5 Stylish Ways To Wear Red for Lunar New Year

YeEun Kim
·2 min read

Lunar New Year is one of the biggest holidays in Asia, including China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam, as well as more parts of the world. In our latest style guide, we take inspiration from the annual festival, also celebrated by the fashion industry with capsule collections from luxury and streetwear brands alike.

For China in particular, the color red holds a special meaning when it comes to Lunar New Year as it symbolizes good luck, fortune and prosperity. It's tradition for people to get dressed in red and hang red lanterns, as it's believed that the auspicious color will help ward off evil spirits. If you celebrate the holiday, get outfit inspiration from our style guide below, where we cover everything from easy, casual outfits to dressy looks for various settings.

While you're at it, check out our guide to the viral "vanilla girl" aesthetic.

Casual and Simple

Lunar Chinese New Year Red Outfits Ideas Editors Style Guide Balenciaga Jacquemus Y/Project
Lunar Chinese New Year Red Outfits Ideas Editors Style Guide Balenciaga Jacquemus Y/Project


If you're planning to spend the Lunar New Year holidays with friends, keep it simple with a casual fit. Throw on a statement T-shirt highlighting the Year of the Rabbit from brands like Stockholm Surfboard Club and balance out the look with staples like subtle red accents like black denim pants and a varsity jacket. This outfit is complete with a pair of Nike Zoom Vomero 5s, Gentle Monster sunglasses and a beanie.

Dress to Impress

Lunar Chinese New Year Red Outfits Ideas Editors Style Guide Balenciaga Jacquemus Y/Project
Lunar Chinese New Year Red Outfits Ideas Editors Style Guide Balenciaga Jacquemus Y/Project


Lunar New Year is the perfect excuse for experimenting with bold colors. We're wearing a full red number like Miaou's matching corset and skirt for a statement look. To balance out the color, style with more toned-down or all-black items such as Amina Muaddi's pumps and COS' coat. We're finishing off this look with a statement-making handbag from Venczel.

Pop of Color

Lunar Chinese New Year Red Outfits Ideas Editors Style Guide Balenciaga Jacquemus Y/Project
Lunar Chinese New Year Red Outfits Ideas Editors Style Guide Balenciaga Jacquemus Y/Project

 

Show your spirit with a pop of color. Here, we're going for an all-black outfit comprised of gimaguas' lace cut-out top, trousers by Maison Margiela and Jacquemus' Le Chiquito bag. The full look is highlighted with Loewe's balloon pumps and of course, some jewelry pieces.

Go Bold in All Red

Lunar Chinese New Year Red Outfits Ideas Editors Style Guide Balenciaga Jacquemus Y/Project
Lunar Chinese New Year Red Outfits Ideas Editors Style Guide Balenciaga Jacquemus Y/Project

 

Since you're expected to wear red anyway, why not wear it from head to toe? We're pairing Shrimps' Ruby Dress with fuzzy pink socks and red sneakers from Cecilie Bahnsen. Add some bling with accessories, such as Prada's colored headband and KARA's handbag.

Warm and Cozy

Lunar Chinese New Year Red Outfits Ideas Editors Style Guide Balenciaga Jacquemus Y/Project
Lunar Chinese New Year Red Outfits Ideas Editors Style Guide Balenciaga Jacquemus Y/Project

Stay both comfy and cozy this Lunar New Year with an accent outerwear piece. We're highlighting Jacquemus' La Doudoune Pralù puffer jacket in red, styled with Prada's cropped knit vest and Pangaia's sweatpants. Finish off with a pair of bold Tire Boots and a classic handbag.