Dear FO Personal Stylist: WTF With Tunics?!

WTF with tunics? When I go clothes shopping I see all these tunics. They look like shit on me. I’m 5’7” 132 lbs, curvy, and the darn things rest on my hips and are very unflattering. Is there any way to make them look good on me or just pass? I look like a sack of potatoes.

Xxoo,

Robin D., Berkeley, CA

Dear Robin,

HAAAAAAAAA. It’s not so much that I’m laughing at you, as I’m laughing (or crying) with you. Tunics are great to wear when you’re pregnant. Tunics are also great for making you look pregnant. I say this as a fellow curvy girl and yes, as someone who was recently pregnant (and who doesn’t want to continue to appear to be so).

I’m a firm believer in the fact that certain styles will never be flattering on certain body types, but I’m also a firm believer that you should wear whatever the hell you want if it makes you happy. Bearing in mind that a lot of today’s contemporary tunics were designed for a post-, and not a pre-Rachel Zoe Nicole Richie, there are some basic guidelines that you can follow to find a tunic that will actually flatter your hourglass figure.

Length is key. A too-long tunic can easily shorten your figure and make you look unnecessarily schlumpy. Aim for tunics that more or less hit just above your hipbones - it’s long enough to cover any potential problem areas while short enough to not create new ones.
Pair with appropriate bottoms. If you opt for a blousier or less fitted tunic, you should wear something more fitted on your lower half, like jeggings or skinny jeans (leggings only if the tunic is on the longer side). Skirts tend to be a little problematic and awkward, unless you go for a shorter tunic and a slim pencil skirt.
Beware the elasticized/drawstring waist, my friend. It seems like a good idea in theory, right? But in attempting to define and showcase your waist, you may be dealing with billowing fabric at your hips. Create a waist by belting the tunic at your natural waist.
Don’t go with the flow. A lot of contemporary tunics offer a more flowy, boho shape that’s not going to do any favors to your curves. Look for more fitted silhouettes and structured fabrics.
Add some color. Well-executed patterns or color-blocking can accentuate curves.

Below are some of my favorite figure friendly tunic picks. Good luck, and remember: tunics are by no means compulsory in today’s fashion world.