How To Celebrate The Lunar New Year In Style: The Pre-Loved Fashion Guide

By Charlie Colville

10 months ago

Bring on the Year of the Dragon


While many of us may have celebrated the arrival of 2024 on 1 January, the rest of the world are counting down the days until the Lunar New Year – which arrives on 10 February. The new year is a time for new beginnings, and what better way to embody this than by breathing new life into pre-loved finds? Read on for our Lunar New Year style guide, created in collaboration with eBay.

As an eBay Partner, C&TH may receive compensation if you make a purchase


Lucky Reds

Red is considered a lucky colour for all during Lunar New Year, symbolising luck and happiness for the year ahead. It’s even luckier for those celebrating their zodiac year (or Ben Ming Nian year) – meaning that those born in the Year of the Dragon will feel their luckiest in shades of red in 2024. You don’t have to wear an all-red outfit (although you can if you want to), but red accessories, socks and underwear tend to be popular for the festivities.

Red bag

Chanel

Chanel Quilted Long Wallet Red Leather, £505 on eBay

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Red heart bag strap

Fendi

Fendi Appliquéd Leather Bag Strap, £450 on eBay

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Dragon Slaying

The Lunar New Year is also the perfect time to pay homage to this year’s official zodiac animal: the dragon. Symbolising confidence, success and leadership, the dragon is said to open up the door to change if you’re brave enough to walk through. If this sounds like something you’d like to manifest this year, then why not tap into your inner dragon with themed bags, jewellery and accessories?

Dior dragon tote

DIOR

Book Tote RRP £2,800, £1,750 on eBay

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Green dragon watch

Lucky Harvey

Limited Edition Wristwatch, £3,199.99 on eBay

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Party Dressing

Looking at the bigger picture? You can dress up for the occasion in traditional fare – think a cheongsam or qipao – or stick to a pretty party dress, perfect for celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year. (Bonus points if it’s red.)

Pink party dress

Self-Portrait

Azalea Dress (UK Size 6) RRP £300, £149.99 on eBay

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Silver dress

Dior

Silver Dress (UK Size 10) RRP £3,400, £455 on eBay

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Go For Gold

It’s not just red that will bring you good fortune – gold is also said to bring about luck to whoever wears it during Lunar New Year celebrations. It’s thought to encourage a year of wealth, prosperity and positivity, making gold jewellery a popular choice when it comes to accessorising for the occasion. 

Gold cocktail ring

Vintage

18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Dress Ring, £3,150 on eBay

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Gold necklace

Cartier

18ct Yellow Gold Love Necklace RRP £4,750, £3,750 on eBay

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Avoid Black

While maybe the colour of choice for most special occasion ensembles, it’s actually considered rather unlucky to wear black during Lunar New Year. Associated with death and mourning, it’s said that black clothing can attract negative energy during the festive period – which means the more vibrant your wardrobe, the better. Green, yellow and, as previously mentioned, red are all lucky colours you can tap into.

Green skirt

The Attico

Rue Embellished Skirt RRP £950, £370 on eBay

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Green heel shoe

Maje

Women’s Green  Heels (Size UK 4.5), £70.50 on eBay

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