Beyond being comfortable and flattering, tunics are versatile pieces that can be worn a number of different ways. Whether you play with shapes, prints, or pairings, there’s no end to the outfits you can create. If you’re interested in adding tunics to your wardrobe, follow the guidelines below before wearing this style.
The Right Tunic for Your Body
Tunics are known for being loose fitting, which can make your body look shapeless or boxy. Fight these effects by choosing the right tunic for your body type.
If you have an hourglass figure, you’ll look great in most styles, but your should be wary of tops with too much detailing. Ruching, ruffles, and bows all magnify your upper body and can make it seem disproportionately large. Instead of these embellishments, highlight your waist with a belted tunic.
On the other hand, for those with triangle or pear shaped bodies, highlight tunics with top heavy details. Your curvy lower half is balanced when you wear a tunic that draws the eye to the top of your body and creates the illusion of a stunning hourglass figure.
For round, oval shaped women, tunics with lower necklines are ideal. A V-neck or sweetheart shape draws attention to your neck, elongates your upper body, and makes you look slimmer. Choose a tunic with an empire waist for more definition.
If you have an inverted triangle shape, with your shoulders and bust larger than your hips, you should also avoid tunics with too much embellishment at the top. To balance your body, find tops with deep V-necks, lower waistlines, and longer hemlines.
While these are the most popular body types, there are many other shapes and figures. To help you identify what kind of tunic you need, examine your body for the largest feature and find a tunic that balances it with embellishments opposite this area. Conversely, if you feel every area of your body is small or thin, add dimension by embellishing the area you want to accentuate.
The Importance of the Hem
Many tunics have a flat hemline that’s the same length all the way around. If a tunic has this hemline, most of the time it accentuates the wrong part of the body, causing the hips or thighs to appear larger.
An asymmetrical hem that’s long in the back and short in the front fixes this problem and adds interesting shapes to your outfit. You can also find tunics with diagonal hemlines, shorter on the left side and longer on the right, hems that are longer on the sides and shorter in the middle, and hemlines that are long in the center and short on the sides. Each of these is a variation that looks great on any body type.
Play With Proportions
Since a tunic typically adds volume to your body, it’s best to balance the proportions of your outfit with a slim fitting bottom, like leggings or skinny jeans. Avoid wearing boutique tunics with sweats, bell bottoms, or skirts, as the layering effect this produces makes your body look bulky and large.
If you feel shapeless in a tunic or you want to add some curves, add a belt to create an hourglass silhouette or a long necklace that changes the way a tunic drapes on your body.
Transitional Wear
Tunics are actually a great way to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall, facilitating a number of fashions and accessories. Playing with patterns, proportions, and accessories ensures you create a look that is truly your own. Find your tunics at an online boutique today!