That's Fit

You can't open a catalog or fashion blog or shop door this season without seeing racks of tunics. You'll easily find them bedazzled with sequins and embroidery or in simply-styled linen, to be worn as a top, a dress, a jacket or over swimsuits. They're probably on racks alongside their sisters -- the baby doll dresses, kimono tops and empire waist everything. Sure, they look breezy and beautiful on the hanger, but are they right for your style, your body type and the occasion?

First, give some thought to what kind of tunic would fit best with your spring and summer lifestyle. Will you spend most of your days in the office (bummer) or on the beach (better)? Is your style crisp and clean or loose and flowy? Does your body look radiant in form-fitting attire or with a bit of blousing up?

Next, read up a bit about how to wear a tunic well. There's no reason to spend your money on a piece of clothing that just looks silly. For all you women out there over 14 who are wearing tunics over leggings, I am speaking directly to you. As my friend CityMama points out, adorable on the 92-pound teenage babysitter. On everyone else, not so much.

There's also no reason to buy something you have to fuss with and get frustrated over, so it is a good idea to get some good advice first and then head to the fitting room. And no, the clerk at Old Navy is not the person from whom you should seek advice. Her job is to sell you on the clothes not tell you that you like a popsicle.

There are some great tips online for finding a tunic (or sister-top) that works for every body style, from busty to slim to tall to petite. I'm an advocate of taking those tips and writing them down on a little sticky that you can put up on the fitting room mirror to help you choose the right top. My personal sticky note says something like, "If it makes you look pregnant and you're not, DON'T BUY IT! If you wonder if it makes you look pregnant and you're not, DON'T BUY IT!"

Once you know you do want to go tunic what will fit well and look best on your body, consider where you'll be wearing it. Here is just a sampling of some of the tunics you can slip on and into your active life:

FOR YOGA
Whether you choose a tunic top or dress to practice yoga, be sure it will stay in place during your poses and will be comfortable enough for final relaxation. Pair with your favorite yoga pants and ballet flats or flip-flops that are easy to slip on and off. I personally love longer, sporty-styled tunic tops for yoga because they don't bare my belly every time I lift up my arms. I also love tunic dresses for their versatility -- just pull off your pants and tuck them into your bag, add some accessories and you're ready for a lunch date after class.



AT THE BEACH
...or pool or the boat or between the locker room and aqua aerobics. Tunics can comfy, cute cover-ups for your swimsuit. Some are made of finely-woven terry that feel cozy while others are much dressier.



FOR BBQs, OUTDOOR FESTS AND DINNERS AFTER A LONG DAY OF HIKING, BIKING OR DAY SPA-ING
Tunics tied up a bit with a sash, snazzy print or dangly accessories can work well for an event that's calls for something nicer than a t-shirt but more relaxed than your club gear. No need to overdo it too much with the bangles and beads, but do enjoy the flirty styles for fun occasions.





OVER JEANS
I wasn't kidding about the research. Before you make this fashion leap, read this. And then this. And also a bit of this. f you're confident you can pull it off, then go on with yer bad self and head out on a bike ride, walk downtown or over to the farmer's market for some fresh produce. The whole dress over jeans thing is hotly debated as a good or oh-so painful fashion trend, but it does score points for taking you from your casual/cubicle workday right on into school pick-up/playground evening.