Be fashion forward this Lunar New Year

Having trouble deciding what to wear this Chinese New Year? We find out what’s trending to come up with modern outfits that are perfect to show off to friends and family.

Picking out an outfit for an occasion can be difficult, especially for a celebration like Chinese New Year (CNY), where family obligations matter and there is pressure to keep it traditional. So how do you look fashionable yet feel comfortable?

We have picked three outfits for both girls and guys and each of them is suited for a specific personality. The first outfit pairing is meant for those who are more fashion forward and adventurous. The next, is a plain Jane/average Joe outfit for those who prefer a casual yet done up look, and the final fashion combination is for all the conservative individuals.

Girls

Outfit #1: The Risk Taker

cnygirl1
(PHOTO: JANELLA on Lookbook.nu)

Welcome the Lunar New Year with a bareback dress! This daring number is definitely more for the adventurous soul and risk takers who are not afraid to show some skin.  This ensemble has a traditional CNY colour, but its sleek keyhole cut-out at the back screams sexy. If you need to visit grandma who may disapprove, simply throw on a cardigan!

Where to get this look?

Dress: Louie Golden days dress from Ellysage.com, SGD$33

Outfit #2: The Plain Jane

(PHOTO: Shanice Koh on Lookbook.nu)
(PHOTO: Shanice Koh on Lookbook.nu)

What can be more perfect than wearing a floral number this Chinese New Year? This bustier dress is airy and features watercolour florals which contrast against its white skirt. This dress not only makes you look ethereal and dreamy, it gives off a feminine feel and offers an overall effortless look. Also, the A-line silhouette is a flattering fit anyone can pull off. If you are looking for a statement piece, look no further!

Where to get this look?

Dress: Belle In The Wild bustier dress from Natsukashe.com, SGD$32
Heels: High Heel Sandals with Ankle Strap from Zalora.Sg, SGD 23.90 (UP 29.90!)

Outfit #3: Lace is more

(PHOTO: dreachong.com)
(PHOTO: dreachong.com)

Co-ordinates (also known as co-ords) are a great way to mix and match without trying so hard! The ensemble allows one to move about freely because of its flowy silhouette. Even though the top is cropped, wearing a high-waisted bottom ensures that one does not bare too much midriff, leaving just a sliver of skin to be seen.

This outfit is a mix of comfort and style, and is perfect for conservative individuals. The soft peach colour and lace oozes sweetness and versatility. Pin a red brooch or rose for that extra festive touch.

Where to get this look?

Top – Fellisa Lace Top in Peach from TheClosetLover.com, SGD $30.90
Bottom – Fellisa Lace Culottes in Peach from TheClosetLover.com, SGD$34.90

Boys need not retreat away – this is the perfect time to scrub up and impress the girls!

Guys

Outfit #1: For the plaid-ful ones

(PHOTO: Burton Menswear London on Zalora.sg)
(PHOTO: Burton Menswear London on Zalora.sg)
(PHOTO: Burton Menswear London on Zalora.sg)
(PHOTO: Burton Menswear London on Zalora.sg)

Did you know?

Plaid is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours while a checked pattern simply consists of cross-crossed vertical lines forming squares. It seems pretty ordinary and even “square” but it is a look that works every time. Just make sure you match carefully – so that you are not too loud.  Ditch your conventional checks for this tartan plaid and show off your plaid-

It seems pretty ordinary and even “square” but it is a look that works every time. Just make sure you match carefully – so that you are not too loud.  Ditch your conventional checks for this tartan plaid and show off your plaid-ful nature!

Where to get this look?
Top: Short sleeve herringbone shirt from Burton Menswear London (available via Zalora!), $40.90 (UP: $53.90)

Bottom: Armour ll Slim Stretch Joggers from Sparrow Green (available via Zalora!), $47.90 (UP: $59.90)

Outfit #2: For the not-so-average Joe

(PHOTOS: Gian Maria on Lookbook.nu)
(PHOTOS: Gian Maria on Lookbook.nu)
(PHOTOS: Gian Maria on Lookbook.nu)
(PHOTOS: Gian Maria on Lookbook.nu)

Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, stuffing our faces with bak kwa and pulling an all-nighter filled with mah-jong. Sounds fun, but it may not be the most comfortable thing to do when you are dressed up in your Sunday’s best. Try throwing on a simple pullover in a colour that compliments your skin tone while pairing it against a dark denim bottom. Colours like maroon, blue and orange go great against Asian skin tones, so why not be comfortable this year and give this look a shot?

Try throwing on a simple pullover in a colour that compliments your skin tone while pairing it against a dark denim bottom. Colours like maroon, blue and orange go great against Asian skin tones, so why not be comfortable this year and give this look a shot?

Where to get this look?
Top: Crew Neck Jumper in Cotton from ASOS, $39.68
Bottom: Homme cropped pants from ASOS, $42 (UP: $126!)

Outfit #3: For the traditional individuals who never fail to go back to their roots

(PHOTOS: Yishu on Zalora.sg) //
(PHOTOS: Yishu on Zalora.sg)
(PHOTOS: Yishu on Zalora.sg) //
(PHOTOS: Yishu on Zalora.sg)

In an era where fashion is constantly being defined and moulded, there is no better way to stand out than going traditional. With a stand collar and vintage-style bronze buttons, this top will add style and sophistication. As the saying goes, clothes maketh the man.

Where to get this look?

Top: Short Sleeve Stand Collar Shirt In Linen With Vintage-Style Bronze Buttons from Yishu. (Available on Zalora.sg!), $78
Bottom: Drawstring Ankle Length Pants in Ramle Linen from Yishu, $118 (Available on Zalora.sg!)