Modern Qipao

What is a modern Qipao?

A modern qipao is an updated interpretation of the traditional Chinese dress with a high mandarin collar also called cheongsam. 

Since the creation of the qipao dress in the 17th century, its design has evolved to the modernized version that we know today. Contemporary qipao reflects modern fashion and trends by having an up-to-date silhouette, stylish prints, and the latest fabrics. It seamlessly combines classic cheongsam design with fashionable elements to create a refreshing look.

This contemporary model is inspired by the classic cheongsam dress and modern qipao designs. There exist different types of modern Chinese dresses:

Modernized qipao

Modernized qipao is an adaptation of a traditional Chinese dress to the present day. This women’s dress style keeps classic elements like knotted Chinese frog buttons, front closure, and a standing mandarin collar. The modernized cheongsam preserves the heritage of the Chinese dress for the next generations.

Contemporary Chinese dress

Contemporary Chinese dress is a fantastic option for women who want to look effortlessly chic every day. Made with comfortable materials and outlines, this type of modern qipao is practical and easy to wear. With its versatile style, you can create many casual outfits.

Fashionable cheongsam dress

A fashionable cheongsam dress embodies modern trends and influence. This stylish dress incorporates a contemporary design, exclusive motifs, and unique silhouettes. It is a perfect choice for fashion lovers who want to have the latest stylish Chinese dresses.

Characteristics of a modern cheongsam

Modern cheongsam dress has a contemporary design that incorporates current fashion trends. This updated qipao style is made with distinct characteristics that set it apart from the others. They offer a fashion-forward and sophisticated aesthetics that is perfect for everyday wear. Depicted by special features, the modern qipao dress adds a touch of avant-garde flair to women’s wardrobe. Let’s explore the unique characteristics that make the contemporary cheongsam special:

Updated silhouette

The latest qipao dresses are created in a variety of different updated silhouettes. They can better suit various body types and accentuate the figure. Some of those garment shapes include a-line, mermaid, empire, maternity, and halter-style cheongsam dresses. This variety of silhouettes makes it easier to pick the best modern qipao dress that would match your personal style and aesthetic. 

Fashionable design and details

Modern Chinese dresses are known for their fashionable design and contemporary style. For example, chic qipaos may include trendy design details such as cut-outs, asymmetrical hemlines, lace inserts, sequins, or beaded embellishments. These design elements add a touch of modernity and sophistication while preserving the essence of the qipao's elegance.

Modernized color palette and prints 

Modern qipao dresses offer a wide spectrum of colors that incorporate trendy and contemporary shades. You can choose softer hues like neutrals and pastels for a chic Chinese dress. Additionally, contemporary qipaos can also feature patterns and prints like floral and geometric, or embroidery in a variety of colors, allowing for more individual expression. Metallic colors and gradient prints can also be explored for an updated qipao. The modernized cheongsam color palette is versatile, allowing wearers to choose shades that align with personal preferences, occasions, and current fashion trends.

What is the difference between a modern and traditional qipao?

Chinese qipao dress has gone through significant transformations over the centuries. This fascinating evolution created modern and traditional variations of the cheongsam. The transition from classic to contemporary qipao shows the changes in Chinese fashion and culture. Let’s look into what makes the modern qipao so different from the traditional one:

Modern fabrics and materials

While traditional Chinese dresses are known for their luxury silk and brocade textiles, contemporary qipaos are sewn from a wide variety of updated materials. For example, cotton qipaos that are lightweight and breathable for warmer weather, lace cheongsams to create a modern romantic look, and sequin embellished qipao evening dresses for special occasions. Modern fabrics make it easier to take care of a qipao dress and make it more suitable for everyday wear.

Different lengths

In addition to the classic ankle-length design, modern qipao dresses may offer different hemline options. These can include such contemporary lengths as mini, knee-length, midi-length, or even asymmetrical qipao hems. Nowadays, you can even find modern Chinese dresses with asymmetric hemlines following the latest qipao fashion trends. This type of design adds some dynamics and a fashion-forward element to the cheongsam look.

Modified sleeve design

While traditional qipaos have fitted sleeves, modern designs may feature various sleeve lengths and styles. These can range from cap sleeves and bell sleeves to sleeveless or even flared options, allowing for more versatility and personalization. The modified sleeve design makes the outfit more memorable and stylish.

Updated neckline 

While classic qipaos typically feature a high collar and a mandarin-style neckline. Contemporary cheongsams may incorporate variations like halter, illusion, and keyhole neckline, adding a touch of alluring elegance. The updated neckline of the Chinese dress brings more attention to the face and completes the design of the garment.

Can you wear a modern qipao dress every day?

Yes, modernized qipaos can be worn every day thanks to their versatile design. Updated Chinese dresses feature contemporary design elements that make them comfortable and practical for daily wear. These adaptations often include relaxed silhouettes, natural fabrics like cotton or linen blends, and modern updates to necklines, sleeves, and hem lengths. This allows for freedom of movement in a modern qipao dress and a more casual, everyday look.

Contemporary cheongsams are suitable for daily wear and you can create an endless amount of fashion-forward looks with a modern qipao dress. However, it's essential to consider the cultural context and norms of your environment. While wearing a qipao with a contemporary style every day may be perfectly acceptable in some settings, it may be less common in others. Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and appropriateness should be taken into account when incorporating modern qipao into daily outfits.

