In recent years, the hottest trend in the fashion world has undoubtedly been the “New Chinese Style.” But why do many female celebrities make it look like the elegant “Old Money” aesthetic, while regular people wearing the same outfits often look a bit off? The difference between expectation and reality can be huge—especially since many of these clothes are designed to look best on tall, slim figures, giving off that luxurious and sophisticated vibe.

The outfit photos above are from blogger 158的桃桃.

The photos above are from the blogger 52赫兹的鲸Alice.

Here’s another striking contrast—same outfit, completely different vibe. When Fan Bingbing wears a luxury brand, she looks every bit like a wealthy heiress about to inherit the family fortune. But in the next photo, the blogger 这个宝宝叫省心～, who actually has pretty good features herself, somehow ends up looking more like a tea house waitress.

I’m out 🏳️ —I guess the New Chinese Style isn’t something everyone can pull off. If that’s the case, maybe it’s better to skip it altogether and just go back to Hanfu.  

While the flowing robes and wide sleeves of Hanfu look stunning in photos,

for everyday life, simpler designs and more understated colors are much more practical and effortless.

Some might ask, “Can these really be considered Hanfu?” (Especially those vests and pants!) But who says simple styles can’t be Hanfu? Hanfu isn’t just about wide, ceremonial robes—it also includes practical, narrow-sleeved designs for daily wear. After all, ancient people had to work and go about their lives too! Every outfit shown above is authentic Hanfu, backed by historical references—no exaggeration here!

Today, let’s go over some common challenges people face when wearing Hanfu for daily commutes and offer solutions to improve the experience. Plus, I’ll recommend some comfortable, easy-to-wear styles to help more people incorporate Hanfu into their everyday wardrobe!

Scenario : The Commuter Obstacle Course

1. The Struggle: Stepping on Your Skirt While Climbing Stairs

Living in a modern city means constantly navigating stairs—whether you’re walking, taking the bus, or getting in and out of the subway. Floor-length skirts are the most common and elegant choice, but they can be a bit risky when going up and down stairs…

• Solution 1: If you’re committed to wearing a long skirt, remember to lift the hem slightly with your hand when using stairs.

• Solution 2: If skirt length isn’t a big deal for you, consider opting for a mid-length skirt or getting a tailor to shorten it for better mobility.

2. The Struggle: Long Skirts Getting Caught in the Bike Chain

For those who bike to work, long skirts—whether Hanfu or modern fashion—can easily get tangled in the chain. And as the saying goes, “Ride carelessly, and your skirt will pay the price.”

But if you’re wearing a Hanfu long skirt (especially a mamian skirt), you’re likely also wearing an inner layer of pants, which makes things easier.

• Solution 1: Simply gather the hem of your skirt and tuck it into your waistband. Do the same for the back, and you’ll be able to cycle safely without any wardrobe mishaps!

Do the same for the back

and you’ll be able to cycle safely without any wardrobe mishaps!

• Solution 2: Ditch the Skirt—Go for Hanfu Pants Instead

Traditional Hanfu-style pants are quite underrated. Most people automatically choose skirts when buying Hanfu bottoms (at most, they might get a modified inner pant layer). But sometimes, hidden gems come from the most overlooked styles.

Recently, I found a pair of Ming Dynasty straight-waist pants that looked pretty plain in product photos and even in historical references. But once I tried them on—absolute game-changer! They work as wide-leg pants (left) or can be cinched at the ankles for a cargo-pants vibe (right).

Who would’ve thought that historically accurate Ming Dynasty pants + a Ming-style waistband wouldn’t feel ancient at all? Instead, they give off a bold and effortlessly cool Hong Kong street style aesthetic.

These reproduction pants are incredibly forgiving—the original waistband could literally fit two of me! The pleats at the waist and hips naturally fold along the body’s curves, offering a silhouette as flattering as modern paper-bag pants, but without any restriction when moving.

Wear these to work, and no one will be able to tell—are you a noblewoman from the Ming Dynasty or a chic, confident Hong Kong fashion icon?