As Chinese New Year (CNY) approaches, many of us start scrambling to put together a brand new CNY outfit. However, the dilemma lies in finding cute outfits that we love, which at the same time, are approved by the elders. This year, ramp up your CNY outfit game and go all out with your lucky colours to have a smooth and prosperous year ahead.
Not to mention all the Mahjong games you will be winning – thanks to having luck on your side. For the ladies, we’ve pulled together a list of CNY outfit ideas that you will need for a good-looking CNY!
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CNY superstitions: What to wear & what not to wear
1. Wear red
Red symbolises prosperity. That’s why we deck our houses in red decorations and ornaments during CNY. Therefore, it makes sense why our Asian relatives love it when we dress like an ang bao. You can also go for bright colors like orange to welcome good fortune for the year ahead!
2. Wear new clothes
New year, new clothes. Having new clothes for CNY also means that you’re starting the year afresh with new hopes and goals. This is not restricted to just your outfit. But also includes pajamas and even underwear.
3. Avoid black and white
Black and white are traditionally associated with death and mourning. Therefore, it is generally advised not to have these colours be the main highlights in your CNY outfits. Not to mention that they’ll definitely earn you some stares from relatives who are particular about CNY traditions.
CNY outfit ideas: Find your zodiac sign and lucky colours 2021
Starting from 12 Feb 2021, we finally welcome the Year of the Ox. Lucky colours are metallic gray as well as aqua blue. Surround yourself with these colours all year round, not just your outfits, but also home decor too.
Zodiac sign Lucky colours to wear during CNY
Rat Aqua, blue, green
Ox Silver, white*
Tiger Gray, blue
Rabbit Metal gold, silver
Dragon Ruby red, gray, blue, green
Snake Bright yellow, peach, sky blue
Horse Silver, vanilla, red, white*
Goat Gray, blue, black*
Monkey Gray, bright blue, pale yellow
Rooster Pink, blue, silver, white*
Dog Indian red, yellow, white*
Pig Pink, yellow, green
*If black/white is one of your lucky colours this 2021, avoid wearing it during CNY. However you can still wear them after the celebrations!
Rat – Aqua / Blue / Green
For those born in the year of the Rat, you’re in luck. You can incorporate all of your lucky colours into one single outfit easily. Go for a monochromatic look combining the three colours and stand out amongst the crowd with a relaxing fit.
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Ox – Silver
Silver and satin are a match made in heaven, the embodiment of effortless plus luxury. Not to mention that silver is a great colour that goes well with any other cool tones! This top is the foolproof piece for a comfortable visit and reunion dinner!
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Tiger – Gray / Blue
Gray might seem like a dull colour but with a splash of blue Accent, your outfit will be anything but boring. Plus, gray outfits are some of the most versatile of the lot where you can wear them to many other occasions after CNY too!
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Rabbit – Metal Gold / Silver
Lous and auspicious, gold and silver bode well for CNY. Made with faux leather designed in a flattering fit, this skirt from ZALORA is our top-pick this year as a statement piece.
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Dragon – Ruby Red / Gray / Blue / Green
Lauded as one of the legendary creatures in ancient history, Dragons are known to exude confidence and power. We chose this Striking Red Dress that is daring and conservative at the same time so you’ve got your best game on this CNY.
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Snake – Bright Yellow / Sky Blue / Peach
Ladies who are born in the year of the snake has it good this CNY, there are so many combinations you can make out of your lucky colours. We recommend choosing one of the colours as your base and the others as accents. This dress is the embodiment of “girl-next-door” – the kind that all relatives will 100% approve.
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Horse – Silver / Vanilla / Red
A feminine dress that takes you from day to night, this lovely red dress is a great mix of elements inspired by cheongsams and contemporary cuttings. Our favourite part? The cut out design that oozes a sexy vibe while keeping it safe.
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Sheep – Gray / Blue
Gray and blue might be trickier to style together because of their relatively muted tones. However, you can create a head-turning CNY outfit by playing with saturation and tones. For instance, this dainty dress paints a picture of the sky, sprinkled with bright colours from the butterflies is an absolute stunner!
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Monkey – Gray / Bright Blue / Pale Yellow
An active zodiac that is constantly on the move, a romper will be your perfect choice. Plus, the print and looser fit helps to hide the food baby from the pineapple tarts and bak kwa that you’ll be snacking on!
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Rooster – Pink / Blue / Silver
A unique and feminine piece, this skirt sees striking red frog knots that are well-placed to create a form-fitting shape. It is the perfect harmony between old and new and we’re digging it!
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Dog – Indian Red / Yellow
Polka dot prints are never out of style, a timeless classic that is a must-have in everybody’s wardrobe. It adds a special touch of design to your plain dress and coupled with the ruched side, we are loving this!
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Pig – Pink / Yellow / Green
A girl can never go wrong with florals. Florals are often found with bright and auspicious colours. We chose this piece from Pomelo for its puffy sleeves that has got us in love!
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Other CNY-related reads:
- Chinese New Year (CNY) Ang Bao Rates 2021: How Much Should You Put In The Red Packets?
- Reunion Dinner 2021: Best Restaurants For An Impressive CNY Feast In Singapore
- Top Online and Offline Fashion Retailers to get your Fashion Fix
*All prices and Cashback rates are accurate at time of writing and are subject to change without prior notice
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