The Qing emperors designated the color yellow and the dragon emblem on traditional Chinese imperial dress as an exclusive affirmation of their power. Qing emperors' dress adhered to a rigid code that specified clothing for every occasion: ceremonial robes for the most formal ceremonial occasions, court wear for holding audiences, auspicious garments worn during the celebration of festive occasions such as Lunar New Year and his birthday, informal clothing to be worn in his private quarters, and travel ensembles to be worn during the hunt, expeditions and inspection tours. Each ensemble consisted of several garments, headgear, belts, shoes and accessories. The ensembles included seasonal variants: Winter garments, for example, were lined with fur. Requisite silks, gauzes, satins, brocades and damasks of the highest quality were woven in the imperial weaving factory in Suzhou, and the clothing was sumptuously embroidered and embellished with gold, pearls and precious stones.

The empress had her own wardrobe designed for various occasions. Formal occasions demanded a ceremonial dress, a crown, a single-strand pearl necklace, a double-strand coral necklace, and earrings made of gold and pearls.

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