The closing scenes of Qi Gen Xin Jian linger not just for its mystical plot, but for Liu Haocun’s rugged-yet-elegant workwear ensembles. As Mu Dai (木代) navigating urban alleys and ancient secrets, her pocket-laden trousers and structured jackets became symbols of freedom. This summer, workwear sheds its purely utilitarian image, morphing into a canvas for self-expression. No longer confined to "tomboy" aesthetics, modern iterations fuse functionality with subtle femininity, offering wearers both comfort and attitude. From Hailey Bieber’s parachute pants to military-inspired cropped cuts, the trend embraces diversity in form and spirit. Utility Reborn Workwear’s origins trace back to 19th-century labor needs. Durable fabrics like canvas resisted wear, while oversized pockets held tools for miners and mechanics. Its transition from factory floors to fashion runways began when designers recognized its raw authenticity. Today’s iterations retain pragmatic elements—deep pockets, robust stitching—but refine silhouettes for metropolitan life. Lightweight nylon replaces heavy twill, and articulated knees allow effortless movement. The cargo pant remains the trend’s cornerstone. Its multiple pockets and straight-leg cut flatter all body types, camouflaging insecurities while elongating frames. Avril Lavigne’s iconic pairing with band tees in the 2000s demonstrated its rock-edge potential. Now, cropped versions dominate, as seen in military-green…

When ordinary tourists become accidental paparazzi, magic unfolds. Recently, a Chinese couple vacationing in Paris unintentionally documented entertainment gold: actors Bi Wenjun (毕雯珺) and Zhang Yuxi (张予曦) filming the variety show Paris Partners (巴黎合伙人). Their spontaneous reactions—captured in viral social media posts—reveal more than celebrity glamour; they showcase humanity’s universal appreciation for authenticity. Unlike staged red-carpet moments, this genuine encounter between stars and strangers highlights how unscripted interactions resonate across generations. The couple’s unfiltered admiration, especially their playful nod to Zhang’s comfy sneakers paired with elegant qipao, sparked nationwide delight. This incident isn’t just about fame—it’s about relatable joy in unexpected connections. Authenticity Wins Hearts Celebrity images often live in curated digital ecosystems. But here, Bi and Zhang’s charm transcended screens. The parents’ immediate praise—“What a handsome young man!” and “Such a beautiful girl!”—came without influencer jargon or fandom bias. Their compliments reflected raw, cross-generational appeal. Bi’s crisp casual wear exuded approachable coolness, while Zhang’s qipao-sneaker fusion balanced tradition with modern comfort. What impressed most wasn’t their looks but their conduct. Amid bustling Parisian streets and curious onlookers, both stars maintained warm professionalism. No rushed exits or security barriers—just patient smiles. This dismantles the “diva” stereotype, proving respect leaves louder…

A playful wink, a gust of salt-kissed wind, and a single fresh blossom tucked into flowing dark hair – this seemingly simple moment, captured on the sun-drenched Fujian coast, has propelled Yu Shuxin (虞书欣) into the social media stratosphere. Far from the typical glamorous studio shoot, these candid behind-the-scenes glimpses from the set of her upcoming drama, Road To Success (灿如繁星), showcase a different kind of star power: effortless, authentic, and deeply connected to its breathtaking seaside setting. Yu Shuxin, shedding elaborate costumes for a breezy white dress, transforms the shoreline into her runway, proving that true radiance often blooms from unadorned simplicity and genuine joy. Her spontaneous interaction with the camera, particularly the now-iconic wink, resonates not just as celebrity charm, but as a pure expression of delight in the moment, instantly captivating audiences and setting the internet ablaze with anticipation for the drama itself. Seaside Style Ditching ostentatious luxury, Yu Shuxin’s coastal look for Road To Success is a masterclass in understated elegance. Her attire, a fluid white dress seemingly washed in the hues of the ocean itself, speaks of comfort and ease. The real magic, however, rests literally on her head: a single, delicate wildflower plucked from…

