SINGAPORE – With Chinese New Year just around the corner on Jan 29, local brands and retailers have already put out their festive collections, with many teasing drops as early as December.

Styles in 2025 are noticeably more restrained, perhaps echoing a less-than-rosy economic outlook and pared-down celebrations. But there is no reason not to look your best even amid tightening purse strings.

For those who believe in the Chinese custom of wearing new clothes for the new year to symbolise a fresh beginning, here are the best places to get your festive threads.

Statement dresses

Stand out at your reunions in a head-turning number that you can re-wear for events or date nights. For those who like to treat themselves to one good, new dress a year, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Good Addition

Founded in 2022, womenswear brand Good Addition has become one to watch for its annual Chinese New Year collections. The 2025 collection is called Good Romance, an ode to modern romantic silhouettes.

Modern contrast cheongsam sit alongside semi-formal pieces in satin, tweed and crepe, in hues of red, magenta, chartreuse and cream.

There are also padded rompers and the brand’s signature shirt in new festive colours. Still, the standouts are the midi- and maxi-length dresses, such as the unique Multi Weave Tweed Cheongsam ($180) and Contrast Off-Shoulder Tweed Dress ($165), which are suitable for attending formal events and weddings throughout the year.

Fronting the home-grown brand’s campaign are celebrity mother-daughter duo Tan Kheng Hua and Lim Shi-An, who look at home in the elegant pieces.

The first drop of the collection on...