Vietnamese stars embrace rural style with ao ba ba

Miss Dang Thu Thao, Thanh Thuy, and singer Phuong My Chi chose the ao ba ba – a traditional southern rural garment – for Tet Binh Ngo.

This year, the ao ba ba has emerged as a popular trend among Vietnamese celebrities, gaining prominence alongside the traditional ao dai. Originally a garment for laborers in southern rural areas, its comfortable and convenient design now makes it a favored choice for Tet outings. Many local brands are actively promoting this style, contributing to its widespread appeal during the festive season.

Several prominent figures have been seen embracing the ao ba ba. On 21/2 (the 5th day of Tet), model Tuyet Lan shared photos celebrating spring with her family, wearing a yellow ao ba ba paired with matching pointed-toe shoes. Miss Luong Thuy Linh also acquired a pink ao ba ba, styling it with a Goyard bag. Singer Phuong My Chi sported a champagne-colored silk ao ba ba, accessorized with layered necklaces and hippie glasses. Miss Thanh Thuy, for her part, styled the outfit with a paper fan.

On 21/2 (the 5th day of Tet), model Tuyet Lan shared a series of photos celebrating spring with her family. She chose a yellow ao ba ba paired with matching pointed-toe shoes.

Besides Midu and Tuyet Lan, Miss Luong Thuy Linh also acquired a pink ao ba ba paired with a Goyard bag.

Phuong My Chi wore a champagne-colored silk ao ba ba, accessorized with layered necklaces and hippie glasses.

The ao ba ba has undergone modernization this year, featuring diverse designs such as flared sleeves, puffed sleeves, two-piece bodies with asymmetrical buttons, and loose-fitting styles without a cinched waist. Manufacturers are also experimenting with materials; instead of traditional linen or cotton, many garments are now crafted from polyester-blend silk and brocade. A month before Tet, stores in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City began selling these sets, with prices ranging from 900,000 to 1.8 million dong, depending on the quality of the fabric and craftsmanship.

Miss Ha Kieu Anh and Miss Dang Thu Thao chose to wear ao ba ba while making banh chung to celebrate Tet. Ha Kieu Anh stated she enjoys wearing ao dai and ao ba ba during Tet because these garments carry traditional significance and offer comfort. She wears them when visiting pagodas and relatives.

Other celebrities embracing this fashion trend include Miss Phuong Khanh, who opted for a distinctive look by pairing a blue top with yellow silk trousers instead of a monochromatic set. Miss Doan Thien An captured her Tet 2026 memories in an ao ba ba. Minh Hang and her son also chose blue ao ba ba outfits to participate in early spring activities, such as making banh chung and sticky rice cakes.