By Kristin Hull

Dear Mommy Stylist,

I recently bought this tunic (photo above) and I LOVE it. But, I’m sad I won’t be able to wear it through the winter (I’m a total wimp in the cold weather). I’m trying to figure out how to winterize it which seems tricky given the length. Also footwear?  I wore it last night to my book club with black ballerina flats and  coral necklace and it was fun.

Thanks,

Anne

Dear Anne,

That IS a great tunic. It’s modern, comfy, hides bumps and bulges, can be dressed up or down, and, contrary to what you might think, can be worn in dozens and dozens of ways, even in the cold weather. We’ve put together a “Fall Tunic Outfits” Pinterest album that you can peruse anytime you need an outfit idea. There are so many different options you may never have to wear the same one twice.

A few things to keep in mind

• Tunic shirts look best over skinny pants (leggings, skinny jeans). They can also work with flare jeans but just make sure they are fitted in the thigh area. Full pants and a full top together are a no-no.
• If you wear a tunic shirt with leggings always, always, always make sure the top is long enough to cover the crotch as well as the butt (even when you bend over). We don’t want the camel toe to rear its ugly head.
• Since you are concerned about warmth, why not layer it by adding a long-sleeved shirt underneath? Then, scrunch the sleeves of the tunic up to your elbow and leave the sleeves from the other shirt down (like this). And it doesn’t have to be a black shirt, just about any color can work. For fall, I like burgundy and army green.
• The color options don’t end with the top half of the outfit. Try leggings or skinny jeans in another hue. Just don’t wear them at the same time as a colored shirt underneath the tunic. One or the other is best.
• For an alternate look, belt it. Skinny ones are de rigueur these days.
• Just about any style shoe can be paired with this top. For fall and winter I suggest sneakers, ankle boots, knee-high boots, over-the-knee boots, and even pumps. (Add a pair of socks peeking out over the top for a really cute touch like this.)Pretty much anything goes; it just depends on how casual or dressy you want to be.
• Don’t be afraid to wear a shorter jacket over it. From waist-length to just a few inches shorter than the tunic to longer than the tunic, any length coat or jacket can work.
• Don’t disregard short, sleeveless or sheer styles. Just layer them with a shirt underneath, a sweater or jacket on top, or both.

Grab one of these tunics for yourself!

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