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Ao3: daisy_mooon

Basically all of Ruyi's famed ugly outfits occur at the start of the show before she is sent to the Cold Palace. Their existence tells us several things about Ruyi. One, that she does not feel the need to fight or scheme for favour from Hongli. Two, that she is an outcast from the harem because she lacks the favour of the Empress and Empress Dowager. Three, respect to Langhua even though they dislike each other: wearing ugly clothes avoids offending her or encroaching on her position, whilst also obeying by her demands for modest, inexpensive clothing. Fourth, it shows how much more carefree Ruyi is in the earlier parts of the show.

Ruyi's costumes get more beautiful and elegant after she leaves the Cold Palace, but this is for reasons as well. The first is that her separation from the harem now feels like she has to subtly compete for Hongli's favour in her clothes. Second, the Empress Dowager now likes Ruyi, and Ruyi no longer cares about respecting Langhua's feelings. But third: the higher her position is, the more complex and beautiful her outfits are, the more cold she appears, the less carefree she becomes. Ruyi can no longer put on ugly duckling clothing and be fine in the harem, the Emperor is abusing her and Yanwan is tormenting her. Looking ugly is no longer an option for her. In fact, look how red her lips are as Empress: the colour completely drains her face.

In fact, look at Ruyi's outfits after she cuts her hair. They're mostly plain. The ugly purple lipstick makes a brief comeback. It's the most herself she has been in years. Even after she is reinstated, her dress is a light cream, almost white, and the crown does not come back. Her hair ornamentation is back, but nowhere near as complex as it was. She's not dressing up for favour or for her position, she's dressed up to spend her final days in dignity.