Chinese New Year style used to mean fitted qipaos, sky‑high heels, and tiny bags that held almost nothing. Beautiful, yes—but practical for long days of visiting? Not really.
This Year of the Horse, we’re rewriting the dress code. Together with Singapore labels Qiqing Qipao and Gnome & Bow, and our own Oleah footwear, we’ve created modern outfit ideas that honour tradition while putting comfort, movement, and personality first.
The New CNY Dressing Rule: Comfort + Confidence + Personal Style
No more squeezing into outfits just because it’s “tradition.”
No more sacrificing comfort to look put-together.
This year, celebrate in pieces that let you:
✨ Eat all the yu sheng
✨ Chase the kids
✨ Hop between homes
✨ Stay out late
✨ Look incredible while doing it
Choose clothes that serve you — not the other way around.
1. Qiqing Qipao — Modern qipaos that let you breathe
A new take on an old classic
If you love the beauty and silhouette of a cheongsam but dread the restriction, Qiqing Qipao is your happy middle. Think:
- Fresh silhouettes
- Comfortable, everyday fabrics
- Mandarin collar energy — without the rigid tailoring
Whether you’re sitting cross-legged on the sofa chatting with aunties, or running after kids between visits — these qipaos let you move, eat, laugh, and live.
Tradition, redesigned for real life.
Qiqing Qipao can be found on
Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok: @qiqingqipao
2. Gnome & Bow — Leather Bags with character (and actual space!)
Because we all deserve more than a lipstick-sized clutch
Tiny CNY bags are cute — until you try fitting your phone, tissues, angbao, powerbank, snacks, and the oranges you always forget you need.
Enter Gnome & Bow — bags with personality, craftsmanship, and most importantly… capacity.
Highlights:
- Luxe leather textures
- Unique storytelling elements
- Crossbody straps so your hands stay free
- Enough room for everyday essentials and oranges 🍊
Style meets function — and no one needs to hide extra items in dad’s pocket.
Check out Gnome & Bow's full collection here: https://gnomenbow.com/collections/bags
Gnome & Bow can be found on
Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok: @gnomenbow
3. Oleah — Stylish flats and heels designed for comfort first
Yes, you can look elevated without suffering
Sky-high heels and CNY go way back. But blisters, aching feet, and slipping out of your shoes halfway while commuting to house visits are not traditions worth keeping.
If you ever wondered, what shoes to wear with Qipaos or what shoes to match a qipao best, you can be assured that you're safe with classic, timeless styles that look elegant without compromising comfort. At Oleah, comfort is the non-negotiable starting point - whether it's heels that won't kill you during CNY visiting or comfy flats to walk in all day, we got you covered.
Choose:
- Wide-fit heels you can actually walk in
- Ballet flats that stay elegant even when you’re 10 hours into visiting
- Personalised fittings so your feet feel supported all day
Check out our range of full range of ballet flats and heels here: https://oleah.co/en-hk/collections/all
Follow us on social media at:
Instagram: @oleah.co
Facebook: @oleahhandcrafted
Tiktok: @oleah.co
Be inspired on what to wear for Chinese New Year with these modern looks:
