After looking at those ancient shoes last time, you probably got a feel for how much creativity and style people put into what they wore. But let’s be real—most of us 21st-century office folks still rely on modern shoes for our daily commute.

Since we’ve already shared some easy mix-and-match tips for wearing Chinese dresses casually, this time let’s chat about how modern shoes can actually work pretty well with Hanfu too.

Ⅰ. Sandals + Hanfu

For summer, sandals are the most practical choice. With the rising heat—maybe thanks to global warming—sandals really save your feet from getting sore and sweaty on long walks. I wear them whenever I go out in hot weather, otherwise my feet just can’t take it.

Ⅱ. Sneakers + Hanfu

Fun fact: the sneakers in this look are the same model Jackson Wang wears! Anyway—sneakers are the ultimate versatile option. They’re comfortable, easy to walk in, and honestly no one will notice them under a hanfu.

Personally, I don’t see the point in buying embroidered shoes just for photos if they’ll end up gathering dust afterward. Sneakers + Chinese dresses are especially great for travel, combining a casual modern vibe with the elegance of traditional style.

Ⅲ. Loafers + Hanfu

Black loafers are another super versatile pick—comfortable, easy to style, and suitable for almost any occasion (as long as you’re not hiking on rocky paths, they’ll carry you through a whole day). Naturally, they pair really well with Hanfu too.

Whether you’re going for a sleek all-black office look ↓

a playful Tang-inspired vibe ↓

or a graceful Song-style outfit ↓

black loafers add balance to darker colors without stealing the spotlight.

At the end of the day, the key to blending modern shoes with Hanfu is color coordination. Matching your shoes with the main tones of your outfit is the safest bet. And if you can’t match the entire outfit, just echo the shoe color in at least one piece—it’ll still tie everything together nicely.

Ⅳ. Is Wearing Modern Shoes with Hanfu Just Cosplay?

After looking at all these outfit ideas, some people might wonder—has Hanfu become just a kind of cosplay since we’re not pairing it strictly with traditional shoes? But really, when it comes down to it, comfort should come first.

Back when Hanfu started gaining popularity, people were very focused on wearing a “complete set” to preserve the culture and spirit. But in practice, those who wear Hanfu often realized that ancient shoes just aren’t as practical or comfortable as modern sneakers.

So naturally, things split into different groups: some pair Chinese dresses with traditional-style shoes for historical accuracy, some just throw on whatever shoes they have, and others—like me—own both Hanfu and Hanfu shoes but still choose sneakers for comfort. (I once wore Hanfu to a gathering and had to walk a long way; sneakers were absolutely the best choice.)

Looking ahead, if Hanfu-inspired shoes can be made more comfortable while still drawing on the beauty of historical designs, they could definitely become a go-to option. But at the end of the day, shoes are there to serve your feet.

Take my city as an example—it’s a popular tourist spot, and I often see women beautifully dressed in Hanfu but wearing sneakers or even Crocs. Honestly, I think that’s a good thing. Clothes exist to serve people, not the other way around. If you’re not comfortable, there’s every reason to switch to something you enjoy wearing.

Summary

When Fan Bingbing attended a VOGUE event in a breathtaking Ming-style Hanfu by Minghua Tang, she stunned the crowd and even won “Best Look,” bringing traditional Chinese dress back into the spotlight.

But the online reaction in China was mixed—some joked she looked like she was cosplaying Empress Dowager Cixi, others said it resembled a kimono, and some wondered why she didn’t just wear a Western-style gown like foreign celebrities.

Comments like these are telling: if we as Chinese people can’t even recognize or take pride in our own traditional clothing, how can we talk about having “cultural confidence”? Hopefully, more people will come to see and appreciate the beauty of Chinese dresses for what it truly is.