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“I just want to be comfortable.” This is the phrase I hear most when shopping with friends. Comfort is more important than anything to the middle aged woman. Good news is… even fashion designer, Vera Wang, said, “A woman is never sexier than when she is comfortable in her clothes.”
The challenge then is to find that comfort without wearing pajama pants, ripped jeans, and moo-moos for anything other than lounging around the house.
I happen to believe our comfort level rises when we feel confident and strong in our clothes. There are many garments which scream comfort and are preferred for that reason. One of those is the tunic.
Since bohemian-style is back in a big way, so are tunics. However, this is a garment which can go terribly wrong if we do not pay attention to a few details beginning in the retail dressing room.
- By design, a tunic is an oversized garment. However, if too oversized, the wearer will look larger than their actual body size. For most tunics, I purchase one or two sizes down. It is imperative to try them on before buying. The best designs stop at the bottom of the hip/top of the thigh. A sheer material tunic which reveals a figure flattering tank or top underneath can be an excellent, sexy style. Take several sizes of the tunic and the tank into the dressing room.
- Since a tunic is larger, make sure the bottom garment fits your figure well. Tunics typically look better when styled with a tight fitting pant or leggings. It helps to balance the body with long pants. Again, wearing a tunic with shorts or skirts can give the appearance of a larger person underneath. This advice is mainly for a curvy woman, like me.
- The most stylish tunics are solid neutrals. Be careful with large, colorful prints which will overwhelm the woman.
- When wearing a tunic, keep accessories minimal. Again with lots of fabric, and lots of accessories the woman is lost.
- Tunics are really for weekends, vacations, running errands or casual dates. Most are not for professional wear or fancy occasions. Use a tunic to upgrade your casual styles.
For some inspiration, check out this Pinterest Board on Tunics .
They are great for comfort…it is a garment I love, but I have learned from experience to pay attention to these details.
What are your thoughts? Tunics? Yes or No?
Pamela Lutrell
Pamela Lutrell began her blog, over50feeling40, July 2010 with a desire to encourage women over 50 to walk in strength, confidence and joy. Of course, head turning style makes each day fun!
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Deborah @ Stylish Murmurs
Monday 27th of July 2015
Pam, tunics are a staple part of my wardrobe and I agree with all you say here. Mine are all black or navy and I always wear them with a slim fit pant or leggings. I do think tunics can be work appropriate tho :) I have tunics that are jersey, a little fitted, have asymmetric hemlines and look very professional with a draped jacket for the office :)
Sheryl
Sunday 12th of July 2015
I struggle with the rear-view of a tunic over my high shelf hips and non-existent bottom. Oh for the perfect-length flared tunic.
LoriM
Friday 15th of May 2015
Very helpful post and Pinterest board. I am 55 and love the comfort of tunics, but I'm more of a preppy type of dresser so often feel "not me" when I'm wearing them. Also concerned about the "frump" factor. This gives me some ideas.
Terri Webster Schrandt
Thursday 14th of May 2015
Great post! I wear tunic length blouses, mostly from Macy's, of all places. They give me a long, lean look and hide that pesky middle-aged middle. This has been my uniform for work and with knee-length lean cut shorts/capris, they still look good.
Katherines Corner
Wednesday 13th of May 2015
I am a huge fan of tunics. Mostly because I am tall and they are always a nice comfortable length for me.I wear them with leggings mostly. I even have a pinterest board for tunics. Great post by the lovely Pam from over 50 feeling 40 xo