Style Guide for the Chinese New Year 2025

How to dress for Chinese New Year? Check out our styling guide below.

The Year of the Snake approaches with all its auspicious vibes! Amid the awe-inspiring decorations, radiant lanterns, and vibrant festivities, style yourself in ensembles that fit the joyous mood and occasion. And, as you eagerly arrive at the Chinese New Year, elevate your wardrobe with pieces that honour the spirit of the Year of the Snake. Such fashion, inspired by the rich traditions of the Chinese zodiac, combines its cultural symbolism with a fresh, creative interpretation of the Snake in contemporary designs. Our style guide for the Chinese New Year will enable you to select fashion accessories and clothes in colours and cuts that celebrate the New Year and keep you feeling buoyant, festive and very stylish.

1. It’s got to be new! 

Traditionally, wearing new clothes on the first day of the Chinese New Year is non-negotiable. It’s an ancient custom deeply symbolic of ushering in new beginnings and doing away with the old. Also, new clothes are believed to ward off evil spirits and welcome prosperity and good luck. 

You don’t necessarily have to wear the traditional qipao. You can choose to dress in what you like and what makes you feel good – it just needs to be new. If you like florals, you could pair a stylish top or a shirt printed with delicate floral motifs with solid-colour pants or a skirt. A flowing dress with hand block printed blooms could be a great selection too! Animal prints are a popular choice and you could go for a top flaunting this timeless pattern. It’s always a joy to indulge in the excitement of getting yourself something new that you like, reflecting the spirit of this happy time. 

2. Seek patterns honouring the spirit of the Year of the Snake

Designers have honoured this Lunar New Year with vast and varied interpretations of the Snake in their creations. Whether the mythical serpent is depicted in bold accents or is subtly imagined in intricate embroidery, it grabs the spotlight in this year’s fashion collections. For instance, Juliette C’s creative snake-themed detailing in an exclusive red Art Deco style print adorns a chic top and skirt that you can wear as a co-od set or with solid separates. 

3. It’s a red alert! 

Red is a significant colour in Chinese culture and is associated with celebrations. Believed to bring good luck and prosperity, the Chinese New Year is the perfect time to wear red clothes. Go for bright, happy reds or even warm hues of rose or brick. Of course, your entire ensemble needn’t be red. Bring in gold accents through separates or accessories for a little flavour. Gold is also considered an auspicious colour for the occasion and you could indulge in your favourite gold pieces for a glam look. A stylish top in subtle gold tucked into chic gold pants can get you party-ready in minutes! 

4. Don’t forget your accessories

Accessories add the finishing touch to your lovely ensemble, so choose them with care. Red and gold are best for this celebratory occasion making gold jewllery and red gemstones perfect. A statement bracelet or necklace can greatly elevate your ensemble. In contrast, red gemstones in a necklace, bracelet, ring or earring can add a spark of colour to an elegant gold ensemble. 

Other accessories such as a snake-themed belt, or a bright red scarf or purse will also add a stylish note to your look. 

5. Here’s what to avoid

The little black dress might be perfect for a party, but not during the Chinese New Year. Traditionally, black and white are not worn during this occasion as they are considered inauspicious and associated with bad luck and mourning. To be respectful of others celebrating the New Year, it’s best to save your black and white pieces for a different time of the year. Buying new shoes is also considered bad luck, as is wearing torn or damaged clothes. 

We hope this style guide for the Chinese New Year enables you to make stylish fashion choices, so you can step out for the celebrations in confidence and style! 

At JULIETTE C, our collection of limited edition pieces in celebration of the Chinese New Year carries the spirit of new beginnings! Our creative snake print and alluring red blossom print adorn both new and classic designs and aim to bring you luck and joy in the New Year. 

We wish you a fabulous Year of the Wood Snake!

Please get in touch if you have any questions about clothes and colours for the Lunar New Year, or our other creations. 

You can also visit our website to discover our timeless French fashion for women.