Pinup girls, elegant film stars, and fashion icons have all donned the qipao at some point in history. So why not add this classic look to your wardrobe? The qipao (or cheongsam) is a traditional Chinese dress that has a timeless appeal. Though it can be tricky to wear for the first time, with these tips you’ll be looking like a pro in no time!
What You’ll Need
A qipao in a size that fits you A strapless bra if you’re going to be wearing the dress without a top A nude or black bra if you’re going to wear it with a top (never wear your qipao with an ordinary white bra, unless you want it to look like you’re wearing a wedding dress with a lingerie set)
Glue or tape to keep your bra straps in place Elastic bands so you can roll up the sleeves if needed (you should always try on the qipao before adding these, to make sure it still fits well) A dainty necklace and earrings to complete the look Pumps or high-heeled shoes in a color that matches your jewelry
A light foundation to make your skin look smooth and flawless A little bit of red lipstick or a nice, neutral shade of lip gloss to give the look a pop of color A fan for when you get a little too hot! Optional: false eyelashes and an eyebrow pencil
What You’ll Need to Know
The qipao is a dress that was developed and worn by upper-class women in China at the beginning of the 20th century. It’s also become a favorite of fashionistas around the world, with celebs like Lady Gaga, Khloe Kardashian, and Jennifer Lopez all wearing them on different occasions.
The qipao is made up of two parts: a skirt and a top. The bottom part (the skirt) usually has side slits, as well as handkerchief hems at the end. The top often has an asymmetrical collar and three-quarter sleeves that can be worn either rolled or not. An elastic band should keep the sleeve in place.
The qipao is usually worn with a matching skirt underneath it, though you can also wear pants if you like. You can create either of these looks by choosing your favorite pair of dark-colored trousers and wearing them with the qipao top. If you’re going to be wearing this dress without a shirt underneath, be sure to wear a strapless or adhesive bra that matches your skin tone. You can also wear a top underneath the dress if you feel more comfortable. In this case, choose a nude-colored bra if you’re going to be showing some skin without a shirt, and get a black one if you want to cover up with another layer.
If you want to wear your qipao with a shirt, be sure to put on an adhesive or strapless bra before trying it on. This will help keep the top of the dress in place once you have it all hooked up. If you’re going to craft an outfit that involves adding another layer over the qipao, try wearing a dainty necklace and drop earrings to keep the look elegant. You can also wear pumps or high-heeled shoes if you prefer, but make sure they match your accessories.
If you want to go all out, consider wearing false eyelashes and a little bit of lip gloss. To make your qipao last as long as possible, it’s best to store the dress in a sealed garment bag. This way it won’t get dirty or dusty while you’re not wearing it.
Conclusion: A stylish qipao can be worn by women of all ages and sizes. It’s a lovely outfit that’s fun to wear if you know what you’re doing, so get your hands on one and show the world your fashion savvy!