Liu Shishi's Strappy Bustier Is So Special. Netizens say they haven't seen such a style in costume dramas since then. In the costume drama Strange Women in Liao Zhai (聊斋奇女子), when Liu Shishi, playing Xin Shisiniang (辛十四娘), danced, she wore a very special "wide - strapped underwear". Were ancient undergarments really so "modern"? And what were they called? Let's start with the conclusion. There were numerous forms of ancient undergarments. Some people simply called them "Moxiong" (抹胸). In a broad sense, it was a "general term" for ancient undergarments. As the name implies, it was clothing that covered the chest. There were one - piece Moxiong styles, strappy styles, and even cross - strappy styles. The styles were truly diverse. The Moxiong in Hanfu encompasses various undergarment categories. As more people used this term, it became a "generalized term". The names also differed in different periods, and some were even named according to the tombs where they were unearthed. Although in some excavation reports, Moxiong was directly marked, each period had its own mainstream characteristic undergarments. Moxiong Styles Currently, we know that the "mo" in Modu (肚兜), Mofu (抹腹), and Moe (抹额) is pronounced "mò". In this phrase, its original…

It turns out that there's not nothing under the skirts! In the ancient costume drama The Ferryman of Peace and Tranquility, the image of the puppet wearing pants is truly eye - catching. It seems that female characters rarely wear pants. After reading this, you can boldly say: Ancient women also wore leggings under their skirts, and they were even in the style of harem pants! Previously, in the drama The Splendid Life, there were scenes where the characters almost 'flashed' without leggings, which made many people mistakenly think that there were just bare legs under the skirts. This is really a big joke. Let's start with the conclusion. Pants have existed in ancient times for a long time. Crotch - sewn pants have been unearthed from the Shang and Zhou dynasties. In the Tang Dynasty, a kind of harem pants that could be worn outside even became popular. They had a design to cinch the cuffs, which was very fashionable and convenient for daily life. Similar harem pants appear in The Ferryman of Peace and Tranquility and The Gorgeous Empire. Don't they look exactly the same as the harem pants we wear now? This kind of pants appeared earlier…

Do you also think that commoners in ancient times, like those portrayed in historical dramas, mostly wore coarse linen clothes? You might not know that ancient people also had a few decent outfits for special occasions such as festivals, visiting relatives, or attending weddings. Some have asked why we don't discuss commoners' clothing, assuming the articles only focus on noble styles. People might wonder, 'Could commoners really wear silk or gold in daily life?' There's actually some misunderstanding here. In ancient times, many trends originated among the nobility and later spread to commoners, while some crafts improved among commoners and rose to popularity among nobles. So, there was no absolute rule. Here's the conclusion: ancient clothing styles were quite similar (except for some impractical wide - sleeved designs). What people wore mainly depended on the occasion—for grand ceremonies or rituals, they would prepare finer attire. The quality of clothing was reflected in the fabric, craftsmanship, and vibrancy of colors. Another factor was occupation. Laborers wore durable clothes like hemp garments, but not all commoners worked in fields, so coarse linen wasn't universal. In the Ming Dynasty, for example, the silk industry thrived in Jiangnan (江南), and even ordinary people wore…

It's rare to see short sleeves in ancient costume dramas. Why is that? Did ancient people not have summer Hanfu? Wearing multiple layers must have been unbearably hot, right? Let's get straight to the point. How did ancient people stay cool and stylish? They weren't foolish enough to suffocate themselves in long - sleeved layers. Ancient vests came in short - sleeved, sleeveless, and even strappy designs. If you rummage through an ancient wardrobe, you’d find inspiration that defies our conservative stereotypes. For example, the 'vest' or 'Bijia' was a sleeveless, front - opening garment with slits reaching below the knees. Inherited from the Song Dynasty and popular during the Yuan and Ming dynasties, it usually reached the hips or knees, and some were even longer, less than a foot from the ground. It was often worn over other clothes, and could be worn alone at home when relaxing and enjoying the cool. In the Ming dynasty, such vests were also called 'Gua' or 'Bijia', referring to sleeveless tops of various collar styles. At home, without an undergarment and with lightweight fabric, 'wardrobe malfunctions' were common. No wonder outsiders were barred from the inner quarters! Short sleeves, known as 'Banxiu'…

