What shoes to wear with cheongsam?

The right shoes for a cheongsam can enhance its elegance. The color of the shoes should be coordinated with the cheongsam, preferably neutral or metallic tones, and keep the texture simple to highlight the details of the cheongsam.

QIPAO KNOWLEDGE

6/5/20252 min read

Stilettos: The most ceremonial cheongsam match

In formal occasions such as weddings, cocktail parties, and award ceremonies, stilettos are the most common choice for cheongsam. Stilettos can lengthen the calf lines, enhance the overall posture, and form a beautiful echo with the close-fitting curves of cheongsam. The material can be selected from satin, patent leather or metallic texture, which is more luxurious and elegant. If the cheongsam itself is already very gorgeous, it is recommended that the shoes are simple and not overly decorated to avoid being overwhelming.

Mid-heeled shoes or cat heels: the balance point of elegance and daily life

For business receptions, daily gatherings or photo shoots, three to five centimeters of mid-heeled shoes or cat heels are more practical choices. They retain the upright feeling of wearing heels, while avoiding the fatigue of standing for a long time, and are especially suitable for activities that require long walking or standing. When paired with velvet, cotton and linen or modified cheongsam, this type of shoe is natural and calm, and the temperament is more gentle and intellectual.

Retro square-mouth shoes or Mary Jane: presenting a modern sense of the Republic of China

If your cheongsam is more in the style of the Republic of China, or the shooting style is retro and elegant, you can choose Mary Jane shoes with buckle design, or distressed leather square-mouth shoes. This type of shoe originated from the urban style of the 1930s and 1940s, and is in the same vein as the cheongsam of the Republic of China, which can easily create a nostalgic atmosphere like the old dream of Shanghai.

Embroidered cloth shoes or low-heeled sandals: a relaxed and casual sense of life

In summer or casual occasions, if you are wearing a modified short cheongsam, sleeveless cotton and linen style or printed cheongsam, you can choose a pair of embroidered cloth shoes, low-heeled sandals or soft wedge heels. They are more in line with the rhythm of life, light and easy to walk, suitable for travel photography, garden walks, afternoon tea and other less restrained scenes.

However, avoid matching with sneakers, thick-soled platform shoes or shoes with bulky toes, which will obviously destroy the lines and atmosphere of the cheongsam.

Color and texture: serve the whole rather than highlight the individual

The color of the shoes is generally recommended to echo the main color or accessories of the cheongsam. It is not recommended to use a color that is too jumpy or too contrasting. Light-colored cheongsams can be matched with nude, off-white, gold and silver shoes, while dark cheongsams are suitable for black, dark brown and dark blue shoes. Metallic shoes are very popular at festivals and dinners, but they need to be matched properly to avoid appearing to be too strong.

The upper should not be too heavy, nor should it be a large number of splicing and contrasting colors. It should be based on simple texture to complement the exquisite details of the cheongsam.

Summary: Shoes are an extension of the temperament of the cheongsam

The cheongsam expresses not only the shape, but also a restrained and firm aesthetic attitude. The choice of shoes is an extension and convergence of this temperament. No matter you choose high heels, mid-heels or cloth shoes, as long as the style is unified and comfortable, you can make this oriental dress shine with its own light on you.

The elegance of cheongsam comes from the tailoring lines, and the choice of shoes determines how this elegance is implemented. The right shoes not only set off the style of cheongsam, but also affect the body shape and aura of the whole person. From traditional to modern, from daily to formal, cheongsams of different styles are matched with different shoe types to show completely different charms.