A woman in a wine-red qipao set greeting elders at the door with a bag of mandarin oranges

What to wear for CNY house visiting: festive, comfortable outfits for every day

For Chinese New Year house visits, wear something new in a festive colour, modest enough for the elders and comfortable for a long afternoon of sitting, eating and chatting. Red, wine, pink, gold and soft pastels are the safest choices; keep black and white as accents rather than the whole outfit. Most Malaysian homes ask you to take your shoes off at the door, so choose shoes you can slip off easily. In 2027 the first day of the new year falls on Saturday 6 February.

What to wear, by visit

Visit Wear Why
First day, grandparents and elders Your most festive piece, like a qipao set It's the visit people photograph and remember
Second day, in-laws or the other side of the family A polished two-piece or a mandarin-collar top with a skirt Still festive, a little easier to wear
Friends and open houses A bright knit or top with trousers Comfortable for hopping between houses
Dinner out A red set or dress Restaurants are cool and photos are bright

Outfit ideas

For the elders

The Ru Xuan Qipao Set (RM139) is a deep wine-red jacquard set: a halter mandarin-collar top with frog-knot buttons and a high-waist midi skirt with raised peony jacquard. It looks traditional enough for grandparents and modern enough for you.

Cream with a touch of red

The Jin Hun Cheongsam Top (RM59) is a cream jacquard top with a mandarin collar, asymmetric frog buttons and sheer organza cap sleeves. Wear it with a red skirt or wide-leg trousers so the outfit reads festive rather than all white.

A cream mandarin-collar top with a red satin skirt at a Chinese New Year visit

Easy for open houses

For a day of visiting several homes, try the Qing Yu Chinese Modern Top (RM69) with wide-leg trousers, or a red knit like the Luna Knitted Top (RM45) for air-conditioned homes.

For the younger crowd

Going out with cousins or friends? The Glam Red Ribbon Set Wear (RM119) and the pink Mirabelle Sweet Cheongsam Set (RM109) are shorter and more playful.

Which colours mean what?

Red is the colour of luck and celebration, and it photographs beautifully against lanterns and couplets. Gold and yellow suggest prosperity, pink feels gentle and warm, and soft green or blue pastels feel fresh for a new start. If you are not sure what the family prefers, red or pink on top with a neutral bottom is always safe, and it lets the elders' outfits stand out in group photos.

Practical tips

A red cable knit, mandarin oranges, red packets, loafers and a red bag for house visiting

  • Shoes off at the door: wear loafers, flats or sandals you can slip on and off, and make sure your feet are presentable.
  • Room to eat: choose a waist that's comfortable after a few rounds of pineapple tarts.
  • Low seats and sofas: check a mini skirt or high slit when you sit; trousers or a midi are easier.
  • Bring mandarin oranges in pairs and keep red packets in a small bag so your hands are free.
  • Carry a light layer for homes with strong air-conditioning.

Coordinating a family photo too? See CNY family photo colours and lucky colours under RM100.

FAQ

Can I wear black for Chinese New Year?

Many families avoid head-to-toe black for New Year visits. Black trousers or a skirt with a red or bright top is fine.

Can I wear white?

All white is usually avoided too. Cream or white works well with red or gold, like a cream top with a red skirt.

Do I need new clothes?

Wearing something new for the new year is a long-held custom for a fresh start, but a favourite outfit in a festive colour is just as welcome.

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