In the period drama When the Wild Geese Return, Chen Duling's character Zhuang Hanyan wore white at her coming-of-age ceremony, sparking online discussions: 'Isn't this inauspicious?' Actually, ancient Chinese society wasn't overly sensitive to wearing white. The misconception arises from its association with mourning attire, but mourning clothes were made of undyed hemp with a yellowish tint, and their colors varied due to different materials. In fact, white was sometimes worn during festivals, and it was more 'prestigious' than people think. Some online claims that the character wore white as a symbol of revenge are overinterpretations. Here's a quick overview of historical contexts for wearing 'white' in ancient China: White was one of the five traditional colors. Huainanzi states, 'When white is established, the five colors are complete,' highlighting its fundamental role. However, ancient Chinese white wasn't pure white by modern standards. Mourning garments were made of natural hemp, which was yellowish. Commoners' everyday work - wear was also undyed as dyes were costly, making plain fabrics practical. During the Sui dynasty, officials above the fifth rank wore purple; those below wore red or green; clerks wore blue; commoners wore white; butchers and merchants wore black; soldiers wore yellow. In…

Finally, a period drama where characters don't sleep in their day clothes. Many period dramas show characters sleeping fully dressed, which makes netizens wonder: Why neglect such an important daily routine? Did ancient people not have their own 'sleepwear'? Ancient sleepwear was called 'Xieyi' (亵衣). According to Shuowen Jiezi, 'Xie' means private or intimate clothing. Some wrongly think Xieyi is the same as undergarments like breastbands. In fact, it's a close - fitting garment worn over underclothes. Shiming·Shi Yifu says, 'Zhongyi (中衣) is worn outside undergarments and beneath outer robes.' Zhongyi, also known as 'inner clothing,' emphasizes its close - fitting nature. Shuowen·Yi Bu explains, 'Zhong refers to inner Xieyi,' and Tang Dynasty annotations state, 'Xieyi is clothing worn close to the body.' So, Zhongyi and Xieyi are essentially the same. The most common sleepwear was plain, cross - collared Zhongyi and pants. Cross - collars were the most typical style, followed by front - opening and round collars. When wearing front - opening styles, a breastband might be visible. Sleepwear designs changed little across dynasties, only adapting to contemporary fashion. It was often white, which was versatile and easy to spot dirt. There were long - sleeve, short -…

One of the joys of wearing hanfu is discovering how effortlessly it can be adapted to different lifestyles, beliefs, and personal preferences. As a hijabi, one of my biggest considerations when choosing clothing is modesty. Thankfully, many hanfu styles already cater to this ideal with their long, flowing silhouettes, layered structures, and elegant designs. In fact, I’ve found hanfu to be one of the easiest traditional outfits to wear while staying true to both my modesty and aesthetic preferences. Although some hanfu styles are more fitted around the waist or involve shorter sleeves or lower necklines, there are many that work beautifully for hijabis without needing any extra modifications. Personally, I’m especially drawn to Ming dynasty style hanfu. These often feature a mamianqun skirt paired with either a shorter shirt (duijin shan) or a longer robe-style shirt (aoqun or dachang), both of which are generously cut and non-revealing. The fabrics drape naturally, the overall silhouette is loose, and the layering makes it feel effortlessly modest. The added bonus? Mamianqun prints are just stunning. The way the pleats open and close as you walk, revealing flashes of the pattern, creates a sense of movement and beauty that makes me feel elegant…

