Packing for Shanghai feels tricky because the city mixes polished street style with real-life walking and changing weather. You’ll likely move between upscale areas, casual neighborhoods, transit, and long days on your feet, so your outfits need to look put-together and still function. The best approach is building a small set of pieces that layer well and handle heat, humidity, or sudden cool evenings depending on the season.
Most people assume they need to dress extremely trendy to fit in. You don’t. The goal is clean, modern basics with a sharp silhouette, comfortable shoes, and a few accessories that make the outfit feel intentional. Fabric choice matters a lot, because breathable materials look better after a full day out.
In this article, you’ll find 20+ Shanghai outfit ideas for your trip, plus practical tips on what shoes work, how to layer, and how to plan outfits around walking without sacrificing style.
20+ Shanghai Outfit Ideas You’ll Love
Red Cardigan with Black Leather Pants
Okay, this red cardigan with leather pants is giving spicy Shanghai nights! I’m obsessed with how bold it feels for a rooftop bar date. Pair it with chunky gold hoops and a messy bun to totally own the vibe.
Black Off-Shoulder Top with Light Grey Mini Skirt
You need this off-shoulder top and grey mini skirt for a cute brunch in Xintiandi!
It’s flirty but classy, and I’d throw on strappy sandals and a tiny crossbody bag to keep it fresh and fun.
Black Leather Puffer Jacket with Grey Top
Imagine strolling through Shanghai’s art district in this leather puffer and grey top combo! It’s so cool and edgy, perfect for feeling like a street style star. Add a bold red lip and some sleek ankle boots to make it pop.
Grey Pleated Skirt with Navy Sweater Outfit
This grey skirt and navy sweater are screaming cozy coffee shop vibes! I’d wear this to catch up with friends in Tianzifang and toss on a beret with dainty gold studs to keep it super cute.
Black Top with Beige Maxi Skirt
Okay, how dreamy is this black top with a beige maxi skirt? It’s perfect for a romantic evening walk along the Huangpu River. I’d add a statement belt and some strappy heels to make you feel like a total goddess.
White Satin Mini Skirt with Faux Fur Jacket
This satin skirt and faux fur jacket are straight-up glam for a night out in Shanghai’s club scene! I’m living for how extra it feels. Pop on some sparkly drop earrings and a high pony to steal the show.
Black Suit Pants with White T-Shirt Top
You’ve gotta try this black suit pants and white tee look for a chic gallery opening! It’s so effortlessly cool, and I’d tuck in the tee with a skinny scarf tied around my neck for that artsy Shanghai flair.
Beige Monochrome Shanghai Outfit
Obsessed with this beige monochrome fit! It’s giving quiet luxury for a fancy dinner in Pudong. I’d sling a sleek tote over my shoulder and add cat-eye sunglasses to keep it classy and confident.
Pink Tweed Jacket with White Pleated Skirt
Can we talk about this pink tweed jacket and white skirt combo? It’s so perfect for a cute shopping day in Nanjing Road! I’d pair it with ballet flats and a pearl choker to feel like I’m in a rom-com.
Black Pants with Blue Button-Down Shirt
This blue button-down with black pants is my go-to for a stylish work-to-drinks look in Shanghai! It’s crisp and polished, but I’d roll up the sleeves and add a chunky watch to make it fun and relaxed.
Black Leather Jacket with Blue Denim Jeans
Okay, this leather jacket and jeans vibe is straight fire for a night market adventure! I’m all about that rockstar energy. Throw on some studded boots and a velvet scrunchie to keep it fierce.
White and Butter Yellow Skirt Outfit
This white and butter yellow skirt look is so soft and sweet for a garden party in Shanghai! I’d wear it to feel like I’m floating through a dream. Add a woven clutch and delicate rings for extra charm.
White Pleated Skirt with Black Cardigan Outfit
This white skirt and black cardigan are calling my name for a cozy bookstore date! It’s so chic yet comfy, and I’d tie a silk scarf in my hair to give it that vintage Shanghai glow.
Navy Wide Leg Jeans with Brown Longsleeve
These navy wide-leg jeans with a brown longsleeve are perfect for a laid-back art fair visit! I’m loving how relaxed yet put-together it feels. Tuck it in and add a leather belt with sneakers for a chill vibe.
White Maxi Skirt with Black Top
This white maxi skirt with a black top is giving major summer vibes for a riverside picnic! I’m all about how flowy and chic it is. Pair it with oversized sunnies and a straw hat to shine.
Shanghai Outfit Planning That Actually Matches the City and Your Days
Shanghai style rewards outfits that look polished but still practical. You will likely do a lot of walking, deal with strong air conditioning indoors, and switch between casual sightseeing and nicer meals. You want outfits that layer well and look sharp in photos, especially in a city with sleek, modern backdrops.
Build your trip wardrobe around smart basics you can remix:
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Comfortable, clean sneakers or low-profile boots that you can walk in all day
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One light layer for indoors: blazer, denim jacket, or cardigan that folds easily
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Straight-leg jeans, tailored trousers, or midi skirts that move and breathe
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Tops that look neat without effort: ribbed knits, button-ups, fitted tees
Common mistakes:
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You pack only summer pieces and freeze indoors. Always carry a layer.
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You bring uncomfortable shoes because they look cute. Your feet decide your mood.
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You overpack statement outfits that only work once. Focus on mix-and-match.
A simple packing logic that saves you:
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Choose a core palette of three colors so everything matches.
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Pack one “nice” outfit for evenings, then dress it down with sneakers during the day.
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Add one accessory that upgrades basics fast, like a structured bag or simple gold jewelry.
If you keep your outfits clean, layered, and walkable, you will feel confident everywhere from coffee shops to skyline viewpoints.
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Charlotte

