Can 72-Year-Old Zhao Yazhi (赵雅芝) Teach Us About Timeless Style? She dons Hanfu to promote her hometown, reminding us that elegance has no expiration date. This article explores how mature women can master festive, traditional-inspired looks using clever color combinations, drawing inspiration from the legendary actress herself.
The Winning Formula: Red and White
When Zhao Yazhi recently appeared in Hanfu to promote Henan province, social media took notice. At 72, she chose a striking ensemble: a white cloak over a red square-collared half-sleeve jacket, paired with a red pleated Mamianqun (马面裙). The foundation was a warm white cross-collared inner robe. Her secret? The timeless combination of red and white. These are her signature shades for a reason—they are universally flattering and know no age limit.
Choosing the right shade is critical. For a classic look, avoid stark, cold white (like bleached fabric). Opt for a warm, off-white, often called natural white. This subtle shift in tone harmonizes better with traditional aesthetics and softer complexions. The balance of colors also matters. A fifty-fifty split is a safe start, but accessories can shift the energy. Adding more red accessories makes the outfit pop, warms the skin tone, and feels more vibrant and celebratory. Conversely, leaning into more white creates a calmer, more refined and elegant appearance. It truly depends on the statement you wish to make.
Face Shapes and Color Depth
Zhao Yazhi often experiments with head-to-toe red or all-white looks. She wears both extremes beautifully because of her soft, gentle facial contours. These features allow her to carry both very bright and very simple colors with grace, always maintaining a tender elegance. However, that same softness means she leans toward warm, luminous shades. Cool or muted tones might wash her out. This is a key takeaway for anyone with similarly delicate, rounded features—your best colors will likely be warm and clear, not cold or muddy.
Compare her approach with a contemporary like actress Liu Xiaoqing (刘晓庆). To achieve a complexion-brightening effect, Liu also gravitates towards red. But her facial structure is different—it's stronger, with more angular, androgynous lines. Deeper, more intense reds, like a rich burgundy, suit her better. Pairing this deeper red with black creates a powerful, grounded combination that complements her bold features. This shows that even within a single color family, depth and pairing choices must be tailored to individual characteristics. It's not one-size-fits-all.
Lessons from Classical Paintings
The red and white combination is far from a modern invention. Classical paintings from the Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties are filled with examples. Looking at court ladies in these artworks, you see the red-and-white palette appearing constantly, whether in large blocks or small accents. The proportions vary, but the effect is always harmonious. Interestingly, you'll also spot small touches of low-saturation green—on a belt or an accessory—used as a subtle complementary contrast. This ancient trick is perfectly adaptable today, offering a sophisticated way to add a surprising pop of color to a modern outfit with traditional roots.
One major pitfall with vibrant colors like bright red and crisp white is that they ruthlessly expose poor fabric quality. They look deceptively simple but rely entirely on texture to appear "correct" and luxurious. When selecting materials, a good rule of thumb is to prioritize natural fibers over synthetics. Look for fabrics with visible weave texture rather than flat, lifeless ones. A fabric should have some "skeleton" or body—it shouldn't droop limply. Whether it has a sheen or is matte is a matter of personal taste. A final touch for a red outfit is a white fur collar, which instantly adds a layer of festive ambiance and visual warmth.
Choosing the right shade requires a bit of homework. Use fabric swatches and test them in different lights—take photos with your phone or camera. Hold them near your face. The true test is simple: does this color make my skin look vibrant and healthy? If it does, it's your color. A final word of caution: avoid any fabric prone to pilling. Even the most expensive, beautifully dyed material looks cheap the moment fuzz balls appear. Mastering the art of red and white, as Zhao Yazhi demonstrates, is about thoughtful choices in shade, texture, and proportion. It's a classic combination that allows grace to shine at any age.
