Chinese New Year is inching closer and closer and if you haven’t already picked your outfit, it’s high time you got started! Most of us aren’t the sort of people who buy clothes just for the sake of wearing them once - only for them to never see the daylight again - so it’s a good idea to pick out a modern cheongsam that can be worn for other occasions aside from CNY.
We’ve narrowed down a mix of 8 online stores and physical boutiques where you can get stylish cheongsams that blend current trends with traditional elements, and here are some of our favourite pieces.
Note: All featured items are in stock at time of writing. As Chinese New Year approaches, these may end up becoming limited in size range or get sold out completely. Do act fast to avoid disappointment.
Read on to check out these modern cheongsams in Singapore for Chinese New Year 2022!
#1: 3inute - fun textures and bold patterns
Photo from 3inute
It’s all about prints and textures with 3inute this Chinese New Year. Adventurous fashionistas who love standing out from the crowd will like the quirky Kace Flutter Eyelet Midi Dress in Purple or Green Florals ($40.90) with contrasting colours that don’t clash thanks to the slightly muted tones. The waist is loose-fitting, so you can either secure it with a belt or work it to your advantage to hide that food baby.
Photo from 3inute
Playing with different layers of lace is the Ting Duo-Tone Crochet Cheongsam Dress in Pink or Sage ($48.90) with a fitted bodice and pleated skirt for a neat look.
Photo from 3inute
There’s also the Shan Keyhole Flutter Hem Cheongsam Dress in Navy or White Prints ($42.90) with fun botanical motifs and a mini fishtail hem of sorts.
#2: MGP Label - multiple styles including retro-inspired and colour blocking
Photo from MGP Label
Unlike MGP Label’s Chinese New Year picks are subtle enough for wearing even outside of CNY, and one of these is the vibrant Xing Floral Cheongsam in Blossom or Navy ($47) with colour block florals on the skirt.
Photo from MGP Label
While large lace patterns run the risk of looking tacky, that’s not the case with the Jardin Crochet Halter Dress in Blush or Blue ($48), where the floral motifs contribute to a scalloped hemline. Though this one isn't actually a cheongsam, the flowery details and colourful pastel shades allow it to pass off as CNY wear - while remaining appropriate for the office.
Photo from MGP Label
For something with a bit of retro charm, go for the Ritzia Floral Cheongsam in Red or Blue ($45) with simple floral patterns and classic knot buttons securing the collar right below the neck and on the breastbone.
#3: Guo Ping - unique handmade pieces
Photo from Guo Ping
Guo Ping creates oriental-inspired daily wear including dresses and suit sets on an all-year-round basis, so of course they’ve come through for Chinese New Year with modern cheongsams too. You’ll notice that the fabric used here comes in unique textures and finishes including brocade, iridescent, and even those entirely covered with shimmery sequins. Every piece is painstakingly handmade, which means they’re limited in quantity and pretty darn exclusive.
Photo from Guo Ping
Based on what we’ve seen on their online store, prices for a cheongsam start from $137, which is still reasonable for something handmade. Those who prefer trying on items before committing to a purchase can head down to their physical boutique at *SCAPE, where you may find some new designs that have yet to be listed on their website.
Photo from Guo Ping
Address: 2 Orchard Link, *SCAPE Underground, Singapore 237978
Website
#4: Fayth - luxurious floral jacquard
Photo from Fayth
Goth chic, but make it CNY - that’s how we’d describe the Harmony Jacquard Cheongsam ($48.90), with black and grey rose patterns set against a blood red background. Pair it with black boots and you’ve got a killer look right there with a dose of edginess that won’t veer away from the festive vibe. Much love!
Photo from Fayth
Another luxurious-looking pick made using exquisite floral fabric in a satiny material is the Chinois Jacquard Cheongsam ($47.90), also in a similar colour scheme.
Photo from Fayth
Those seeking something less dark to avoid offending superstitious relatives can go the safe route with the Xi Jacquard Cheongsam ($52.90) or Poet Cheongsam ($52.90). The latter is in a lighter cottony material for good breathability and comfort during long hours of visiting.
#5: L’zzie - Disney & Sanrio-themed pieces with detachable collars
Photo from L’zzie
This is one for all the ardent fans of all things character-themed. L’zzie brings a Disney twist to the traditional Chinese cheongsam with the Mickey Nature Detachable Collar Midi Cheongsam Dress ($85) in pastel Pink or Purple. Frilled cap sleeves and a scalloped skirt hem add a touch of youthfulness, while the removable collar allows you to switch up your look based on your mood or the occasion.
Photo from L’zzie
Equally kawaii is the Sanrio Mix Cooking Class Detachable Collar Cheongsam Dress ($92) in Blue or Cream, featuring like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Kiki and Lala.
Photo from L’zzie
If cartoon prints aren’t for you, make a bold statement with the Citrus Detachable Collar Cheongsam Dress ($79), or look sweet and demure in the Ettlin Removable Collar Cheongsam Dress ($29.90, U.P. $87).
Address: 200 Victoria Street, #02-37/38/38A Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11am - 9.30pm | Friday & Saturday: 11am - 10pm
Website
#6: LeChic - twin with your sisters in various colourways
Photo from LeChic
LeChic is the go-to if you’re looking for something to twin with your sisters in without wearing the exact same piece, for most of the designs in their Chinese New Year 2022 collection come in three colourways. Check out this Bainian Porcelain Lace Overlay Cheongsam Skort Romper ($59.90) in Blue/Jade, Jade/Cream, and White/Almond - it comes with a layer of shorts underneath so you can move around with ease.
Photo from LeChic
With a flirty fluttery skirtand lace bodie is the Luxuriantly Laced Ruffle Hem Cheongsam Dress ($43.90) in Cream, Navy Blue, and Burgundy Red. We love how the ribbon sash cinches the waist for a slimmer appearance.
Photo from LeChic
Chinese New Year garb doesn’t just have to be about Mandarin collars and oriental buttons Sometimes an all-red outfit will do the trick. There are many of these in stock, including the chic Sveltely Laced Jumpsuit ($52.90) for those who prefer pants over skirts and dresses.
#7: Poppyland - affordable prices below $30
Photo from Poppyland
Poppyland Co is a Malaysian-based online store that ships to Singapore, and them being located across the border means we get to enjoy great prices thanks to the exchange rate - most of the CNY selection doesn’t go above $30!
Fierce yet elegant at the same time is the Dragon Lady Cheongsam ($25.94) with the print of a majestic dragon soaring through the skies. A keyhole neckline adds a touch of sophisticated femininity.
Photo from Poppyland
The knot buttons of the Opulent Jade Cheongsam ($28.20) are placed in a unique formation that ends in a small thigh slit.
Photo from Poppyland
Those who’d prefer something a little more covered up around conservative elders can go for the Spring Floral Midi Cheongsam ($29.70) with sleeves, a longer hemline, and sweet cherry blossom prints.
#8: myCK - classic chinoiserie, convenient heartland locations
Photo from myCK
Turns out, myCK isn’t just a heartland department store that aunties frequent for cheap home essentials; They do have a range of Chinese New Year outfits as part of their range of apparel, and they’re surprisingly stylish! The ones pictured here are all priced at $49.90, and come with classic chinoiserie motifs such as cherry blossoms and cranes.
Photo from myCK
myCK’s e-catalogue only shows a small range of such cheongsams, so it’d be best to head down to any of their outlets to check out the full selection in person. There are currently almost 20 branches islandwide, so there’s bound to be one in or near your neighbourhood!
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Text by: GirlStyle SG
