Whether you are out exploring, getting lunch with friends, chilling at home, or getting dressed up for a night out on the town, tunics are one of the most versatile and comfortable fashion garments for every occasion. Defined as being a garment that loosely fits the body and boasts elongated features, there are many different kinds of tunics out there. We delve into the world of the tunic and offer advice on how to style this timeless wardrobe staple.
Understanding the Tunic
The Evolution of the Tunic
Tunics can be traced all the way back to Ancient times, most notably Greece and Ancient Rome. This simple body garment was quite simply the fashion of the time. While the tunic may have had a simple cut, it actually contributed to social society, depending on the colors, fabric, and features - this would mark out your status. In the 3rd century, the simple body garment evolved into a tunic shirt and kept on evolving through the centuries until the 15th century, when the more fitted style closely matched the tunic style we know and love today.
Different Types of Tunics
There are many different types and styles of tunics - from shorter tunics to mid-thigh tunics, long-sleeve tunics, sleeveless dress tunics, tunic sweaters, and so much more. Let's take a closer look at the different types of tunics that can bring a bit of pizzazz to your personal style.
Long tunics - the long tunic can be anything from a tunic that falls past the mid-thigh all the way down to the floor. These tunics bring dazzling sophistication and work wonders at formal events or for special occasions. They can be elaborate in their design and work wonders when paired with heels and a clutch for nights out or weddings.
T-shirt tunics - these are a much more casual type of tunic and are perfect for casual occasions when you simply want to throw on something comfortable with skinny jeans, leggings, and tennis shoes for a laid-back look. You can also find t-shirt tunics make for a great comfy style when it comes to sustainable loungewear.
Sweater tunics - as the name suggests, sweater tunics are cozy and comfortable and have a great, unique blend of lending more shape and style to your everyday sweater. A great addition to your fall and winter wardrobe, sweater tunics are the ultimate cozy layer over leggings when paired with knee-high or ankle boots.
Tunic Dress - Tunic dresses are another amazing style. They can be casual tunic dresses with short sleeves for the summer months or you can even choose a tunic style mini dress for a night out, a loose tunic dress, or a long tunic dress with a nice drape for formal occasions.
Styling Tunics for Different Occasions
Casual and Everyday Looks
With a wide range of tunic tops, you can pick the style you like and pair with easily with a pair of jeans, a pair of leggings, or even shorts for a casual everyday look. If you have black leggings, you can pick a bright solid color tunic and similar colored ballet flats for a cohesive look. In the warmer months, wear shorts that peep out from beneath the hem of your brighter tunic and pair them with sandals and a wide-brim hat for a flirty summer fun look. A loose tunic dress with a denim jacket thrown over and a pair of sneakers captures that edge between timeless sass and street style.
Dressy and Formal Events
Tunics aren't just for those casual outfit choices - you can dress them up with elegance and ease. Look for tunics that are made from high-luxury fabrics like silk or satin, or go for styles that offer keyhole necklines for a touch of sophistication. You can choose longer tunic dresses in swish fabrics and pair them with heels for formal outfit ideas or you can even wear shorter tunics and wear them with pencil skirts or tailored trousers for a purely polished look.
Accessorizing Your Tunic
Selecting the Right Footwear
Accessorizing your tunic all starts with the right footwear. Tunics are truly versatile garments, which means that they can go with anything and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. You can wear your tunic with skinny jeans and a nice pair of ankle boots or a pair of sneakers. More formal tunics can be worn with heels and
Jewelry and Other Accessories
You can transform your tunic look with the simple use of belts, scarves, and jewelry. Belts can be a brilliant addition to tunic dresses or longer tunics as they cinch in the waist and help create shape. If you wear V-neck tunics, you can also pair them with a gauzy scarf. Be sure to play with pops of color and patterns - for example, if you are wearing a solid, colorful tunic; then you can opt for a patterned scarf to add depth to the look and vice-versa.
Jewelry can be a great way to boost your tunic look, and even a basic tunic can turn bold with the use of statement jewelry. A chunky necklace with a white shirt tunic is always a magical match. You can also opt for dangly earrings with a flowy tunic to create an elongated aesthetic. Sleeveless tunics can suit a wistful of bangles or gemstone bracelets.
Tunics for Every Body Type
Tunics are a timeless choice for a capsule wardrobe as they are designed to suit every body type. Apple body shapes may find that tunics with a V-neck can create an elongated torso, or you can find tunics with a fitted bust tapering to an empire waistline to create more flow. Asymmetrical tunics can be a good choice for pear shapes, and picking light-colored tunic tops and pairing them with darker trousers can lend itself well to a stylish outfit composed of balance. Hourglass body types can turn to tunics that are fitted to accentuate their curves, and wrap-style tunics can also help pull in the waist and create a perfect tunic finish. Rectangular body types can pair their tunic with a wide belt to create shape.
Tunic Fabrics and Colors
There are so many beautiful tunics out there, from modern tunic tops to chic tunic dresses and the classic white tunic shirt. Cotton can be a great material for your tunic as it is breathable, comfortable, and ideal for everyday wear. If you are looking for pure coziness for your skin a bamboo clothing tunic can also be a beautiful choice and has the benefits of being antimicrobial and one of the most sustainable materials on the planet. Silk and linen tunics have a classier feel and silk especially is a sophisticated choice for a night out or for formal events. When it comes to color, tunics with block colors can go with everything but don't feel shy of experimenting with bold patterns and tunics with plenty of embellishments.
FAQs
Can tunics be worn in all seasons?
Yes, tunics are a very versatile fashion staple and can be worn in any season. You can choose cotton sleeveless tunics for the summer months or warmer jersey long-sleeved tunics and sweater tunics in colder months and layer up with vests, jackets, tights, and ankle boots.
How do I choose the right length for my tunic?
Finding the right length for your tunic depends on your body shape and your height. Those who are more petite may want to pick tunics that stop at the hips, whereas taller people can choose tunics that fall to mid-thigh or even knee length.
Are tunics suitable for formal occasions?
Absolutely, tunics can be worn for formal occasions. Look for tunics in high-class materials like silk, satin, or linen. You can also look for tunics that are embellished and pair them with elegant accessories like classic high-heels, statement jewelry, and clutch bags.
