"I avoid overt references to cheongsams or attempts at modernizing them by keeping the look but making it mini-dress length. Also any item which features mandarin collars, this type of fastening or even kimono sleeves (though that last one is more a personal taste thing). [All of that] feels like a costume. While I do reference modern Chinese women a lot in my silhouette choices — the long, tight column skirts and dresses are something that females in Shanghai wear [often today] — they are usually in pale tones that are less traditional than brights. [That said] Shanghai women are not wearing jackets with mandarin collars or frog closures made of embroidered silk with dragon motifs, it's more likely to find them in a cropped cashmere cardigan." — Lulu, Chinese
"I love preppy, simple clothing, and I spent most of my life being told I was trying too hard to be white as a result. Being white probably would have made my life easier, but I think I'd be drawn to this style of clothing regardless of my race. I've second-guessed myself before, though, and tried to push myself to wear more exotic things to prove people wrong. I always regret it." — Jen, African American
!["I avoid overt references to cheongsams or attempts at modernizing them by keeping the look but making it mini-dress length. Also any item which features mandarin collars, this type of fastening or even kimono sleeves (though that last one is more a personal taste thing). [All of that] feels like a costume. While I do reference modern Chinese women a lot in my silhouette choices — the long, tight column skirts and dresses are something that females in Shanghai wear [often today] — they are usually in pale tones that are less traditional than brights. [That said] Shanghai women are not wearing jackets with mandarin collars or frog closures made of embroidered silk with dragon motifs, it's more likely to find them in a cropped cashmere cardigan." — Lulu, Chinese
"I love preppy, simple clothing, and I spent most of my life being told I was trying too hard to be white as a result. Being white probably would have made my life easier, but I think I'd be drawn to this style of clothing regardless of my race. I've second-guessed myself before, though, and tried to push myself to wear more exotic things to prove people wrong. I always regret it." — Jen, African American](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/ps-image-unavailable.png "\"I avoid overt references to cheongsams or attempts at modernizing them by keeping the look but making it mini-dress length. Also any item which features mandarin collars, this type of fastening or even kimono sleeves (though that last one is more a personal taste thing). [All of that] feels like a costume. While I do reference modern Chinese women a lot in my silhouette choices — the long, tight column skirts and dresses are something that females in Shanghai wear [often today] — they are usually in pale tones that are less traditional than brights. [That said] Shanghai women are not wearing jackets with mandarin collars or frog closures made of embroidered silk with dragon motifs, it's more likely to find them in a cropped cashmere cardigan.\" — Lulu, Chinese
\"I love preppy, simple clothing, and I spent most of my life being told I was trying too hard to be white as a result. Being white probably would have made my life easier, but I think I'd be drawn to this style of clothing regardless of my race. I've second-guessed myself before, though, and tried to push myself to wear more exotic things to prove people wrong. I always regret it.\" — Jen, African American")