In fantasy-themed TV dramas, immortals are often depicted wearing pristine white robes that flutter in the wind, sometimes blending Eastern and Western styles. But is this historically accurate? While modern interpretations mix ancient Chinese aesthetics with European influences, the dominance of white or light-colored costumes has led to the saying: Elegance comes from simplicity. However, a closer look at ancient murals reveals a far more colorful wardrobe for these celestial beings. Historically, immortal attire drew inspiration from real-life clothing of specific dynasties, adorned with intricate accessories. For example, Dunhuang murals heavily influenced the costumes in The Long Ballad, incorporating Buddhist-inspired designs and vibrant color palettes. Authentic Chinese immortal garments trace their roots to Taoist art, such as Gu Kaizhi's Nymph of the Luo River or Wu Daozi's Eighty-Seven Immortals. The Chaoyuan Tu murals in Yongle Palace showcase lavish robes with wide sleeves, adorned with jade pendants and ornate headpieces—far removed from today's minimalist portrayals. These outfits followed Hanfu's foundational structure, layered with accessories like feathered capes and tasseled sashes. Modern xianfu (immortal-style costumes) blend traditional elements with theatrical flair—think sheer fabrics, ribbons, or even lace—to create a fairy-tale aesthetic. While visually striking, they differ markedly from historical references. Ultimately, whether…

In the spoilers for the TV series Family Business, a scarf appeared. Isn't this a drama set in the Ming Dynasty? Fans questioned: Isn't this scarf too modern? First, let's clarify: we actually had similar scarf-like accessories in ancient times, known as Xiangpa (项帕), Lingjin (领巾), Yongxiang (拥项), or Fengling (风领). The term Weibo (围脖) also appeared during the Ming Dynasty. These accessories served two purposes: protection against cold and decoration. During the Southern Song Dynasty's Yuanxi Festival, women often wore Xiangpa, a decorative neck wrap. Zhou Mi, a scholar from the Song Dynasty, documented in Old Stories of Wulin: Yuanxi: During Yuanxi, women adorned themselves with pearls, jade ornaments, and Xiangpa, often wearing white garments suitable for moonlight. This suggests Xiangpa was a silk or brocade scarf, combining warmth and style. This aligns with historical records of Lingjin from the Song Dynasty. For example, Chen Yunping wrote in Drunken Peach Blossom: With delicate accessories and a tilted Lingjin, her hair was styled in twin buns. While Xiangpa and Lingjin shared similar materials and functions, Lingjin was more versatile, worn by both men and women. Artifacts like Tang Yin's Palace Ladies of the Shu Kingdom depict Lingjin as a triangular…

In recent years, there’s been a surge of interest in hanfu, not just as traditional attire, but as something that can be part of everyday life—including the workplace. For women who love hanfu and want to express that part of their identity in professional settings, there are more options now than ever before. With both modernised and traditional hanfu being widely available online, it’s becoming increasingly realistic to integrate this historical clothing into our weekday wardrobes. Modern hanfu—sometimes referred to as “fashion hanfu”—has already been adapted for casual social use. According to NewHanfu, it “inherits the elements of traditional Hanfu, and through long-term innovation and development, it is well adapted to the convenient social life in today's modern times.” This means pieces are typically more streamlined, accessible, and comfortable, often made with materials and cuts that suit daily wear. As a result, many modern hanfu outfits can already pass for smart-casual in a workplace setting. Pairing these with accessories like a structured purse, a watch, or a blazer can easily help elevate the outfit to look more professional without compromising the hanfu aesthetic. That said, I personally think there’s also space for more traditional hanfu elements in the workplace—if styled…

