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In And the Winner Is Love episode 42, Chong Xuezhi pairs muted mourning robes with delicate pearl and floral hairpins, while Yu Chuzhi sports scholarly dark layers. Their subtle ornaments, alongside the raw fan ribs and wrist thread, prove that period styling builds emotional tension without needing flashy silks or loud embroidery.
Understated Mourning Robes and Updo Hair Accents
Costume design in historical wuxia tells us where a character's loyalty stands before they even speak a line. In episode 42 of And the Winner Is Love, Chong Xuezhi trades her active sect leader garments for soft, layered white and light-toned robes as she mourns by the riverbank. Her hair rests in a loose half-updo secured by petite pearl blossoms and silver-toned accents.
Contrast her muted, heartfelt grief with the tension inside King Lu's quarters. Lin Fengzi appears in vivid attire topped with a shimmering headpiece featuring dangling beads and flower blooms. Xia Qingmei erupts in frustration when she rejects gifts sent by King Lu, showing how palace accessories symbolize confinement rather than honor.
If you followed our breakdown of Chong Xuezhi's earlier aesthetics in the And the Winner Is Love Episode 35 outfits guide, you will notice how her ornaments stripped away playful flair in favor of quiet, protective strength.
Yu Chuzhi's Scholar Persona and the Debated Fan Ribs
Shangguan Tou's return under the alias Yu Chuzhi demands an entirely revamped wardrobe. Gone are the breezy robes of the Yueshang Valley master; instead, he adopts a disciplined scholar persona with deep navy and charcoal robes accented by a clean, upright hair crown. He disguises his neck scar to evade recognition, using modest tailoring to blend into Shangzhou without attracting imperial guards.
The standout prop choice here centers on the bare fan ribs Chong Xuezhi sends via Hong Xiu. One camp of viewers reads this gift as an affectionate test: she knows Shangguan Tou loved customizing his own fans, so offering an unadorned skeleton gave him the canvas only he would appreciate. Another interpretation leans toward melancholy detachment—leaving the fan bare signals that their shared past remains incomplete until the truth surfaces.
Fair enough, both readings highlight how a single unadorned accessory carries dramatic weight. That minimalist prop approach mirrors the disciplined Song period accessories explored in the Song Dynasty styling accents in Yu Lin Ling Episode 33. Which side do you lean toward: was the bare fan a tender olive branch or a painful reminder of lost peace?
The Red Wrist String and Modern Hanfu Hairpin Inspirations
When Chong Xuezhi stands before Yu Chuzhi at the bridge, the emotional focal point shifts from garments to a slender piece of cord. Raising her wrist, she shows the crimson thread Shangguan Tou once tied there as a promise to return.
The vibrant red thread cuts through the dim night and her pale sleeve, functioning as an oath turned weapon of vengeance. It proves that wuxia costume design thrives when tiny personal tokens carry heavier stakes than heavy armor.
For readers looking to recreate the romantic updo aesthetic seen throughout this episode, hair jewelry with delicate floral motifs and hanging tassel elements offers an approachable entry point. The Jaczora floral pearl tassel hairpin set — similar style (paid link) features rhinestone accents and pearl drops crafted for traditional buns and half-up hairstyles. It gives a nod to the vintage silhouettes seen on screen without demanding a full stage costume. Be sure to check the retailer page directly for current pricing and shipping options.
For more inspiration on pairing martial capes and hair accents, check out our breakdown of Rainless Bell Episode 32 outfits. How would you style traditional hairpins into a modern evening look? Drop your styling take below.
Frequently asked questions
What accessories stand out most in Chong Xuezhi's episode 42 look?
Chong Xuezhi wears small pearl hairpins nestled into her dark updo along with the crimson thread on her wrist. The pairing keeps her appearance solemn while mourning, letting the red cord pop against her pale robes.
Why does Chong Xuezhi gift Yu Chuzhi bare fan ribs instead of a finished fan?
Chong Xuezhi remembers Shangguan Tou's particular taste in fans. Knowing he preferred decorating his own pieces, she sends the bare framework through Hong Xiu as a subtle test to see if Yu Chuzhi shares his distinct preference.
How does Lin Fengzi's hair styling compare to Chong Xuezhi's in this episode?
Lin Fengzi wears more elaborate floral and beaded hairpins that catch the light, reflecting the luxury provided by King Lu's estate, whereas Chong Xuezhi's accessories remain restrained and delicate during her undercover mission.
Can modern hairpins capture the drama's period aesthetic?
Yes, sets like the Jaczora floral pearl tassel hairpin set provide a similar style with flower motifs and hanging tassel elements designed for buns or updos, echoing the period silhouette without requiring custom historical costume construction.