by Carrie Eckles

Created on: May 19, 2010

A fashionista knows spring has sprung when clothing catalogs and websites become littered with printed knit tunics. Patterned tunics are a warm weather staple, and for the summer of 2010, we’re seeing a lot of varieties in interesting prints and styles. Since patterned tunics are such a statement piece, it’s important to shape your ensemble around them, so they don’t overwhelm the overall outfit.

Choosing the Tunic Style

It’s very important to choose your tunic wisely. Like all clothing, it must suit your body’s shape and your coloring to achieve the best possible look.

Slim women have it easiest when it comes to tunics. Tunics are often loose-fit, which adds bulk to the bust. The volume of fabric, as well as the way it drapes, gives a slim woman the illusion of having more curvaceous curves. But naturally curvy women have to be more careful.

If you are pear-shaped, you want the billowy fabric around the bust and shoulders, like a slim woman might, however you will want to choose a style that also minimizes your hips at the same time. The best way to do that is to go for a tunic that has a band or a banded hem that hits you right at your hip bone. That way, the tunic hits the middle area of your backside, minimizing it. Dolman sleeves work great for pears, too.

There’s a common misconception that if you’re an hourglass or an apple, you can’t wear a tunic – but that’s not true. Just because you have a large bust, it doesn’t mean you can’t wear a billowy tunic – you just have to learn the right way to wear it. Since hourglasses and apples have an ample bosom as well as a critical need to enhance or showcase their waistline, the best (and easiest) way to wear a tunic is to find one that has an empire waist. Another option is to wear a trapeze style tunic and cinch it in at the waist with a corset belt. If you go with a trapeze tunic remember one important thing: make sure that the shoulders and the area above the bust is fitted close to the body – that keeps your bust and shoulders from looking overly bulky.

Choosing the Pattern

Choosing the right pattern for your tunic is just as important as choosing the right cut for your body. The first thing you want to consider when choosing a pattern is the color. Wearing the right color brightens the skin and makes your facial features pop, but sometimes it’s tricky to know what colors look best on you. However, there is an easy solution.

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