Don’t know how to dress up without looking like a rabbit? Alright, keep those *fur-ry thoughts away and let me share some ideas for the reunion dinner and for the first 3 days of Chinese New Year (don’t know what this is? scroll to the end of the post for a little history lesson).

Reunion dinner: Everyone from the family will be usually gather and have dinner at some renowned Chinese restaurant (or at home), thus the need to look presentable. Try a simple dress with fun colours, such as this Korean dress – Bursting paint drops dress

A sunny spring frock bursting with colours - perfect for the Spring Festival (aka Chinese New Year)!

Not only is it fun, this dress brings out the fun-loving and sweet side of you. Don’t catch a cold (nobody likes to fall sick during Chinese New Year)! Pair it up this with a jacket sweater or cardigan if you’re dining somewhere cold.

Chinese New Year Day 1: This is the day when most people will go visiting and sometimes the entire extended family will gather at an elder’s place. The important places to go to – paternal and maternal Grandparent house, the in-laws and your extended family. Usually these elders are pretty senior and traditional. Watch your dress sense – don’t wear too revealing tops or short skirts and leave a bad impression (deemed as disrespectful).

Dare to be different? Try this lovely loose-fitting green dress with the gold belt that enhances the feminity and uniqueness of the dress.

It is always good to wear dresses, like this Korean dress, Jealous of green or sophisticated and elegant looking korean fashion blouse like Fair Princess will do the trick.

The Koreans definitely know how to weave elegance and simplicity together. This cream coloured blouse is a good fusion of elegance and simplicity.

I love the way they brings out the ‘lady’ in us. Thank god for korean fashion.

Day 2: 2nd day is reserved for visiting of relatives as well. For some families, they visit their paternal relatives on the 1st day and their maternal relatives on the 2nd day. It’s important to dress comfortably as Day 2 is going to be another long day. Try this Korean fashion piece; Double layered skirt as it is light weight and the designs is unique. It is easy to match – just throw on a simple blouse or t-shirt (non-printed ones, please) and you will still look gorgeous.

Try a simple and fuss-free skirt like this (Double Layered Skirt) to survive the long day.

Day 3: Some Chinese believe they shouldn’t visit anyone on Day 3 due to superstitious reasons such as people will be in conflict on that day. However, the younger generations no longer believe in this tradition and continue to host parties or invite guests over. If you’re having a party or gathering at your place that day, you can afford to relax and dress down a little (*of course not just jeans and a spaghetti top). You can try a bright colour with interesting cutting, draping and details, such as this Korean top; Drapes turtleneck

Let this bright and interesting piece (with all those criss-crossing drapes on the back) brighten up your day!

It’s a simple top but with interesting designs and cuts. Just throw this on with a dark jeans and you’re ready to host your party!

**A little history lesson on Chinese New Year

For the benefit of our international or non-Chinese friends, Chinese New Year is the “biggest” holiday for the Chinese population around the world. It’s also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival (many parts of the world is still in winter though) and marks the first day of a new year (lunar calendar).

The night before Chinese New Year. Most Chinese families will have ‘reunion dinner’ whereby they gather to have  dinner (either at home or at a Chinese restaurant). On Chinese New Year, they will visit their grandparents or parents and relatives. Usually this is done over the span of 2-3 days. The elders or married will give red packets to the children as well as those who are unmarried. Usually it is the children who truly enjoy themselves as they gather and play with their cousins, get red packet (which contains money) and eat new year goodies (such as bak kwa).

According to Chinese horoscopes which consists of a rotating cycle of 12 animals, 2011 is the year of the rabbit.
The order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
How did the order come about?

According to Chinese legend, the Jade Emperor (“king” of gods) announce that they’re creating a cycle of years and a group of animals quarreled over who was to head the cycle of years. Seeing the chaotic state the animals was in, the Jade Emperor decided to hold a race: the position of the animals will be determined by the order of them reaching the destination.

All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump onto the bank, the rat jumped off the ox’s back, and won the race. Hence it was awarded the first place and the ox got second. The pig, who was very lazy, ended up last.

**The Clothing featured in this post are from korean fashion retailer, MinistryofRetail.com.**