There’s many reasons to love the Lunar New Year—the amazing snacks, the time spent with loved ones, and most importantly, the excuse to buy one (or several) new outfits just because it brings you good luck

While we all love a traditional Cheongsam, sometimes you just want an outfit that will have some lasting power beyond a special occasion. So, as you contemplate what sort of look you would like to debut this season, here's a handy list of stylish alternatives that will get your relatives talkingin a good way, of course!

1. Rotate by Birger Christensen

Founded by Danish fashion stylists Thora Valdimars and Jeanette Friis Madsen, Rotate by Birger Christensen is one brand you’ll want to watch out for. Named after the cyclical nature of fashion, the duo has cultivated a selection of dresses that they reckon will be indispensable to anyone’s wardrobe. Every piece acts as a staple, but yet with an added detail that sets itself apart from your regular contemporary label.

Take for example their Style 1 dress. With its high neck collar and asymmetric buttons, the dress is reminiscent of a modern-day cheongsam, but with an added fashionable twist—dramatic, voluminous sleeves that pay homage to the 1980s. Perfect, if you're in the market for a less traditional take on a Lunar New Year outfit. Currently, the dress comes in two colours: pink and a sleek black one, though we might advise against the latter if you're visiting older relatives.

Related: (12 Pairs Of Shoes That Are Perfect For Lunar New Year Visiting)

2. Paige Parker x Max Tan

"What else would a woman, who likes wearing a qipao, wear?" That was the question Paige Parker, author of Don’t Call Me Mrs Rogers asked herself. Inspired by the traditional cheongsam, and together with local designer Max Tan, the dynamic duo set out to create a focused capsule collection of five designs that celebrates all elements of the cheongsam.

While the collection does feature two cheongsams, it also offers separates for someone who’s in the market for something a little less restrictive. Think, high waisted slit trousers paired with a mandarin collar bolero that wouldn’t look out of place on a night out or an asymmetrical hem wrap skirt that could be worn to the office with a crisp white shirt.

(Related: 10 Mini Purses That Will Fit Your Red Packets This Lunar New Year

3. Nanushka

Another brand that chose to grow its presence over social media instead of traditional advertising is Hungarian label Nanushka. Founded by Hungarians Sandra Sandor and Sandor’s longtime partner Peter Baldaszti, Nanushka is all about creating fuss-free and effortless pieces that you’ll want to keep reaching out for over and over again

Describing the label as a mash-up of East and West, a by-product of Sandor’s upbringing in Hungary, the brand strives to create beautiful and uncomplicated pieces, like a silk satin shawl collar suit that are as comfortable as pyjamas—an important factor to consider since there’s a high chance you’ll be shuttling from home to home without much time for outfit changes in between.

(Related:  10 Limited Edition Beauty Products Just In Time For CNY)
 

4. Silvia Tcherassi

With Silvia Tcherassi going global with her brand, soon Pablo Escobar (and his illicit trade) won’t be the only export Colombia’s famous for. While the Columbian born designer was already a household name back home, the rest of the world has only been privy to her collections since the designer quietly dropped her collection on Net-a-porter in 2017.

The label specialises in vibrant prints and colours made in easy, breathable materials like cotton poplin, linen and silk, perfect for the tropical climate and exuberant energy found in places like Columbia and Singapore. Tcherassi also mixes fabrics and prints with aplomb, creating a multi-layered look without the fuss of actually wearing several pieces at once. What could be better in this humid climate of ours?

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