Chinese New Year is almost here, and with every celebration that comes and goes, the way to make sure you’re approaching the season with a green heart is to curate a capsule wardrobe that prioritises classic and timeless design, ensuring you’re mindful dressing.

A considered wardrobe stands the test of time – it’s one you can always rely on to help you create outfits you feel confident and comfortable in.

And so, here, we’ll tell you how timeless women’s clothing and conscious fashion can help you with your everyday mindful dressing as well as celebration styling – while also making this CNY special through those thoughtful choices!

But first, let’s start with the significance of this year and how we can embrace the energy it represents.

Channeling the Year of the Horse

This year marks the Year of the Horse, specifically the fire horse.

In the Chinese Zodiac, the horse is 7th in the animal cycle and symbolises dynamic, bold energy, known to embolden transformation, and is a symbol of freedom – “In simple terms, think: rapid change, fresh opportunities, personal growth and a faster pace of life.” (source)

And when fire is brought together with the horse (which occurs once every 60 years) it marks one of the “most intense combinations in Chinese astrology, denoting rapid change, emotional extremes and decisive turning points, both personally and globally.” (source)

With this vibrant energy, it encourages us to actively embrace change, and to not fear it – something we hope you do through your conscious fashion choices, specifically your Chinese New Year fashion for this season.

What is a conscious closet?

Before we come to our specific capsule wardrobe suggestions, we’ll start with how a conscious closet benefits you.

A conscious closet should:

• Focus on embracing your unique style, favoured silhouettes and colours, rather than buy into fleeting trends and microtrends – this means being aware of what looks you actually are most comfortable wearing, which may require a wardrobe audit of what you already have.

• Have a good mix of basics and classic silhouettes – these are key pieces that you’ll definitely style over and over again in your daily life as well as for specific occasions.

• Have versatile statement pieces, looks you know you can accessorise differently for multiple occasions and always feel good in.

• Favour natural fabrics – these are materials that are safer and healthier to wear over long stretches of time.

That is to say, once you build your conscious closet, that doesn’t mean you can never add to it and that all trends should be ignored!

Every now and then, something may come around that complements your unique style perfectly. Moreover, as individuals, we’re always changing and growing, so it’s natural that our closets also evolve a little over time – we only encourage you consider every choice so you’re not veering into unnecessary and wasteful excess.

How to build a capsule wardrobe designed for celebrations?

And now, the fun stuff!

When it comes to Chinese New Year fashion, or dressing for any big celebration, there’s never a right or wrong answer, just what complements you best – your style, your specific engagements you’re attending, and how you want to feel in your look.

Here are some pieces we think are perfect to celebrate in, but, due to their classic silhouettes, can also be brought out days, months or years down the line.

1.For those who love styling separates but still want to look effortlessly elegant: THE PLUM CHEONGSAM TENCEL TOP

This piece is super versatile, and being designed in soft, breathable Tencel, it looks sophisticated no matter what you pair it with. The only indicator that it’s designed specifically to celebrate the Year of the Horse is the hand-embroidered horse motif on the cuff – a sweet but understated way to mark the occasion.

2.For those who need to stay comfortable through the day as they hop from place to play: JOURNEY TO SHORE HANDWOVEN SHIRT & SEA MOSS HANDWOVEN TROUSERS

Both crafted in our handspun and handwoven organic cotton fabric, we absolutely love working with this material because of how environmentally friendly it is; how light and soft on the skin it feels even when wearing it all day; and how it also uplifts Indian craft communities!

It also features our Year of the Horse print, which reflects the bold energy of the season, and certainly stands out when paired together, but can definitely be paired with more neutral styles to wear daily.

3.For those who want a stand out moment while celebrating: THE THOUGHFUL TENCEL DRESS

This is a beautiful piece crafted in a chic but simple silhouette. Once again, it features our Year of the Horse print but because of how light and flowy this dress is, it can easily go to the beach with you on weekends or lounge with you at home.

To explore and shop these styles, drop by THE SUI STORE at 100 DUXTON ROAD, SINGAPORE.