It’s true. We’ve already begun to think about spring. We’re pretty sure it’s a combination of having been swooned by the Spring/Summer 2013 collections (blink and they’ll be in stores) and anticipating our next tropical getaway (Mexico later this month!). One trend we think is worthwhile jumping onto earlier this year is the tunic. Spotted on the runways at shows including Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Isabel Marant and Vera Wang, it was shown in multiple incarnations — from long sleeves to bold prints, worn over pants and even skirts.
What we love most about the tunic, especially the tunic dress, is that it’s a highly versatile piece. Wear it over long pants in the day, then come night you can throw it over a skirt, a pair of tights or even keep your legs bare. Our favourite tunics are in prints, patterns or bold hues — that way you can keep your bottoms neutral and get multi-wear out of them too. Plus when worn alone a bold tunic makes a statement. Here are 6 we would pack in a heartbeat.
1. Alexander McQueen double georgette pintuck tunic dress, $660, matchesfashion.com
In Pantone’s 2013 colour of the year — this emerald-hued tunic dress is the perfect day-t0-evening piece. It’s long enough to wear on its own in the day, but not too long you can’t wear over a pair of leather pants for a rocker-chic look come evening. A definite investment, but we see it working in so many destinations and scenarios.
2. Tibi variegated stripe tunic, $325, tibi.com
Don’t say goodbye to stripes just yet. They’re still having a moment in 2013, although think bolder, thicker stripes, like the ones on this tunic. Warm enough to wear now, but it will be great to wear in the evening come spring when temperatures drop, but you still want to sit outside. Plus it’s chic and comfortable enough to wear on the airplane.
3. 10 Crosby Derek Lam floral tunic dress, $407, shopbop.com
Another tunic dress we fell quickly in love with, the floral pattern reminds us of Hawaii. A perfect piece to have on a tropical getaway, all you need is a cute pair of sandals and you could throw this on top of your swimsuit while lounging on the beach or grabbing a bite poolside.
4. DAY Birger et Mikkelsen lace-trimmed crepe top, $220, net-a-porter.com
Though we love our bright colours and bold patterns, a creme tunic will most definitely get repeated wears. It’s a bit hard to see in this picture, but the top has delicate lace trim embroidered on the top, adding a refined appeal.
5. Olivaceous floral printed dress, $128, eluxe.ca
What’s spring without florals, right? This lively tunic is like a modern piece of art and will instantly freshen up your travel wardrobe. Even if you want to wear it now, just pair with a pair of slim black pants and layer with a cropped blazer or long cardigan.
6. Mango Scarf Print Dress, $60, shop.mango.com
There’s something about travel that makes us want to wear prints and we have to say we are loving this scarf-print from Mango. You could definitely wear it in the day, with a pair of pants or tights and knee-high boots while museum-hopping, then come night, swap in a pair of sexy heels and clutch.
