Last minute style tips for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Of all the things to worry about, such as your relatives’ intrusive questions about your personal life or gaining weight after binging on pineapple tarts, planning your CNY outfit seems the least daunting.

 
1. Be subtle

Red is a colour that is rather tricky to incorporate into an outfit for both guys and girls. Wear red pants and you get called a clown, wear a red top and people sarcastically ask you if it is National Day.

However, you can still don the colours of Chinese New Year and not look like a hardcore patriot– just using the colour conservatively in your outfit.

Wearing red accessories like bracelets or earrings is one way to do this.

 
Mandarin collars have a Manchurian origin and were hugely popular during the Qing dynasty. For a quick fix, find outfits that feature mandarin collars. It adds a touch of culture to your outfit without cramping your style.

Today, most high street retailers like Uniqlo and H&M are offering modern takes of the mandarin collar at affordable prices.

I recommend that you keep the rest of your outfit toned down, so that the mandarin collar stands out as your statement piece.

 
3. Explore the 50 shades of red

While wearing a red-centric outfit can be quite obnoxious (see point 1), get acquainted with red’s stylish cousins, burgundy and pink, instead.

A rich and deep colour, burgundy can be easily integrated with most outfits. Make it the base of your outfit by using a burgundy shirt or sweater.

Alternatively, burgundy is a great complimentary colour that can be paired with other neutrals such as navy and white. A burgundy tie looks great under a navy blazer if your Chinese New Year celebrations involves a formal dress code.

Pink is a colour that has always been popular with girls, but not so much amongst guys. Maybe Chinese New Year is the time for us guys to try something new.

I would recommend wearing something like salmon, instead of full-on pink. Again, you will want to keep the rest of your outfit neutral to avoid looking like Andy Warhol’s bright colour palette.

4. Stand out with loud prints

Show off your enthusiasm for Chinese New Year by donning loud and vibrant prints. If you do not feel like wearing red, prints are another way to channel your CNY vibes.

You could try prints like aztec, floral or even the recently trending camou. If you opt for the latter, be prepared for questions about national service from your clueless aunts and uncles.