The Versatile Design of Tang Dynasty Outerwear Liu Shishi's costume in the new drama Kill My Sins features a loosely draped Hanfu style that has sparked online discussions. This garment, known as Piao (披袄), represents a traditional outerwear design from the Tang Dynasty. Unlike modern coats, this historical clothing piece demonstrates remarkable adaptability across seasons and occasions. The Piao originated from the Yuanlingpao (圆领袍), a round-collar robe commonly worn during the Tang era. Through practical modifications, ancestors transformed it into a multi-functional garment. The collar was widened and curved for both aesthetic appeal and warmth retention, while some versions adopted straight collars. When worn open, the decorative inner lining became visible, creating a sophisticated yet understated fashion statement. Tang Dynasty clothing didn't follow strict seasonal classifications. Instead, people adjusted the fabric thickness and layering for temperature regulation. Historical records like Tang Liudian (唐六典) document how winter versions contained specific amounts of padding, essentially serving as ancient down jackets. Summer versions featured lighter materials, functioning similarly to modern air-conditioning jackets. This practical design wasn't limited by gender - both men and women wore variations of the Piao. The garment's versatility allowed it to serve as a windbreaker in autumn, insulated coat…

Have you ever noticed that in both historical dramas and everyday fashion, fur coats or cloaks are usually worn with the fur side out? But does this really keep you warm? It turns out, most people might be wearing fur incorrectly. The truth is, the way fur is worn depends on its purpose and setting. Ancient paintings reveal that for warmth, people wore fur with the hair side against their skin, covered by an outer fabric layer. Only a bit of fur peeked out at the collar, serving both insulation and decoration to showcase the garment's quality. In contrast, ancient nobility often flaunted full or partial fur pieces indoors to display wealth and status, while hunters wore small fur patches to signify their profession. Today, however, fur is predominantly worn hair-out for aesthetics, regardless of practicality or social standing. Historically, fur worn externally has always been a luxury statement rather than for warmth. Note: We advocate for animal welfare and encourage using faux fur alternatives. Fur Garments in Ancient China In ancient China, fur garments were called Qiu Yi (裘衣), ranging from affordable to extravagant. They appear in poetry, like Li Bai's line about 'a dappled horse and a thousand…

In the Japanese drama The Great Buddha Opens His Eyes, Satomi Ishihara's costume has sparked discussions online. Many pointed out that her hairstyle resembles the popular style of early Tang Dynasty in China, rather than the Tenpyo era in Japan. The answer is clear: this is the Shuang Ji Ji (双髻髻), a hairstyle popular from the Sui to early Tang Dynasty. It features two looped buns on the head, commonly worn by children and maids. Similar styles can be found among Chinese artifacts preserved in the Shosoin Repository. Not just the hairstyle, but even the eyebrows match the Tang Dynasty's aesthetic. Additionally, the Mei Ban Hua Dian (梅瓣花钿, plum - petal forehead decoration) and Mian Ye (面靥, dimple makeup) on the sides of the lips also draw inspiration from Tang fashion. In the Chinese historical drama Guo Se Fang Hua (国色芳华), actress Yang Zi wore this hairstyle, meticulously recreated based on murals and relics. The Shuang Chui Ji (双垂髻, double - drop bun) also appeared, a style beloved by Tang Dynasty noblewomen and often paired with men's round - collar robes. The drama references elements like the Mian Fu (冕服, emperor's ceremonial robe), Shi Er Zhang Wen (十二章纹, twelve imperial…

For a while, many people dressed up as Daji wearing the so - called 'Warring States Robe,' especially after the release of the 'Fengshen' movie series. However, some noticed that Daji never actually wore such attire. So, what should Daji wear? What is the 'Warring States Robe'? First, let's clarify what the 'Warring States Robe' is. The term is closely tied to the Mashan No.1 Chu Tomb, where well - preserved prototypes of Warring States period clothing, specifically the 'Zhi Ju Robe,' were discovered. Most modern reproductions are based on artifacts from this tomb. Although originating from the Chu Tomb, due to limited research on unearthed artifacts, the Zhi Ju Robe's appearance is somewhat similar to indirect relics like murals from the same period. Thus, it's often loosely assumed that the Zhi Ju Robe represents noble attire popular across the six states. Clothing Styles of Different Periods However, there are distinct differences between the clothing styles of the Xia - Shang - Zhou, Spring and Autumn, and Warring States periods. The Xia - Shang - Zhou era marked a transition from primitive to civilized society, reflected in clothing. Nobles, officials, and commoners wore more refined garments, while slaves still donned…

