23 Totally Modern Cheongsams To Get For Chinese New Year

Oh, cheongsam, how far you've come. From one-note figure-hugging embroidered silken dresses in predictable print, you're now available in materials from lace and jacquard to cotton and linen. You are a jumpsuit; you are pants and a top; you can be a caped blouse or a flowy frock. You come in batik and tropical prints, surprising us with how utterly modern and not cheena you can be. You don't even really have a look like a cheongsam. These days, you're not just worn during Chinese New Year. You are worn all year round, and no one will question why. And we love it.

Here are 8days.sg's top 23 cheongsam picks this lunar new year.

Main pic: Courtesy of Pomelo.

1/22

1/22

Mandarin Collar Feather Trimmed Blouse, $34 from Pomelo

The mandarin collar is all kinds of traditional, but the feather trim? Very unexpected. Pair with the Mini Floral Draped Skirt ($29) for a feisty CNY combo.

From Pomelo.
2/22

2/22

Emilea Jacquard Mandarin Collar Dress, $51.90, from Love, Bonito

Long gone are the days when wearing a figure-hugging cheongsam means you can't eat. This swishy modern beauty from Love, Bonito can fit several bak kwa and pineapple tart food babies. Yay!

Launching Jan 13. See our story about LB's mother and child twinning CNY outfits here.

From Love, Bonito.
3/22

3/22

M6 & M3 samfu from Ong Shunmugam

Such a vibrant and contemporary ensemble that can be worn together or as separates for a more toned-down effect. But really, this print wants to pop! and be the centre! of! attention!

From Ong Shunmugam. Price on application.
4/22

4/22

Drea Embroidery Signature Jumpsuit, $350, from The Missing Piece

The Missing Piece's iconic jumpsuit with the signature waist cut-outs gets a special makeover and is emblazoned with golden embroidery for the Heart of Gold collection, to raise funds for Operation Hope Foundation. Also in red, and available for pre-order. Modelled by A-lister influencer Drea Chong.

From The Missing Piece.
5/22

5/22

Brella Tropical printed dress, $69.90, from Yacht 21

Love how sweet this comfy frock from local label Yacht 21 looks. Grandma will approve, while being secretly jealous she never got to wear this in her youth. Also comes in pink.

From Yacht 21.
6/22

6/22

Ava wrap eyelet set, $229, from Joli Pretty

The texture on this combo is a win. The bright white top balances out the asymmetrical batik skirt, and it's giving us heart eyes.

From Joli Pretty.
7/22

7/22

Mini Floral Puffed Sleeve Dress, $44 from Pomelo

Another too-cute rendition of the cheongsam that's less dimsum waitress, more whimsical fashionista.

From Pomelo.
8/22

8/22

Su Lin Print dress from Ong Shunmugam

This tiered confection embellished in all the right places is destined to become a piece for special occasions.

From Ong Shunmugam.
9/22

9/22

Leandra Tropical printed dress, $69.90 from Yacht 21

A cool printed number that manages to be both moody and breezy at the same time. Fab.

From Yacht 21.
10/22

10/22

Raven Convertible Jumpsuit, $250, from The Missing Piece

A genius innovation where the top half of the outfit unbuttons away to transform from a mandarin collar neckline to a sexier toga. Visit the relatives for ang pows then go out to party? Yasss.

From The Missing Piece.
11/22

11/22

Liantha Qipao, $42.90, from The Closet Lover

Another pretty mod oriental frock to add to cart.

From The Closet Lover.
12/22

12/22

Floral Surplice Wrap Dress, $44 from Pomelo

A sexy, attention-grabbing wrap dress with tasseled ties. Dramatic red fan optional.

From Pomelo.
13/22

13/22

Arinka Floral Ruffle Sleeve cheongsam, $42 from Love & Bravery

A perfect cheongsam for babygirl.

From Love & Bravery.
14/22

14/22

Bevelyn Lace Mandarin Collar Midi Dress, $53.90 from Love, Bonito

An intricate In The Mood For Love-esque lace number to bring some old-school glam to your lunar new year.

Launching Jan 6.

From Love, Bonito.
15/22

15/22

Meena 20B lace dress from Ong Shunmugam

Exquisite. Pass this down to your daughters, maybe?

From Ong Shunmugam.
16/22

16/22

Dance Away Cape Top in green, $175 from The Missing Piece

Elegance plus power in one jade green top. Will take you way beyond CNY into the unknoooown.

From The Missing Piece.
17/22

17/22

Jannid floral printed dress,$69.90 from Yacht 21

Simple and graceful is sometimes how it's done. There's a sweet kind of nostalgia about this no-frills frock.

From Yacht 21.
18/22

18/22

Tassel Rope Belt Blazer, $64 & Frog Knot Straight Pants, $44 from Pomelo

Obviously not a cheongsam, but this CNY-worthy outfit made it onto our list for its chinois touches (that tasseled belt!) and its huat red hue. Consider it an unconventional cheongsam. If traditional dress isn't up your alley this year, make it a scarlet blazer and pants combo.

From Pomelo.
19/22

19/22

Su Lin 20C lace dress from Ong Shunmugam

Another stunning yet utterly sweet piece from OS. Gotta love the girly sleeves and floral buttons.

From Ong Shunmugam.
20/22

20/22

Flora culottes set, $229, from Joli Pretty

A cool black version of the cheongsam involving a separate top and pants with pockets and slits? Sign us up.

From Joli Pretty.
21/22

21/22

Mini Oriental Floral Dress & Mandarin Collar Feather Trimmed Blouse with Embroidered Cigarette Pants

The little gold dress is $59 while the feathered blouse is $34 and the embroidered pants are $49. Chinois chic galore.

From Pomelo.
22/22

22/22

Amaryllis Textured Contrast Midi Dress, $51.90 from Love, Bonito

Will take you from boardroom to formal dinner to CNY party. Sleek.

From Love, Bonito.