Summer is almost here, and a lot of you have been asking me for tops with sleeves that are cute and lightweight. If you like comfy and casual with a laid back feel, then a tunic is perfect for you. 
Tunics date back to Ancient Greece and epitomize the bohemian glamor of the 60′ and 70’s. Today they’re popular as ever due in part to designers like Tory Burch, who has made tunics a key silhouette of her signature style. Tunics are typically colorful, fun and have an ethnic/boho feel to them.
Not all tunics are created equal. Some are baggy and can make you look frumpy. Here’s a guide for how to find one that is right for your body type.
Pear Shape – You have a small waist, but you are wide on the bottom. Choose a tunic that:
- is more A-line than straight up and down
- falls below the widest part of your body, not right on it, so as not to emphasize your weight
- has some detail or embellishment at the neckline to draw the eye up
- has side vents so your tunic does not cling
Apple Shape – You have a large tummy and chest, but great legs. Choose a tunic that:
- does not cling
- is not big and billowy
- has an open V-neck top to show some skin and reduce top-heaviness
- if possible, has vertical lines to lengthen you out
Inverted Triangle – Your shoulders are wider that your hips. Choose a tunic that has:
- minimal detail/embellishment at the neckline so as not to emphasize your broad shoulders.
- an open neckline to soften your broad shoulders.
- no horizontal lines which will make you look wider.
Hourglass – Your hips and bust are about equal, and you have a small defined waist. If you are very curvy, this look might not be for you because it hides your cute figure. Sometimes you can find a more fitted tunic that nips in a bit at the waist that can work or you may want to belt your tunic.
Rectangle– Your bust, waist and hips are about the same. Tunics were made for you!
Petite – The shorter you are, the shorter the tunic should be. Ideally, it should hit at the hip. If you are average to tall, it can hit below the hip and as low as mid-thigh.
Once you have the right shape, what do you wear a tunic with?
What style of pants should you wear with a tunic?
Relaxed on top + relaxed on the bottom is a recipe for frumpy. Since tunics are a little looser than most be sure to wear a fitted bottom to balance that out. That means no wide leg pants, boyfriend jeans., or huge flares. Instead, wear slim or straight cut dress pants, or skinny jeans or leggings. For a more boho look, you can wear a small flared jean, so long as the tunic has a bit of a taper and jeans are very fitted above the knee.
What Shoes should you wear with a tunic?
Ballet flats, sandals, block heels, even pumps, they all work. Natural materials like canvas, rope, wood and metal are in particularly in sync with the laid back style of tunics. In winter, a tall flat suede or leather boots worn with leggings/skinny jeans and a tunic is near perfection!
Did you see my new tunic? Take a look. Would you wear a tunic? Comment below.
