Blouse-and-skirt suits (1)

As female students became emblematic of the civilised and progressive modern women, during the early Republican period an increasing number of city girls followed suit in their dressing up in blouse-and-skirt suits. The suit consists of a blouse with bell-shaped sleeves (daodaxiu) and a fit-over skirt. Mostly black in the beginning, the skirt gradually adopted various colour tones. Female clothing at that time no longer carried the elaborate embroidery and wide trimmings that had characterised Qing costume. Thin trimmings were used instead, but the adornment is equally delicate and beautiful.

Padded russet blouse with heart-shaped motif and bell-shaped sleeves and a black lace skirt
1920s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection