· Length
- Avoid overly long skirts
To keep up with the fast pace of work, long flowing skirts may look beautiful but are impractical. It’s better to choose knee-length or mid-length skirts that do not reach the ankles, making it much easier to move around.
- Narrow sleeves are preferable
Similarly, wide sleeves like large or wide cuffs can easily get caught or brushed against things and are not suitable for the workplace. Opt for narrow sleeves, airplane sleeves, half-sleeves, or arrow sleeves for your hanfu top.
· Design
- Round-necked robe, open-necked short blouse
Wearing a round-necked robe like a coat is a common styling tip. An open-necked short blouse, when paired with the right inner layers for modesty, can serve as a T-shirt with a flattering touch on the collarbone.
- Straight-collar jacket with narrow or half-sleeves, airplane-sleeve blouse, cross-collar short blouse, tube top
Straight-collar tops are often great for workwear, while a tube top cami can be a versatile pairing piece.
- Short or mid-length swirling skirt, pleated skirt, or three-panel skirt
The key is controlling the skirt length.
- Round or square collar straight-collar blouse with half-sleeves, mandarin collar blouse with narrow/arrow/archer/curved sleeves, or long/short beizi
These tops resemble modern shirts or sweatshirts, combining collar types, sleeve styles, and lengths for a practical office look.
- Short or mid-length mamian skirt, fully pleated skirt
Keep the traditional design intact, only adjust the skirt length.
· Accessories
- Hair accessories don’t have to be strictly traditional
Hair accessories for commuting can bridge traditional and trendy styles. Traditional items like hairpins, hair sticks, or headbands are good if not too extravagant, but berets, bows, headbands, and clips can be fun alternatives. A simple hairpin is also a beautiful choice.
- Choose a practical bag
As long as the bag harmonizes with the outfit, options like canvas bags, chain bags, underarm bags, metal-framed bags, or plush bags work well.
- Add waist accessories for a chic touch
A belt, waist chain, or scarf can add a stylish flair.
- Shoes don’t have to be cloth shoes
For shoes, opt for black or white leather shoes with a little design to complement your outfit.
· Fabric
- Choose durable fabrics
Compared to delicate fabrics like silk or cotton, commuter-style hanfu is often made with more "fashionable" modern materials like chiffon, wool, denim, or suiting fabric. These are closer to what we see in modern fashion and more durable for daily wear.
- Select easy-to-clean and maintain fabrics
During the workday, chairs might snag the fabric, and friction may cause pilling. Eating or drinking might leave stains, and delicate fabrics are often hard to clean. Chiffon, denim, and similar materials are much easier to clean and maintain, making them more practical and cost-effective.