Still don’t have a CNY outfit? These 8 local brands will save you

New year, new clothes – same annual dilemma. 

If your Instagram feed is already flooded with corporatewear-adjacent floral co-ords and predictable cheongsum patterns, you’re not alone. This Lunar New Year, we’re looking beyond the usual suspects. 

From chic prints to elevated everyday staples, we’ve shortlisted nine understated local brands with standout pieces worth adding to cart before the festive rush hits.

Here are the best places to shop CNY outfits in Singapore.

Maison Q

Singapore-based Maison Q creates charming, vibrant pieces for children and adults alike. Crafted in-house at their family-owned atelier in Tasikmalaya, Indonesia, each design is full of charm, personality, and festive flair.

Celebrate the Year of the Horse in this relaxed-fit blouse, featuring elbow-length dramatic puffed sleeves with adjustable cuffs. Festive yet versatile, it pairs well with jeans, pants, or Maison Q’s matching shorts – ideal for everything from a casual brunch to reunion dinner.

Want to match with your little ones? This reversible kids’ cheongsam brings the Little Cavalry ponies to life on one side, and the grandeur of Beijing’s imperial gardens on the flip side. Double the style, double the fun, and very much suited for festive celebrations.

YeoMama Batik

Established in 2018, YeoMama Batik celebrates handstamp batik artistry while supporting skilled artisans. Their Singapore-designed pieces emphasise comfort, individuality, and timeless style.

Kebaya-inspired and effortlessly chic, this sleeveless vest features a relaxed fit, front snap-button closure, contrast piping, and comes with a pattern-block belt for a stylish finish – especially for the layering fiends, or those keen on adding a pop of artisanal flair to any outfit.

A statement festival piece could never go wrong. This maxi-length cheongsam jumpsuit features a slit-front Mandarin collar, cap sleeves, agate gemstone button closures, and two side pockets.

Ideal for the younger woman, this top combines a captivating nature-inspired print with a relaxed and lightly cropped silhouette. It features a Mandarin collar, two-layer sleeve detail, front Mandarin knot detailing, and contrast blue piping. A matching skort is available to complete the look.

OliveAnkara

OliveAnkara is a slow fashion brand that fuses traditional African fashion and fabrics with Italian-inspired design, creating bold, wearable pieces with a contemporary heritage twist.

Vibrant patterns meet modern flair in this A-line long vest with a stand Mandarin collar and sleeveless silhouette. For women who love statement tops with cultural roots, it pairs perfectly with jeans or the matching Surya Pants.

A modern, feminine take on the classic cheongsam silhouette, the Kaela top features a similar halter-style Mandarin collar, frog-button closures, and a fitted bodice with a curved hem. The print, “Ewa Naibu” (Yoruba for “Beauty Inside”), draws inspiration from unfurling feathers and flowing water, symbolising confidence, elegance, and quiet inner strength.

Sea Apple

Singapore-based Sea Apple makes sustainable, whimsical pieces for children. Their designs encourage imagination while being functional and planet-friendly.

In search of a quick yet stylish CNY ensemble? This modern take on the classic samfu features a relaxed-fit matching set crafted from green cotton-and-linen fabric. The Mandarin top fastens with press studs and delicate ribbon ties, while traditionalists can opt for a rich garnet red version. Wear it together for a coordinated look, or mix and match with your own wardrobe staples for everyday style.

For the ladies – a classic pencil-dress silhouette with fitted cap sleeves, but piped in blue along the neck, sleeves, and curved opening. Functional bead buttons allow adjustable side slits, cut in soft sky-blue check cotton for a crisp, quietly elegant look.

Featuring an empire gathered waist and tiered skirt, this cheongsam is crafted in the same gentle sky-blue check cotton. Its youthful yet classic design makes it great for little ones who love matching fits with family or siblings.

Monoloq

Monoloq blends timeless elegance with everyday wearability, offering fashion-forward pieces that are effortless to style.

A cropped, half-sleeve denim blouse that’s perfectly casual and endlessly rewearable. Slightly structured with a relaxed fit, its medium-wash denim makes it easy to dress up or down for any occasion.

A crimson cowl-neck halter top that drapes effortlessly for a chic, elegant touch. Cinch at the waist with the built-in tie to create a flattering silhouette – ideal for equally festive or everyday styling.

Saturday Club

Saturday Club delivers elegant, fuss-free pieces that nevertheless bring personality and versatility to everyday wardrobes.

Brighten your wardrobe with this cheerful floral print T-shirt, featuring vibrant hues arranged like a fresh bouquet. Finished with a classic, relaxed fit and ribbed collar, it is endlessly versatile – tuck it in or leave it loose.

This refined statement piece blends character with versatility. Crafted from textured jacquard fabric, the vest features a wide shoulder cut for a confident silhouette and a single-breasted asymmetric design. Wear it buttoned up for structure, open as a lightweight layer, or layered under jackets for dimension.

Dotted Line

Dotted Line is a Singapore-based fashion label helmed by Dorothy Loh, specialising in modern cheongsam designs. The brand is currently stocked at DORS at Design Orchard.

A smart cropped top with cap sleeves, the Rita Top brings a fresh, modern take to the traditional samfu. Wear it with the matching Josephine Skirt, or pair it with jeans for a stylish everyday outfit. 

This slim pencil-style skirt features a modest side slit and pairs seamlessly with the Rita Top for a coordinated outfit.

Shao Fen

For those who like their CNY style a little unconventional, Shao Fen delivers gender-fluid, versatile pieces that marry function and flair. Founded in 2019 and originally based in Kuala Lumpur, the label – now also available physically at DORS at Design Orchard – reimagines traditional Samfu silhouettes with modern materials and fashion-forward twists.

Here, soft pink plaid meets modern tailoring. The Luna halterneck and draped mini skirt layer asymmetrically for a uniquely modern look – ideal for trend-conscious fashionistas who love feminine sets with a contemporary edge.

A bold take on the traditional Samfu, this statement jacket in black denim with a lime undertone features oversized pockets and wrapped buttons – the epitome of wearable flair.

Reimagining the samfu with a “Kampung” spirit, the Eclipse Vest has cuffed drop-shoulder sleeves and a versatile silhouette – layer it over your outfit or pair with Shao Fen’s Tribute Jeans. A great pick for partners, friends, or family members who appreciate effortlessly stylish pieces.

Studio Qiling

Studio Qiling is an art-lad fashion label that is dedicated to transforming hand-drawn prints into wearable art. True to the spirit of Chinese New Year, the label’s very name is taken from the Qilin, a mythical creature from Chinese mythology, symbolising prosperity. 

This Lunar New Year collection was created in collaboration with Perk by Kate, which also offers lingerie with coordinating limited-edition prints, complete with auspicious motifs.

Feeling peachy? Designed for versatile styling, this double-sided silk scarf can be worn as a halter, tube top, headscarf, or belt. Its pink-coral palette is decorated with motifs of Chinese folding fans, sakura flowers, and golden peaches with ingot-shaped pits.

For a comfortable twist, this reversible cropped kimono presents two distinct moods: a lively, auspicious display of c’s hand-drawn prints on one side, and a more understated solid finish on the other.

Don’t forget the matching bandeau! Open-ended in use, this piece can be worn as a hair accessory, a tie, a bracelet, or otherwise used as an accent — even on bags or outerwear.