In recent years, there’s been a surge of interest in hanfu, not just as traditional attire, but as something that can be part of everyday life—including the workplace. For women who love hanfu and want to express that part of their identity in professional settings, there are more options now than ever before. With both modernised and traditional hanfu being widely available online, it’s becoming increasingly realistic to integrate this historical clothing into our weekday wardrobes.
Modern hanfu—sometimes referred to as “fashion hanfu”—has already been adapted for casual social use. According to NewHanfu, it “inherits the elements of traditional Hanfu, and through long-term innovation and development, it is well adapted to the convenient social life in today's modern times.” This means pieces are typically more streamlined, accessible, and comfortable, often made with materials and cuts that suit daily wear. As a result, many modern hanfu outfits can already pass for smart-casual in a workplace setting. Pairing these with accessories like a structured purse, a watch, or a blazer can easily help elevate the outfit to look more professional without compromising the hanfu aesthetic.
That said, I personally think there’s also space for more traditional hanfu elements in the workplace—if styled thoughtfully. Traditional hanfu is typically made up of several separate garments, which allows for flexibility in mixing and matching with modern clothing items. This can help tone down the look while still keeping its characteristic silhouette and cultural expression.
For example, in both Song and Ming dynasty styles, the mamianqun (horse-face skirt) is a key piece. These skirts are structured, often pleated, and beautifully patterned. Worn on their own, they can be paired with plain, long-sleeved, collared shirts—the kind you’d typically see in an office. The trick is to choose a top in a colour that matches the dominant shade of the mamianqun, so that the outfit appears cohesive and deliberate. This kind of pairing lets the hanfu piece take centre stage while keeping the overall look balanced and workplace-appropriate.
Another example is the traditional hanfu jiaoling ruqun or wrap-style top. These can be styled similarly to a wrap blouse, and look especially refined when worn with neutral-toned office pants—think beige, black, or navy. If the hanfu top is made from a softer fabric with minimal patterning, it will blend in quite well in a modern office while still adding a unique, personal touch.
In cooler weather, the camisole and open shirt combination—a style often seen in Ming or late Tang dynasty outfits—can be paired with wide-leg trousers. These trousers echo the flowy, elegant lines of hanfu without looking too formal or costume-like. Add a minimalist scarf or a structured long coat and the look immediately feels more contemporary.
And finally, wrap dresses—like the more robe-like versions seen in early hanfu styles—can also be adapted with layering. If you wear a wrap-style hanfu dress, try adding a smart coat or trench over it and a scarf to bring it into seasonal relevance. Structured outerwear can neutralise any impression of being "too floaty" or casual, anchoring the outfit in the more grounded style expected in office environments.
Dressing with hanfu at work doesn’t mean abandoning the norms of your workplace—it just means interpreting them in a way that includes your own style and heritage. Whether you prefer modernised pieces or want to experiment with adapting traditional garments, there’s plenty of room for creativity. With a bit of thought, hanfu can be worn professionally, stylishly, and proudly—yes, even in a 9-to-5.
