cute or sexy outfit!
Overall, the stylists prepared great outfits for our members, making fromis look soaked in style!
Writers: Adam and Mitch
Editor: Bruno
Designer: Adam
Photo banner credit: AutumnLight_Cat (Twitter), 00cute0514 (Twitter)
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