Here are some ideas on where you can wear a modern qipao:

Fashionable Chinese dress for day-to-day life

Stylish cheongsam dresses can also be worn every day as they have a comfortable and stretchy fit, and provide ease of movement. You can pick a qipao design that fits the most your personal taste. Contemporary qipaos come in a wide variety of styles and aesthetics such as casual, romantic, chic, minimalist, evening wear, retro, and many others. With the right modern qipao dress in your wardrobe, you will never need to worry about what to wear.  

Modern cheongsam gown for galas and celebrations

For formal occasions like black-tie dinners or charity galas, a refined qipao gown can be a sophisticated and unique choice to pay homage to Chinese culture. Opt for a chic Chinese modern dress with luxurious fabrics like silk, brocade, and chiffon and refined details to match the dress code of the event.

Whether it's a Chinese Lunar New Year, birthday party, graduation, or holiday gathering, a qipao with a modern design can make a stylish statement to celebrate Chinese culture. Choose a style and fabric that suits the occasion, and accessorize accordingly. Make sure to educate yourself on the history and meaning of the traditional Chinese dress and wear the qipao dress respectfully.

Modern wedding qipao for brides

A contemporary cheongsam dress is a popular choice for guests and brides at Chinese weddings. It can be worn to both traditional Chinese and modern wedding ceremonies, adding a touch of elegance and cultural flair to your ensemble. Modern qipao wedding dress can be tailored with a chic silhouette and stylish color to showcase your taste and sense of fashion. This fashionable bridal cheongsam gown will create a refreshing and radiant look for a memorable Chinese wedding.

How to style a modern Chinese dress?

Knowing how to style a contemporary cheongsam can help you create different looks easily for various occasions. It can be a great way to wear your favorite qipao dress multiple times and be more sustainable with your fashion purchases. Here are some simple tips that you can use to style an elegant modern qipao dress:

Layering with chic outwear

You can easily elevate your outfit by pairing your modern qipao dress with different outwear. This can help you to create versatile looks and convey diverse aesthetics. By pairing the sleek qipao dress with a structured blazer you can opt for a more sophisticated and professional-looking outfit. Wearing a fashionable cheongsam dress with a cardigan can create a more soft, relaxed, and feminine look. Adding a trench coat or a jacket on top of the qipao can make you appear more chic and elegant.

Picking the right pair of shoes

While it’s universally flattering to wear your contemporary qipao dress with nude or black heels or flats if you prefer a more comfortable option. it’s not the only type of shoes you can wear. Sleek loafers or knee-high boots can be a great choice to pair with cheongsam in spring. Platform shoes, Mary Janes, and flat strap heels are wonderful to create a more romantic and feminine look with a modern qipao dress. While sneakers paired with cheongsam can create an everyday casual ensemble.  

Playing with elegant accessories

Adding some beautiful accessories to the modernized cheongsam is a great way to complete the look. Include delicate and elegant jewelry to instantly elevate and make your outfit more sophisticated. Wearing sunglasses with qipao can add a stylish and cool twist to the attire. Belts and brooches can bring more attention and accentuate different parts of your figure. Overall, adding some accessories can easily make your modern qipao dress outfit look more vibrant and bring out your personality. 

Selecting charming makeup and hairstyle

Choose a hairstyle and makeup to enhance your stylish cheongsam look. Opt for a sleek updo or loose waves for an elegant touch. Pick makeup that highlights your natural features while maintaining a fresh appearance. Make sure to select the shades of makeup that look harmonious with your face and skin tone. For a balanced look, we recommend bringing attention to only one of the facial features with makeup, for example, lips, blush, or eyes. 

Don’t forget that your personal taste is key when styling a qipao with a modern design. Experiment, have fun, and find a balance between traditional elegance and contemporary fashion to create a unique and stylish outfit that reflects your individuality.

Buy a modern qipao and cheongsam online in our boutique

If you are looking to buy a modern cheongsam online, then you came to the right place. Qipao Cheongsam boutique is the best destination to buy online a contemporary qipao dress with worldwide delivery. 

Our online shop offers a wide variety of designs, styles with a modern twist, and silhouettes of qipao dresses to buy. In our store, you can find contemporary cheongsam dresses for every occasion like Chinese celebrations, weddings, special events, proms, and everyday life. Our charming qipao dresses perfectly combine Chinese traditional elements with modern fashion trends. 

A modern cheongsam dress for sale

Qipao Cheongsam site is a perfect place to find your modern cheongsam dress for sale. Explore our broad selection of elegant modern qipaos to buy a dress that truly represents your style and makes you shine. 

The stylish qipao dresses are available in different sizes from standard ones to plus size, and maternity. All of our cheongsam dresses are produced in China by local artisans and craftsmen.

A modern Chinese dress with free shipping

Our boutique is delighted to offer you modern Chinese dresses with free shipping for orders over $150. Qipao Cheongsam website delivers contemporary qipaos to our customers worldwide. Enjoy online shopping and find the elegant and fashionable cheongsam dress of your dreams.

Modern qipao website with positive reviews

As a modern qipao site, our customer satisfaction matters a lot to us. Our support team is always there to help you in case you have any questions regarding cheongsam dresses. As a result of that and the quality of our Chinese dresses, you can find many positive reviews of happy customers on our website.