How to wear a tunic

As we move through warmer seasons, it’s fun to transition to more airy and loose-fitting clothes after months of covering up in heavy fabrics from head to toe.

Tunics are a great style staple for women of any size, and they’re the perfect clothing item for embracing spring through fall. What is a tunic? Is it a shirt? Is it a dress? Well, it’s a mix between the two, with a between-hip-and-knee length and flowing fit. 

Tunic tops come in a wide range of styles, types, fabrics, fits, colors, and prints. You can’t go wrong with having one or many of these items in your closet. They’re often comfortable, flattering, and appropriate for various settings, such as wearing to the office, looking casually chic on weekends, or staying comfortable on a plane. If you’re interested in incorporating some tunic-style tops into your wardrobe, take a look at these guidelines for buying and wearing this fashionable style.

Body Type

Choose the right fit for your body

Tunics are known for being loose-fitting, and this breaks one of the fundamental style rules for plus-size women: wear fitted clothes to slim down. While it’s true that some tunics can cover your curves and make your body look shapeless or boxy, tunics with the right cut can be very flattering, no matter your body shape. Here’s a guide for finding the right tunic for your body type:

• Hourglass: Hourglass body shapes look great in many tunic styles, but it may be best to avoid tops with a lot of detailing, touching, or ruffling near the neckline, as they can make the upper body seem disproportionately large. To highlight a defined waistline, try belting the tunic around your middle.
• Triangle: Triangle or pear body shapes, on the other hand, look great in tops with details and fabrics that draw the eye to the upper body, since they create the illusion of an hourglass figure. Women with triangle body shapes should avoid tunics that cling to their hips or tush since these options can draw attention to wider areas of the body. Learn: How to Dress a Triangle Body Shape
• Oval: For women with rounded or apple body shapes, tunics with scoop or V necks can elongate the neck and make the body look taller. Consider tunics with empire or natural waists, which can create more definition.· Inverted triangle: Women with broad shoulders and narrow hips can get away with wearing tunics that fit closely to the body, but they should also look for ones with empire waists. The way empire-waisted tops cinch just under the bust line is very flattering and can create a more proportionate appearance.

Hemlines

Look for flattering hemlines

When looking for tunics, there are a few universal guidelines that all women should keep in mind.

• Opt for Longer Lengths: Tunics that fall slightly below the widest part of your hips tend to be more flattering. This length elongates the torso and creates a sleeker appearance. Look for tunics that hit mid-thigh or just above the knee for versatile styling.
• Experiment with Asymmetrical Hemlines: Asymmetrical hemlines can be particularly flattering. Tunics with a longer back hem or a diagonal cut across the hips draw the eye downward, creating a lengthening effect and adding visual interest to your outfit.
• Try Side Slits: Tunics featuring side slits are not only stylish but also practical. They offer freedom of movement and prevent the fabric from clinging to your body. Additionally, side slits can subtly show off your legs, adding a touch of allure without revealing too much.
• Consider A-Line Shapes: A-line tunics gently flare out from the bust or waist, providing a flattering fit that skims over the hips and thighs. This silhouette helps balance proportions and creates a more streamlined look.
• Look for Rounded or Curved Hems: Tunics with rounded or curved hemlines soften the silhouette. These hemlines create a gradual transition from the hip to the leg, minimizing any harsh lines that can draw attention to specific areas of the body.
• Avoid Boxiness: Steer clear of tunics that are overly boxy or shapeless. Instead, opt for styles that offer some definition at the waist or feature subtle tailoring. This can be achieved with a cinched waist, a tie belt, or strategic darting.
• Choose Fabrics Wisely: Consider the fabric’s drape and weight. Fabrics that are too stiff or heavy can add bulk, whereas lightweight and flowing materials like chiffon, silk, or lightweight knits can enhance movement and flatter your shape.

By selecting tunics with these flattering hemline features, you can accentuate your best assets while feeling confident and comfortable in your outfit. Experiment with different styles to discover what works best for your body shape and personal style.

Bottoms

How to wear your tunic tops

Choose the right bottoms for your tunic:

Tunics are versatile and can be paired with a variety of bottoms, including jeans, shorts, or leggings. To create a balanced and flattering silhouette, avoid wide-leg jeans or baggy trousers, as they can compete with the volume of the tunic.