When observing Tang Dynasty paintings, it's hard not to notice the low-cut necklines of women's dresses, some even revealing enough to make modern viewers blush. This fashion trend was widespread throughout the Tang era. What caused this phenomenon? The answer lies in a combination of factors, including economic prosperity, increased female confidence during Empress Wu Zetian's reign, and cultural exchanges with minority groups (such as the adoption of Hu clothing styles). However, climate played an equally crucial role. Renowned meteorologist Zhu Kezhen, in his study "Preliminary Research on Climate Change in China Over the Last 5,000 Years," noted that the Tang Dynasty experienced a warm period. The capital, Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an), located at a latitude similar to present-day Nanjing, endured sweltering summers with average annual temperatures exceeding 20°C. Even emperors sought refuge in cooler northern regions, and bestowing ice upon officials became a prized reward. This climate directly influenced Tang fashion, leading to the popularity of round-neck, U-neck, and cross-collar designs, as well as short sleeves and lightweight silk fabrics. From early to high Tang periods, low-cut dresses with necklines plunging to the chest—often seen in blush-inducing murals—became fashionable. Poets like Bai Juyi (Feet scorched by steaming earth, backs burned…

Recently, netizens noticed something special about Liu Shishi's costume in her new drama. It looked surprisingly like a modern short-sleeved T-shirt. However, this is actually a traditional Tang Dynasty garment known as Tanling Banbi (坦领半臂). Let's break down the name. Tanling refers to the neckline style, while Banbi  indicates the sleeve length. Combined, they describe a specific type of clothing popular during the Tang Dynasty. The Tanling Neckline The Tanling neckline resembles modern pullover shirts. This style dates back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, though its exact structure remains unclear. It became particularly fashionable in the early Tang Dynasty. Compared to the round neckline, Tanling features a wider opening, often extending to the chest. Some designs even include a pointed center, earning it the nickname "chicken heart neckline". The resemblance to T-shirts comes from this broad neckline, similar to today's fashion pullovers. However, unlike modern T-shirts, Tanling garments usually have buttons or ties at the front or side for fastening. This design allowed wearers to change clothes without disturbing their elaborate hairstyles. The Banbi Sleeves The Banbi sleeves, often seen in period dramas, are typically associated with maids due to their practicality. However, they were not exclusive to any social…

In recent costume dramas like "Da Feng Da Geng Ren," it's noticeable that many female characters wear the same style of necklace. Is this a trend from a specific historical period? And don't they mind wearing identical pieces? The answer lies in the term "Yingluo." Derived from the words "Ying" and "Luo," which originally referred to beautiful jade, Yingluo now signifies a multi - gemstone ornament. It's not just limited to necklaces but can also adorn armbands and shawls. In Buddhism, Yingluo symbolizes worldly treasures and is known as "infinite light," often appearing in U or V - shaped necklaces with multiple layers. Historical texts like "The Dream of the Red Chamber" and "Jin Men Yang Shi" mention Yingluo made from gold, silver, pearls, and other precious materials. During the Sui Dynasty, Yingluo was long and simple, but by the Tang Dynasty, it became shorter, more intricate, and highly popular among noblewomen. The trend influenced fashion, with materials ranging from jade to amber. Poets like Liu Yuxi and Yuan Zhen documented its popularity, and by the Ming Dynasty, Yingluo evolved into necklaces with pendants like longevity locks. Even today, Yingluo - inspired designs add a touch of classical elegance to…