What is "new Chinese style" fashion, and how do you wear it every day?
"New Chinese style" (新中式, xin zhong shi) is a way of dressing that blends traditional Chinese details, such as the mandarin collar, frog buttons (盘扣) and jacquard, with modern cuts, lighter fabrics and everyday pieces. Unlike a full qipao, it is not about recreating a traditional garment. It is about wearing one or two Chinese details in an outfit you could wear to work, to brunch or to dinner, any time of the year.
What are the signature details?
| Detail | What it looks like | Easy way to start |
|---|---|---|
| Mandarin collar (立领) | A short standing collar | A top with a mandarin collar and plain trousers |
| Frog buttons (盘扣) | Knotted fabric buttons and loops | A vest or top with one row of frog buttons |
| Jacquard (提花) | Patterns woven into the fabric: peonies, clouds, landscapes | One jacquard piece; keep the rest plain |
| Soft colours | Pastels, champagne, wine red; often light on top, darker below | A pale top with a dark skirt |
How is it different from a qipao or cheongsam?
A qipao is one fitted dress, usually for an occasion. New Chinese style borrows its details and puts them into separates: a top, a vest, a skirt, a set you can split up. That is why it works on an ordinary Tuesday. If you do want the classic one-piece, our guide on choosing and fitting a qipao explains how.
Four everyday ways to wear it
1. One Chinese top, everything else modern
The Qing Yu Chinese Modern Top (RM69) has a structured mandarin collar, front pearl buttons and a peplum shape in a spring pastel. Wear it with straight trousers or the Tiana Wool Pleated A Line Skirt in black for the office.
2. A vest over a plain tee
The vest from the Rouxi Pink Vest Set Wear (RM129), pink jacquard woven with gold threads, pagodas and blossoms, looks fresh worn open over the Slim Fit Basic Cotton Tee with jeans.
3. Split the set
Sets are the most useful new Chinese style pieces because they give you two outfits more. Wear the halter top from the Mirabelle Sweet Cheongsam Set (RM109) with white trousers, or its pink mini wrap skirt with a plain tee.
4. One showpiece for big nights
For reunion dinner or an oriental-themed event, go all in with the Ru Xuan Qipao Flower Embroidered Set Wear (RM139): deep wine-red jacquard with raised peonies, a mandarin collar and frog-knot buttons. Keep accessories simple; the fabric is the statement.
Styling tips
- One Chinese detail per outfit is enough for everyday; save head-to-toe for occasions.
- Pair jacquard with plain fabrics so the pattern has room.
- Pearl or jade-toned earrings and a simple hair clip finish the look.
Planning for the holidays? See modern cheongsam sets for CNY 2027.
FAQ
What does 新中式 mean?
It means "new Chinese style": traditional Chinese details mixed with modern cuts and everyday pieces.
Can I wear new Chinese style to the office?
Yes. A mandarin-collar top with plain trousers or a dark skirt is neat enough for most offices.
Is it only for Chinese New Year?
No. That is the point of it: one or two details, worn any time of year.