Watching Hong Kong actress Charmaine Sheh play Consort Xian-turned-Empress in hit Chinese drama The Story of Yanxi Palace, it is difficult to believe that she’s turning 44 today.
The veteran thespian, who got her big break after placing third in the 1997 Miss Hong Kong Pageant, has since grown to become a household name and an acclaimed actress who has spawned top-rating dramas such as War and Beauty (2004), Beyond the Realm of Conscience (2009) and Line Walker (2014).
But besides her youthful mien and superior acting chops, Charmaine is known too for her unique and tasteful style. Just scroll through her Instagram or Weibo and you’ll find many photos of her stylishly shuffling through a myriad of prints, colours and silhouettes.
In celebration of her (happy!) birthday, let’s cop some easy style tips that we can emulate from this fashion chameleon.
Images: Charmaine Sheh’s Weibo / Text: Ho Guo Xiong
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Colour blocking, which involves mixing solid colours to create a striking statement, is a fun, vibrant way to express your style personality, but it can also be very challenging and nerve wracking when you’re trying to cobble together different colours. One way to rock the style is to go for a piece that already contains a colour block design, such as the earthy khaki, royal blue and teal coat Charmaine is wearing here. It takes the guess work out of things instantly.
You can also draw inspiration from the many other looks on her social media, where she frequently sports a top and a bottom of two distinct solid colours — such as a red top with a black pant, or a white t-shirt with a red skirt — that play off each other to create a contemporary finish.
Brighter pops of pink ruled several red carpets this year, and it’s definitely a fan favourite trend of S/S’19. But we are more partial to its demure, feminine sister shade — blush pink. The powdery hue, as seen on this strapless dress Charmaine is wearing, is a much softer colour palette that will flatter almost all skin tones and colours while adding a breath of fresh air, not to mention an ethereal, youthful energy. Plus, we reckon that it’s a great shade to look more romantic and ladylike on a night out with your partner.
Prints are an easy way to incorporate colours and visual interest to the outfit, and like Charmaine here, a simple printed maxi dress (plus that cute matching hairband) can easily bring you from zero to a 100. If full-on patterns are too much for you, Charmaine has another tip for you: Temper the prints with a neutral coloured coat, nude pumps and a classic brown leather handbag. Quick, unfussy and undoubtedly stylish.
Charmaine is an empowered woman alright — just take a look at how confident she looks in this striking cinnabar red pantsuit. Boss lady alert! The fitted blazer ensures that she still keeps an hourglass silhouette while the wide-legged pants make her look tall, strong and slim. Finally. the monochromatic shade ensures that the ensemble is infallibly chic.
Take a look at the outfit Charmaine is wearing here. While it can look messy with so many visual details — from the floral appliqués, lace sleeves, tulle skirt and black bow to the shiny leather boots — she still manages to look cohesive and put-together, thanks to the astute choice of keeping the pieces to mostly black and white in colour. The effect? A feminine yet edgy vibe. We think this look is a winner.
A dress is a quick, all-in-one outfit that you can just throw on and dash out the door. But if you’re bored of the usual LBDs and other basic staples that you fall back on, we suggest going for dresses with unique details, such as this mint green dress that Charmaine’s wearing. No ordinary piece, this number is elevated a few notches because of its off-shoulder cut, ruffled details at the chest, embroidered lace and a surprising thigh slit. It’s girly, yet sensual, youthful yet sophisticated. We’re lovin’ it.
Raise your hand if you don’t love a t-shirt and jeans combo. No one? We thought so too. But if you’re looking to amp up the ensemble and not look like you’ve been repeating the outfit for the umpteenth time, take a style cue from Charmaine and throw on colourful coat. It doesn’t just have to be in a vivid mustard hue like the one she’s wearing here — you can choose from plaids and various colour and patterned iterations too. Bonus points if your t-shirt is a designer tee or a silk blouse.