Even though the qipao dress is for more formal events and occasions, it is gorgeous and the silk feels sensually feminine against your skin.
The qipao dress is a traditional, formal Chinese dress in embroidered silk. The most common color is red. The qipao dress is traditionally short-sleeved. Newer versions of the qipao dress have split up one or both legs allowing you to show off your legs and heels.
Join me in looking at the origins and styling options of this elegant choice for your next wedding invite or formal dinner.
What Are The Significant Features Of A Qipao Dress?
A qipao dress is a traditional Chinese, one-piece dress that is close-fitting and features a high neck, a split on one or both sides, and short sleeves. Also known as a “cheongsam”, the primary color of this dress is red and it tends to be quite long but there are shorter versions available.
Traditionally, it is made from embroidered silk and features buttons made from satin or silk also known as “Pankou” which is the Chinese word for them. A lot of qipao dresses also have an opening on the right side that runs from the neck to just under the armpit area. And along that diagonal opening is where you’ll usually find the Pankou!
The qipao dress has changed over the years and you can now buy it in many colors and fabrics. And some dresses have long sleeves, low necks or no opening and they are even worn as wedding dresses nowadays!
What Are The Origins Of The Qipao Dress?
The qipao dress has an interesting history going back to the 16th century. It actually started out as a loose-fitting gown worn by men in China called a “Chang Pao”. And back then, women were not allowed to wear a Chang Pao and had to wear two-piece outfits instead!
But things changed after the 1911 Xinhai Revolution when the Qing dynasty was overthrown and the Republic of China was founded in 1912. The mood amongst the people had changed.
Then from around 1916 through to around the 1920s, there was a movement called the “New Culture Movement” where scholars and other intellectuals challenged traditional Chinese culture and were pushing for a new culture similar to that of the west. And it was after this time that women were allowed to be educated, teach and the binding of feet was banned. As a result, women ditched the robes and two-piece outfits and began wearing an early version of the qipao!
The qipao then became popular, especially with Shanghai socialites and in 1929 it was officially made the Republic of China’s national dress!
What Figure/Body Shape Is Best Suited To A Qipao Dress?
Hourglass shapes are best suited to this dress because the dress itself naturally has the same shape due to the cinched waist. Rectangle and inverted triangle body shapes can also look fab in this dress as the cinched waist can help to give the illusion of hips.
Pear and apple body shapes or those with larger busts and bottoms may find it tricky to find a traditional style qipao dress that sits right and compliments the body. This is because the dress is close-fitting, there’s no stretch and it may be difficult to hide any areas that you don’t want on show. To get around this, look for a modern qipao dress with a flared skirt, or go for a custom-made dress so that it’s specifically tailored to your body shape.
Etiquette: When Can You Wear/Not Wear Your Qipao Dress?
A traditional style qipao dress is not something you’d wear every day. It’s a beautiful dress that makes a statement and should really be worn on special occasions or to formal parties/events. So, when you’re celebrating the lunar new year, going to dinner at a fancy restaurant, or attending a movie premiere, for example, then a qipao dress is a lovely, elegant choice. You can also wear this dress to a wedding but it is frowned upon to wear a red one, especially if you are attending a Chinese wedding as that is the color for the bride!
Some people do wear variations of this dress casually to festivals or they wear them when dressing up as a character to cosplay. But one thing you probably shouldn’t do is wear a qipao dress to a funeral (unless you are specifically asked to do so) or to work. No, definitely do not wear this dress to work!
What Shoes/Bag Works Best With A Qipao Dress?
Heels will always compliment a qipao dress very well. Especially if you’re wearing a dress with a split or splits because you’ll have some leg on show and heels will just make your legs look better. Your heels don’t have to be super high though, pumps with a kitten heel look just as great as stiletto heels. Pointed slingbacks work well with this dress too and strappy sandals will look cute when it’s warmer.
If you’re not into heels then pointed ballet flats can work and if you are wearing a modern variation of this dress then stylish trainers are a different yet interesting choice for a casual look.
When it comes to bags, opt for a simple clutch bag or a small bag with a decorative handle. Avoid big bags or bags with too much decoration as they can take away from this dress rather than add to it!