CNY is the perfect time to over-snack and indulge in a good feast, so don’t feel bad when you leave the table with a little food-pouch. With all the tarts and bak kwa laid out in front of you, we totally understand if you couldn’t resist a second helping.
A post-feasting food baby is a sign that you’ve been well fed, but you don’t have to feel guilty just because you’ve got a little tummy now. (After all, here at The Weekly, we’re also experiencing the same problem!)
Therefore, we’ve found several dresses that are the ultimate style-savers. They’re perfect for concealing a bump, and will keep us looking classy no matter how much you’ve eaten.
One silhouette to pick out that will hide your festive tummy is an empire waist, which has a bodice that stops slightly below the bust. This Mango dress has just that, in addition to its summery floral pattern and feminine pleated handkerchief skirt.
The busy animal print, in conjunction with the billowy cut and ruffled skirt detail, creates a visual diversion from having one too many pineapple tarts. Instead of thigh-high boots, which can be impractical during visitations, opt for ankle boots or chukkas.
Wrap dresses are universally flattering and they can be adjusted as you feast. Complete with a festive red hue, this Uniqlo number definitely checks all the boxes for CNY. For footwear, you can go girly and sweet with ballet flats or add an edge with studded heels (like Valentino Rockstuds).
For those who take a carefree, boho vibe to their dressing, this loose-fitting Pomelo number is just right for you. We also love the cheery, bright yellow that is best matched with warm-toned jewellery such as rose and yellow gold.
Trapeze dress with its oversized cutting is another silhouette to consider. But beyond that, you also want to consider the colour choice. A darker hue, such as this navy blue design, has more concealing power than a lighter shade.
This romantic pink number from H&M can easily bring you from Chinese New Year to Valentine’s Day. Go with sneakers if you want to add a boyish flair, else we suggest pointed heels or mules. Finish with a pendant necklace.
Unlike a regular, boxy shift dress, this iteration has a slightly flared silhouette that makes it extra roomy and forgiving. The tie-dye gradient too distracts the gaze while adding a fun pop of colour to your festive repertoire. Finish with sleek strappy sandals.
This Zara dress combines a trifecta of an empire waist, a tiered ruffled skirt and a busy print to conceal and hide. Its black hue might garner the ire of more conservative relatives, so perhaps save it for your office CNY lunch or steamboat dinner with friends (there are 15 days to Chinese New Year anyway). Complete with gold hoops and white pumps to complement the white polka dots.
A-line dresses are another dependable staple for those looking to hide some of the festive weight. This neutral beige hue can be worn year-round and even belted for those looking to cinch their waist for an hourglass silhouette.
With its adjustable (and detachable) belt, you can adjust how form-fitting you want this Pomelo dress to be. Moreover, blazer dresses can be incorporated into your work wardrobe as a great alternative to pantsuits. This dress is also available in mint green for those who find the hot pink hue too loud.
From the empire waist to the tiered lace skirt, this Love, Bonito midi dress checks all the boxes. The forest green hue is a good way to ease yourself into colour too, especially if you aren’t a particular fan of red for Chinese New Year.
A shirt dress is another option, especially if it is cut to be oversized like this H&M design. Its neutral colour is good for those who want to keep it safe, while the voluminous balloon sleeves inject a touch of drama. Else, you could pick an oversized shirt from your man’s wardrobe for the same effect. Belt optional.
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Text: Aaron Kok & Ho Guo Xiong. This post was updated on January 21, 2020.