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8 Affordable Local Brands To Shop For New CNY Clothes Besides Your Usual Cheongsams

CNY clothes online


It’ll soon be that time of the year again, with steamboat dinners, lou hei, and reunions with all our relatives and friends. The truth is, it may be a pretty stressful time for some who are clueless as to how to dress to impress. 

For those who want to keep it lowkey without the usual cheongsam or qipao, but not too boring with basic monochrome tops and jeans, there are new looks out there that offer a sleek spin while still giving you festive new year vibes. From mahjong couple tees to “Bao Huat” leisurewear sets, here are eight local apparel brands to usher in the tiger year in style.

Get ready for Chinese New Year with our other guides:


1. Modparade – Cai Shen Ye, mahjong tile & fortune cats prints


lotta top - cai shen ye
Lotta Top – Cai Shen Ye ($31.90)
Image credit: Modparade

You might think that loud graphic prints are hard to match, but not at Modparade

oakleigh top and sato top
Oakleigh Top – Da San Yuan ($37.90)
Sato Top – Fortune Dogo ($29.90)
Image credit: Modparade, Modparade

The label’s CNY collection this year offers a range of elegantly designed fits from peplum tops to midi dresses, all with CNY motifs like fortune cats (and dogs), mahjong tiles, koi fish and Cai Shen Ye – all to manifest every bit of luck possible.

Modparade website


2. VintageWknd – Unique oriental prints


ao bing outfit
Unleash your inner Ao Bing with these reworked pieces
Image credit: @vintagewknd

With humble beginnings on Carousell, VintageWknd has grown into a brand with unpredictable yet stylishly original clothes. 

Reserved for the boldest of fashionistas, the brand’s Lunar Luxury Scarf Rework collection turns fabrics with oriental-inspired prints into costume pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. If the whole set is too much for you, just pair the pieces with a basic top or jeans and elevate your regular looks effortlessly.

vintagewknd
Image credit: @vintagewknd

Their CNY reworked prints are only available in their warehouse store, with prices starting from $80

Address: 50 Serangoon North Avenue 4, #08-08, First Centre, Singapore 555856
Opening Hours: Fri 6PM-10PM | Sat & Sun 2PM-9PM (Closed from Mondays to Thursdays)
Telephone: 8952 6851

VintageWknd website


3. MFW Store – Matching tees for you and your SO


love is mahjong tee
Love is Mahjong Tee ($29.90)
Image credit: MFW Store

We all dread that moment when our relatives come to us with the “Getting married yet or not?” questions. Without thinking too far into the future, of course, MFW Store offers you witty mahjong-themed couple tees to help you with your answers. 

Toto 4D Mahjong tee
Singletons can also get the Toto 4D Mahjong Tee ($29.90) for you and your bros
Image credit: MFW Store

Whether it’s about how love is “east south north west” or how your one true love might be buying TOTO, perhaps these graphic tees can help thwart those burning kaypoh questions.

MFW Store website


4. Dear Lyla – Cute kimono and bohemian prints


Hana Kimono Colourblock Romper in Coral Pink Patchwork
Hana Kimono Colourblock Romper in Coral Pink Patchwork ($39.90)
Image credit: Dear Lyla

Certain fashion trends come and go, but dainty prints will always remain a CNY classic. Be it in a styled romper or mini dress, Dear Lyla’s timeless and festive designs will surely have you feeling and looking sophisticated – perfect if you’re meeting the future in-laws. 

Ava Sleeve Top in Blue Bohemian
Ava Sleeve Top in Blue Bohemian ($33.90)
Image credit: Dear Lyla

What’s better, Dear Lyla’s clothes are versatile enough to be worn post-CNY, so you don’t have to worry about wearing fancy “CNY clothes” during the off-season!

Dear Lyla website


5. The Tinsel Rack – Matching sets and graphic tees


Bao Huat matching set
Bao Huat Cropped Tee ($31.90) & Shorts ($34.90)
Image credit: The Tinsel Rack

No matter the occasion, there will always be a handful of folks who enjoy rocking minimalist fits and streetwear. Luckily, The Tinsel Rack has got that covered with their casual CNY tees. 

Huat's Up and Greetings tee
Huat’s Up Tee ($27.90)
Greetings Tee ($27.90)
Image credit: The Tinsel Rack, The Tinsel Rack

With their matching leisurewear sets and graphic tees with cute CNY-themed doodles, you can run away from the stress of dressing up while still staying on theme when you meet your family and friends this time around. 

The Tinsel Rack website


6. The Closet Lover – Vintage midis and pleated dresses


Hallie Midi Dress
Hallie Midi Dress ($55.90)
Image Credit:  The Closet Lover

These days, wearing clothes that look straight outta grandma’s closet is what seems to be in trend – after all, going vintage has been picking up these past few years. The Closet Lover borrows oldies-but-goldies classics such as long lace midis and pleated dresses to give you that “old soul” look this CNY.

Leina Pleated Midi Dress and Blair Smock Top
Leina Pleated Midi Dress ($52.90)
Blair Smock Top ($42.90)
Image credit: The Closet Lover, The Closet Lover

The Closet Lover website


7. Love & Bravery – Modern cheongsam styles


Marlyn Baroque Cheongsam
Marlyn Baroque Cheongsam ($48)
Image credit: Love & Bravery

Trends may come and go, but there will be some who still have a soft spot for the usual traditional Chinese costumes. With Love & Bravery’s CNY catalogue, you’ll find classic cheongsam styles reworked into elegant modern fits, timelessly bringing together old and new.

Sharlene Lace Cheongsam Jumpsuit and Lilyth Chinese Button Top
Sharlene Lace Cheongsam Jumpsuit ($42)
Lilyth Chinese Button Top ($25)
Image credit: Love & Bravery, Love & Bravery 

Love & Bravery website


8. Anticlockwise – Kueh print embroidery


Kueh Embroidery Two Way Top and Pocket Shorts
Kueh Embroidery Two Way Top (SGD 34.90) & Pocket Shorts ($34.90)
Kueh Embroidery Thick Strap Midi Dress at ($42.90)
Image credit: Anticlockwise, Anticlockwise

Bringing a subtle, adorable flair to their pieces, Anticlockwise has adorable and detailed kueh prints embroidered on their range of white dresses, tops and shorts. Other patterns such as the classic wildflower collection are also available. Do note that the collection is selling out fast, though there is a waiting list for those that don’t make a purchase in time.

Wildflower Square Neck Jumpsuit in White and Garden Floral Flowy Maxi Dress in White
Wildflower Square Neck Jumpsuit in White ($44.90)
Garden Floral Maxi Flowy Dress in White ($44.90)
Image credit: @syahira.khidzer

Though their outfits may lean towards the pricier end, all embroideries are sewn by hand, making it all the more worth it. A little kueh embroidery bag is also available to easily bring along some oranges to bai nian to elders.

Anticlockwise website


Shop for new CNY-themed clothes this year


Whether you’re one to make a grand fashion statement or are just hoping for a simple style put together, dressing up with brand new loot is still a treat. So whether you decide to go with chic fortune cat prints or elegant modern cheongsams, spice up your wardrobes and ring in the Year of the Tiger in style.


Cover images adapted from: Modparade, MFW Store, The Closet Lover