While there are almost too many possibilities when it comes to cheongsam in Malaysia, finding one that is both Malaysian and distinctive may be a challenging task. Because, once again, you don't want to appear like everyone else.
Fortunately, we've compiled a comprehensive selection of 5 diverse, yet inspiring cheongsams online or many call it Chinese New Year dresses to purchase this year in the list below.
Disclaimer: The products listed in this article do not constitute any endorsement by Peter Lum.
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Peter Lum chevron_right
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Top Cheongsam Dress Styles For Chinese New Year 2025
Mermaid Style Cheongsam Dress
If you’re planning to go a little extra with your cheongsam style, perhaps for corporate events and dinners, you might want to give this style a go.
The Mermaid Tail Cheongsam is a fun and nice cheongsam alternative. With flared ruffle ends at its seams, the dress adds a touch of chic-ness and a soft curvature that accentuates the hips, complimenting the body's feminine silhouette. Because of its profile, the Mermaid Tail style can be as flexible for many events, including casual and formal, according to the dress's length.
Our guest expert Peter Lum said, “If you're enjoying the dress's whimsy and drama, why not?"
- Great for: Weddings, formal and cocktail events
- Shop our picks: Bebebutterfly, Giorgia, Eatern Classic, Sunnydaysweety
Short Cheongsam Dress
For a timeless design, a short cheongsam is versatile for many kinds of event. As it is not too traditional looking, it’s a great option for first-timers who wish to feel comfortable but still want to celebrate the spirit of Chinese New Year in a vibrant outfit.
It’s also the perfect option for petite girls who would still like to wear cheongsam without looking stumpy. Plus, its short length means you can easily move about, which is great for visiting multiple open houses and such.
- Great for: Festive celebrations
- Shop our picks: Eastern Classic, Forest, L'zzie
Lace Cheongsam Dress
According to Peter, when the right sort and grade of lace is used, lace cheongsams can be stunning. That being said, we have to include this style on our list.
Some of our favourite features made with this Cheongsam style offers a elegant and alluring aesthetic altogether. They are also often double-layered which helps you to look fitter by shielding the inner layer that hugs the body.
- Great for: Festive and party celebrations
- Shop our picks: Zalora Studios, Eastern Classic, L'zzie, Love Knot
Embroided Cheongsam Dress
Don’t want to be contained by the usual Cheongsam styles in Malaysia? Maybe this one will pique your interest.
An embroidered cheongsam generally features a stunning art pattern against a plain design Cheongsam. It's definitely a unique piece that suits parties and formal events as well as they stand out from the usual cotton Cheongsams. So if you’re looking for a stunning date-night piece or for a casual meet-up, this might be the one for you.
Great for: Parties and dinner dates
Shop our picks: Eatern Classic Option 1, Eastern Classic Option 2, Somerset Bay
Batik Cheongsam
A lover of the traditional Batik motif? There are now plenty of Malaysian selection to fawn over.
Cheongsam dresses of this style is made out of handprint batik and embodies the vibrant as well as warm and welcoming nature of South East Asians. Because Batik material in Cheongsams is often cotton, this makes the dress so wearable in our hot tropical weather.
Not only that, but because the prints and colours are so bright and whimsical, you’ll surely uplift the cheerful spirit of the new year and bring smiles to people’s faces. There’s nothing more South East Asian than this one!
- Great for: Festive and party celebrations, casual or formal
- Shop our picks: Florette The Label, Whitesoot, Monica Quen
From a designer or stylist perspective, can everyone wear a cheongsam?
According to Peter Lum, a lady dressed in a well-cut and tailored Cheongsam is a sight to behold. Not only it’s timeless, but it’s a classic too! That being said, he exhorts every Malaysian lady to celebrate the occasion by wearing a cheongsam. Just pick the best one for yourself and wear it like a true lady!
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How do I style or elevate my cheongsam?
Here are some tips for you to elevate your cheongsam;
Pick a Cheongsam with quality fabric:
- In short; poor-quality fabric and construction will fall apart quickly, and will look cheap.
- So do look for a well-tailored cheongsam that uses good materials to ensure the correct fall and drape of the cheongsam when worn.
Find the right fit:
- If you are not blessed with a slender body, you can consider wearing body-shapers to smooth out the extra bumps or correct brassiere to give the bust some definition.
Heels:
- A pair of heels can help to improve your posture (particularly, a hunched back) when wearing a cheongsam. High-heels can make the wearer stand straighter and help to elongate the legs and spine.
- Heels also help make the wearer appear slender too.
Common Cheongsam Styling Mistakes
Avoid mangling up traditional attire:
- Although it’s a movement for the younger ones to pair them with sports shoes, Peter still thinks that a pair of heels are best for the cheongsam.
- But if heels are not your thing or for comfort, he advises the wearer to try pairing with ballerina pumps as it would help to retain the feminine and allure of the garment.
Maintain your poise:
- Cheongsams are rather fitted and usually comes with mile-high slits.
- Hence, gentler steps while walking and sitting, minding the slits would help to avoid any uninvited wardrobe malfunctions.
Do not undo any of the Chinese frog buttons:
- Unless you have every intention to take the garment off, undoing the Chinese frog buttons (at the collar) would make the whole look a mess and rather unbecoming.