The Chinese hanfu comes in different styles and designs. They can be bold and daring or simple and elegant. The fabric, patterns, prints, and embroidery can determine how sophisticated or simple it is. In hanfu, simple does not translate to boring; it might mean the fabric is not that expensive, or that the patterns are made in simple patterns that are easy on the eye, or it could also be that the colors are cool and not as bright.
With hanfu accessories and the right shoes, it is easy to take a hanfu from one level to another. That simple and laid-back dress could turn into a royal class dress with the right shoe or hairpiece. Apart from the shoes and accessories, how you do your hair can also elevate the outfit, adding value to it. Traditionally, the dynasties had different hairstyles to wear the different hanfu with. Complicated styles translate into tedious and long hours of preparation.
Today, it might not be possible to achieve those ancient styles, but there are still hairstyles that can give your simple hanfu the pop that it deserves to shine. You do not have to go retro, especially with a modern hanfu, simple but stylish hairstyles are the way to go, and they include:
1. Low coiffure
The style only requires tying a ponytail at the back and twisting it clockwise to form a circle before winding it up. You can secure using a hairpin or coiffure hair band to give it a soft, gentle charm. This style modifies the shape of the face and can be paired with elegant hanfu jewelry like jade earrings and hairpins or pearl hairpins. Wear this with Wei-Jin hanfu or Jiaoling Ruqun.
2. High tie bun
It is a low coiffure but fixed using a bun. After tying the ponytail, you need to braid it into a flat smooth twist plate and use u-shaped clips at the bun roots, so the height does not slip. It is a youthful, sweet style, especially with Tang Heziqun or Ming-style hanfu.
3. Braided hair
If you take the temperament route, this hairstyle will do wonders for you. It is a little complicated but comfortable and stylish. Choose natural soft textured accessories like ribbon bows, floral ribbons, and small flower-shaped clips with this style. Wear your simple modified Song style hanfu with this hairstyle to look girly and fresh.
4. Wavy curls
A curling iron is all you need for this style. Perm the hair on draped line to get simple, romantic elegance. This is a modern style; hence will work great with modern hanfu like Xuanqun or those with Han elements.
5 sample hanfu dresses you can transform using hair and accessories
The red edge, waist ribbon, and cute embroidery on the sleeves give you room to be colorful with your hairpins and other accessories. You can go as bold as you wish with the hairstyle to give this dress the classy feel and look it deserves. It is largely white, with the only details on the belt and sleeves. Play around with your styling to give your eyes something to rest on and enjoy. You can achieve so many looks with this dress.
The neutral grey and white colors of this hanfu give it that simple look. It features flare sleeves and loose cutting. The wide belt gives the bottom a simple fairy drape and light. It is a fancy swing dress you will enjoy at parties as it allows you to move around easily and even dance without any limitations. It is also ideal for most celebrations, including weddings, Christening, and family celebrations. Its clean and neat look soothes the eyes and can work very well with important ceremonies. You can go for stunning accessories that are not too colorful and a simple but elegant hairstyle to look stylish in this dress.
The simple embroidery on the green belt, the tassel at the end of the belt sash, and the rolling bottom edge together give this dress a stunning edgy appearance. The cross collar is so neat, especially because the robe is white, making it ideal for keeping your hair tied up or short to maintain neatness. It is a simple formal dress you can wear to various settings and still look ideal and attractive. A colorful, average-sized hairpin and dangling pearl earrings might be all you need to add appeal to the dress.
Women’s Ruqun Dress
The vibrant green belt and top of this dress allow for playing with hair and accessories. The white skirt balances the appearance very well and will make anything you choose pop. The bamboo leaf details are spectacular, appearing mostly on the top and only once on the skirt front. This is what simple elegance is all about. A long, straight, wavy, or braided hairstyle will make it even more charming. You will love how innocent and humble you look wearing this chiffon dress to a cocktail or party.
This waist lace-up hanfu is modern with an almost bridal look; it looks like something bridesmaids could wear effortlessly. You will love the white with blue edges and blue belt. The embroidery on the chest allows your eyes to rest a little before going up the face and head. The dress attracts attention to your torso, so you should go as bold and colorful as you wish with the accessories and hair. The length also gives you room to choose fabulous shoes to match the function you are attending. So enjoy this A-line dress in spring and see what it does for you.
Simple hanfu dresses are very good choices for laid-back characters and those who are a little conservative. But with the right hairstyle, shoes, and other accessories, you can be as appealing and charming without putting too much into it.