How to wear red at Chinese New Year: from Gucci and Cartier’s statement pieces to red-accented jewellery from Van Cleef & Arpels, add an auspicious and luxurious touch to any outfit

Feb 11 , 2024

The easiest way to stand out in a crowd is to wear red – and brands like Gucci, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels can help you add just that pop of colour this Chinese New Year. Photo: @carriewst/Instagram

Lunar New Year is all about bidding farewell to the old and ushering in the new. And that means everything from setting worthy goals for the year to celebrating with a new outfit.

Unlike the relatively more recent – and humorous – tradition of wearing ugly jumpers for Christmas, welcoming the year with a fresh, new set of clothes has long been part of Lunar New Year.

Historically, new attire for the holidays did not necessarily mean bright colours. For many, it was the only time when they made or bought new clothes at all, so they often kicked off the festive season in muted tones.

Karli one-shoulder gathered grosgrain and stretch-crêpe maxi dress in red, by Solace London. Photo: Net-a-Porter

Today, red and other vibrant hues are a common sight around this time of year. Still, we can take a page from those who came before us and look for ways to add pieces to our wardrobe that we can use year round.

Red on for our dos and don’ts of dressing and accessorising for the holiday season.

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1. Wear zodiac designs … but keep it subtle

The Tiny Dragon enamelled charm necklace from Gucci. Photo: Handout

Every year, brands rush to launch pieces inspired by the year’s zodiac animal. While a piece with a bunny or a dragon might be cute during new year week, you’ll likely quickly tire of the overtly festive theme.

But that’s not to say you should avoid these limited edition designs altogether. Opt for small leather goods such as cosmetic pouches or coin wallets, or wearable accent pieces such as a scarf or pendant necklace – like this adorable dragon piece from Gucci’s Year of the Dragon collection.

2. Invest in a red statement piece

Red Panthère de Cartier chain bag. Photo: Handout

The easiest way to stand out in a crowd is to wear red – although this is more true for the rest of the year than during the Lunar New Year festivities. Investing in several statement pieces in red – such as a coat, dress or bag, like this fierce Panthère de Cartier chain bag – can add accenting hues to any colour-blocking outfit and liven up mundane everyday ensembles.

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During the new year, don’t be afraid to rely on these statement pieces to complete a dramatic head-to-toe look in crimson.

3. Wear watches and jewellery for the new year

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet, in 18k yellow gold and carnelian. Photo: Handout

Jewellery and watches making use of precious red gems such as rubies, garnets and spinels will always be timeless. These designs add an auspicious and luxurious touch to any outfit. Classics such as halo rings and solitaire pendants will also be evergreen pieces in any collection.

As for those who want that little bit of sparkle and a touch of red on a smaller budget, iconic pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra collection, featuring the four-leaf clover in carnelian, or the Trinity cord bracelet from Cartier provide ways to liven up any holiday look.

Piaget’s limited edition Year of the Dragon dragon and phoenix Altiplano watch, featuring an enamelled dragon and a fiery phoenix against a white mother-of-pearl dial, will keep you on time all year round.

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4. Play with textures and materials

Mix pieces in different materials and textures when putting together an all-red outfit. Photo: @wearmichelletravels/Instagram

A monotone red outfit might be a bit over the top for some – but you can certainly minimise its effect and make it more approachable by mixing pieces in different materials and textures. For example, pairing a red wool coat with the supple sheen of a silk red dress can soften the bright harshness of an all-red look.

Lunar New Year

Zodiac designs should be kept to a minimum, but can work as small leather goods like coin wallets, or wearable accent pieces such as Gucci’s Tiny Dragon enamelled charm necklace
Van Cleef & Arpels’ four-leaf clover motif in carnelian is a lucky red accessory that works year round, while Cartier’s red Panthère chain bag and Trinity cord bracelet will make any ensemble pop