How to Wear a Tunic
Achieve a long over lean look. Tunics are tops that are longer than traditional shirts. Instead of hitting mid-hip, the tunic traditionally hits women at mid-thigh or below. When you pair one of these loose, flowy tops with a lean, skinny bottom, you will create a perfectly proportional outfit every time. Pick out a tunic that complements your figure. Choose a fabric, pattern, and neckline that matches your personal aesthetic. The hemline should hit at your mid-thigh—this length is ideal for showing off a bit of your legs. Put on a pair of skinny bottoms. You can wear your favorite skinny jeans, cords, or trousers, a pair of jeggings, or even a pair of patterned or plain leggings. You can complete this look with a pair of boots, ballet flats, or heels. Accessorize your long over lean look with a chunky necklace or a scarf, a loose sweater or a tight biker jacket, and a fantastic bag.[1] X Research source
Wear your tunic as a dress. If your tunic has a longer hemline, consider wearing it as a chic little dress. This slight variation of the long over lean look is ideal for fall and winter. Before you wear your favorite long tunic as a cute shift, make sure it fully covers your
bottom. Find a long tunic in a fabric and cut that complements your personal style. The hemline should hit below your mid-thigh. Pull on a pair of tights. You can choose between sheer nylons, patterned tights, and sweater tights. Complete your look with a pair of boots. You can accessorize your look with a belt or sash, necklace or scarf, and bangles or a watch.[2] X Research source If you can't find quite the right belt, it may be easy to make your own belt.
Wear shorts, capris, or skirts under your tunic. During the warmer months, it may be too hot to wear pants, leggings, or tights under your tunic. You don’t need to pack up your favorite tunics. Instead, you can continue to wear your these tops with shorts, capris or shorts. Pick out a lightweight, flowy tunic to wear. The material and cut should match your unique aesthetic. Choose a pair of shorts, capris, or a pencil skirt that is clearly visible under your tunic’s hemline. Add a pair of sandals or heels to complete the summery look. Accessorize your tunic with a delicate necklace, a light shawl or sweater, and a casual bag.[3] X Research source
Wear a tunic on a warm or tropical vacation. Tunics are ideal for balmy
beaches, blistering cruise decks, and hot cities. These versatile garments can be worn to the beach, out sightseeing, or to a nice dinner. Pick out your favorite swimsuit and throw a tropical or nautical themed tunic over it. Before you hit the lounge chairs, add a pair of flip-flops, sunglasses, and a bag full of towels, snacks, and sunscreen. While you’re out sightseeing, wear your favorite lightweight tunic over a pair of bermuda shorts or capris. Complete your look with a pair of comfortable shoes, a few pieces of simple jewelry, and a light jacket.[4] X Research source For an evening dinner, throw on a fancy tunic over a pair of slim cropped pants. Dress up the look with a pair of strappy sandals, a few pieces of simple, yet elegant, jewelry, and a clutch.[5] X Research source
Wear a tunic to a casual outing. The loose and drapey tunic is a very chic, but casual top. This comfy, yet stylish, top is perfect to wear when you grab coffee with a friend, brunch with your beau, or a beer at the pub. You can easily dress it up or down with your accessories and shoe choice. Pick out a simple tunic that hits you mid-thigh. Put on a pair of skinny bottoms. You can wear jeans, cords,
jeggings, or leggings. Pick out a pair of ballet flats or boots. Add accessories to your taste.
Wear a tunic to work. While tunics are inherently causal, it is possible to dress them up for the workplace. The right shoes, accessories, and bottoms can transform a comfy tunic into a work appropriate top. Select a tunic that is appropriate for you place of work—avoid low necklines and do not wear a tunic as a dress. Pair your tunic with slim cropped pants, skinny trousers, or a knee-length pencil skirt. Dress up your tunic with a pair of heels. Add a chunky necklace or scarf, a blazer or sweater, and tote bag.
Pick a tunic that balances your figure. Women’s bodies come in all shapes and sizes. When shopping for clothes, purchase tunics that balance out your unique body shape by highlighting—not hiding—your best features. If your upper body is narrower than your lower body, look for a tunic that broadens and draws attention to your slender shoulders. Try on tunics with side vents that hit above or just below the widest part of your body. To highlight your shoulders, pick a tunic with a deep V-neck or wide neck. You can balance out your body shape by accessorizing with a chunky
necklace or scarf.[6] X Research source If your upper body is wider than your lower body, your ideal tunic will draw attention to your slender lower body, making your body look more proportional. Pick out a tunic with a shorter hemline that shows off your slim lower body. Look for tunics with a V-neckline to draw attention upwards to your face.[7] X Research source
Purchase a tunic that accentuates your waist. A cinched waist accentuates a woman’s natural curves, producing a flattering feminine look. Instead of wearing boxy tunics that hide your figure, search for tunics that highlight or create the illusion of curves. If you have a well proportioned upper and lower body with a narrow waist, show off your hourglass figure in a fitted tunic. Find a tunic that tapers in at the waist and out at the hips.[8] X Research source If your body is straight, highlight and exaggerate your natural curves with a belted tunic.[9] X Research source
Choose a tunic that’s right for your height. Women with petite and tall frames often struggle to find tops, bottoms, and dresses that fit their bodies properly. Both petite and tall individuals may have a difficult time finding a tunic that fits
properly and balances out their upper and lower bodies. If you are a petite individual, your ideal tunic will fit your tiny frame without making you appear too juvenile. If you intend to wear the tunic as a top, find one that has a shorter hemline; if you intend to wear a tunic as a dress, find one with a longer hemline. Avoid tunics with empire waists and/or poufy sleeves. These will make you appear younger.[10] X Research source If you are a tall woman, your ideal tunic will fall at your mid-thigh.
A tunic is a long, loose fitting shirt or sweater that fully covers the hips and bottom. In stores and online, tunics may also be labeled as “mini-dresses.” This versatile garment can be worn in a variety of ways by individuals of all body types.