The CNY2026 Boys' Edit

Posted by Audrey Ng on

The Boys' Edit: Every Style for Sons, Nephews & Little Brothers | elly CNY 2026
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The Boys' Edit: Every Style for Sons, Nephews & Younger Brothers

Shopping for boys doesn't have to be an afterthought. This year, we've designed a complete range of styles that work for active kids, formal occasions, and everything in between—plus they coordinate beautifully with sisters' outfits for family photos.

Here's your complete guide to every boys' style in CNY 2026.

Understanding the Difference

Formal Styles

Mandarin-collared Shirt | Little Man Shirt

These have collars, structured woven cotton cuts, and are meant to be paired with dressier bottoms. Best for Day 1 visiting, reunion dinners, and formal family photos.

Pair with: Charlie Shorts in Tan or Red for a polished look

Casual Styles

Mandarin-Collared Polo Tee | Polo Tee

Jersey fabric, relaxed fits, maximum comfort. Perfect for all-day visiting, playing with cousins, and the later days of CNY when things are more laid back.

Pair with: Charlie Shorts in Off-white, Pastel Blue, or Light Peach

The Complete Boys' Collection

Mandarin-Collared Shirt - Red Lucky Coins Mandarin-Collared Shirt - Red Fans

Mandarin-Collared (MC) Shirt

Ages 2-14 | Available in 9 prints

Formal Bestseller

Our most traditional boys' style. The mandarin collar gives it that unmistakable CNY look, perfect for Day 1 visiting and formal family photos. Made from woven cotton for a structured, polished appearance.

  • Best for: Formal reunion dinners, Day 1 visiting, family portraits
  • Fabric: Woven cotton (structured)
  • Pairs with: Charlie Shorts in Tan, Red, or Off-white
Shop Mandarin-collared Shirts →
Mandarin-Collared Polo Tee - Blue Fans Mandarin-Collared Polo Tee - Red Floral Bamboo

Mandarin-Collared Polo Tee

Ages 2-14 | Available in 4 prints

Casual Bestseller

The versatile middle ground. Smart enough for visiting, comfortable enough for playing. Jersey fabric with a mandarin collar that looks put-together without being fussy.

  • Best for: All-day visiting, casual gatherings, active kids
  • Fabric: Soft jersey with stretch
  • Pairs with: Charlie Shorts in any color, especially Off-white and Pastel Blue
Shop Mandarin-Collared Polo Tees →
Little Man Shirt - Blue Lotus Little Man Shirt - Teal Plaid Tiles

Little Man Shirt

Ages 2-14 | Available in 8 prints

Formal

A traditional button-up shirt in our festive CNY prints. More subtle than the MC shirt, perfect for boys who want something festive but not overtly traditional.

  • Best for: Boys who prefer Western style, semi-formal occasions
  • Fabric: Woven cotton
  • Styling tip: Leave untucked for casual, tuck in for formal
Shop Little Man Shirts →
Polo Tee - Blue Lucky Bamboo

Polo Tee

Ages 2-14 | Available in Blue Lucky Bamboo print

Casual

A classic polo style with a regular collar. Comfortable and versatile for the later days of CNY when things get more casual. The perfect balance between looking smart and feeling relaxed.

  • Best for: Casual visiting, everyday CNY wear
  • Fabric: Soft jersey
  • Pairs with: Charlie Shorts in Light Peach or Pastel Blue
Shop Polo Tees →
Charlie Shorts - Tan Charlie Shorts - Pastel Blue

Charlie Shorts

Ages 2-14 | Available in 5 colors

Essential Bestseller

The perfect complement to any of our festive tops. Classic tailored shorts with an elastic waistband for comfort and movement. Available in versatile colors that mix and match with all our CNY prints.

  • Best for: Pairing with any festive top, all occasions
  • Available colors: Tan, Red, Off-white, Pastel Blue, Light Peach
  • Styling tip: Pair Tan or Red with MC Shirts, Off-white or Pastel Blue with Polo Tees
Shop Charlie Shorts →

The Essential Boys' Wardrobe

If you're buying for the full 15 days of CNY, here's what we recommend:

3 Staple Pieces

  • 1 x Mandarin-collared Shirt (for formal Day 1)
  • 2 x Mandarin-collared Polo Tees (for everyday visiting)

Total: $150 - $160

Pair with our Charlie Shorts in Tan or Off-white from home. This covers all 15 days with strategic rotation.

The Complete CNY Wardrobe for 5 days

  • 1 x Mandarin-collared Shirt (formal)
  • 2 x Mandarin-collared Polo Tees / Polo Tees (versatile)
  • 2 x Little Man Shirt (semi-formal alternative)
  • 2 x Charlie Shorts in complementary colors (e.g., Tan + Pastel Blue, or Off-white + Light Peach)

Total: $340 - $350

Covers all occasions with variety, no laundry stress. Mix and match different Charlie Shorts colors with your festive tops for fresh looks throughout the 15 days.

Shop All Boys' Styles

Shopping for boys doesn't have to be an afterthought or a last-minute scramble. With the right styles and a little planning, you can create a complete CNY wardrobe that works for every occasion - formal, casual, and everything in between.

x, The elly team

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