• Formal or Dinner Outing: If you’re attending a formal occasion or going out for a meal, consider pairing your tunic with stretchy skinny jeans. The neutral denim complements any colored tunic and provides warmth during cooler weather. Choose jeans that taper at the ankle to avoid overwhelming your silhouette, especially if the tunic has a flowing hemline.
• Casual Day or Office Look: For a professional yet comfortable office outfit, opt for slim-cut black leggings that resemble dress pants. Ensure the tunic adequately covers your bottom. Or, if it is a night out with the girls, pair with a pair of white denim or ripped jeans.
• Warm Tropical Getaway: For a vacation in a tropical destination, use your tunic as a beach cover-up and transition into casual wear by adding shorts when you’re off the sand. This effortless combination is ideal for enjoying time with family while staying comfortable in warm weather.

By selecting the appropriate bottoms based on the occasion and weather, you can enhance the versatility and style of your tunic outfits while ensuring a flattering and cohesive look.

Layer a jacket over your tunic

You can easily incorporate this item into your ensemble when you wear a tunic. It’s the length of the jacket that really matters. To stay warm while you go out for a night on the town with your girlfriends, opt for a denim jacket that hits right at your waist. Falling below the hips will accentuate the widest part of your bottom, but having the jacket hemline land a little higher will highlight your small middle. However, you can work the same logic by opting for a jacket that falls right at your knees. The longer length will keep you warmer, and having it hit right where your leg naturally narrows will create a slimming style.

Shoes

Dress a tunic up (or down) with shoes

The versatility of tunics makes them a wardrobe essential for women, allowing you to easily transition from casual to formal with just a few accessory changes, especially when it comes to footwear.

• Casual Chic with Ankle Boots: Transform your tunic into a casual yet stylish ensemble for a Saturday afternoon by pairing it with ankle boots. Opt for genuine leather footwear to keep your feet warm and showcase a fashionable look. The ankle boots add a touch of sophistication while maintaining a comfortable vibe.
• Day to Night Transition with Colorful Wedges or Heels: Elevate your tunic from day to night by swapping out sandals or flats for colorful wedges or comfortable heels. Vibrant wedges can inject a pop of color into your outfit, making it ideal for daytime outings. For evening affairs, opt for sleek heels that add sophistication and height to your look. This simple change in footwear effortlessly takes your tunic from casual daytime wear to stylish evening attire.
• Effortless Casual with Sneakers: For a laid-back yet trendy look, pair your tunic with stylish sneakers. Opt for classic white sneakers for a fresh and modern appearance, or choose bold-colored sneakers to add a playful twist to your outfit. Sneakers not only provide comfort but also give your tunic outfit a sporty edge, perfect for running errands or casual gatherings.

By experimenting with different shoe styles, you can easily transform the versatility of your tunic, creating various looks suitable for any occasion, from laid-back weekends to sophisticated evenings out.

Accessories

Seasonal Accessories for Tunics

Enhance the style of your basic or printed tunics with carefully chosen accessories that add flair and functionality to your look.

• Statement Accessories: Elevate a simple tunic or long top with intricate statement accessories. Bold necklaces, chunky bracelets, or oversized earrings can transform your outfit instantly. These eye-catching pieces draw attention to your ensemble, making your tunic the centerpiece of your look.
• Delicate Fashion Jewelry: For printed or patterned tunics, opt for delicate fashion jewelry to complement and highlight the design. Layered necklaces, dainty earrings, or stackable rings can add a touch of elegance without overpowering the outfit.
• Knit Hats: Stay warm and stylish by accessorizing with a knit hat. A cozy beanie or beret not only keeps you comfortable but also adds a feminine touch to your overall look. Choose colors and textures that complement your tunic for a cohesive appearance.
• Scarves: Scarves are versatile accessories that can enhance the figure and add interest to your tunic ensemble.
  • Long Dangling Scarves: Opt for a long, dangling scarf with vertical lines to elongate your silhouette and create a flattering effect.
  • Infinity Scarves: Wrap an infinity scarf around your neck to add volume to the top half of your outfit and balance out a wider bottom. Experiment with different ways of draping to achieve various looks.

By incorporating these seasonal accessories into your tunic outfits, you can showcase your personal style and create dynamic looks that transition effortlessly between seasons. Accessories not only add visual interest but also offer practical warmth and comfort, making them essential components of your tunic wardrobe.

Tunics: your blank slate!

While you don’t want to overcrowd a tunic outfit, they truly enable you to customize your look and show off fun fashion accessories. Think of tunics as something of a blank slate. Mix and match pieces to put together a truly unique outfit, complete with jewelry, and you’ll quickly have friends and family asking, “Where did you get that?” 

How do you like to wear your tunics? Tell us in the comments below.