8 standout cheongsams from $39 to usher in the Year of the Dragon

For generations, the cheongsam has been a distinctive marker of Chinese identity. Many Chinese women regard the cheongsam as a dignified and elegant formal dress that reflects their cultural roots.

Also known as a qipao, it is a traditional, tight-fitting dress that originated from 17th century China. Interestingly, the cheongsam - the regular outfit of urban women in metropolitan cities like Beijing and Shanghai - was a symbol of Chinese women’s newfound freedom in the 1920s.

The most common and classic fit for a cheongsam is the Shanghai-style which are figure-hugging with very narrow piping. The Beijing-style cheongsams however, are more modest. It has an A-line silhouette with a less restrictive fit and large-scale embroidery designs.

We personally love the Shanghai-style fit so we've round out some the prettiest slinky cheongsams to shop below.

Clementine printed Petite Cheongsam, $69, Yacht 21

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Yuri Asymmetric Drape Midaxi Dress, $69, Love Bonito

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WĒI 微 Cheongsam, $268, PaoPao Label

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"Hollyhock" Embroidered Knit Qipao, $1,336, Shanghai Tang

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Mae Mandarin Collared Maxi Dress, $39.90, The Tinsel Rack

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Morgan velvet mini dress, $883, Sau Lee

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Trapeze satin midi dress, $598.81, De la Vali

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Kim dress, $145, Rotate Birger Christensen at Hbx.com

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