How to Wear a Long Tunic?

Have you fallen for a long tunic and are wondering what to pair it with? How can you wear it to achieve a stylish and feminine bohemian look?

You're in the right place.

As a fan of bohemian fashion, I particularly love tunics, which are one of the iconic garments of this style.

Today, I'm sharing all my tips on how to incorporate them into your outfits, so you too can enjoy their lightness and uniqueness!

The long tunic is a comfortable and lightweight garment suitable for all seasons. In summer, it can be worn as a mini dress. In winter and autumn, it pairs beautifully with simple jeans and heeled shoes. To add a bohemian chic vibe to your outfit, accessorise with jewellery, a pair of wedge sandals or natural leather ankle boots, and a unique handbag. Lastly, make sure to choose a tunic that flatters you by opting for a mid-thigh cut and a colour that enhances your complexion.

Would you like to find out more about this topic? Keep reading to discover:

  • Tips for choosing a tunic that flatters you,
  • Tricks to enhance your silhouette with this bohemian garment,
  • What trousers and shoes to pair with your tunic,
  • How to create a complete bohemian look with a tunic, including accessories, jewellery, and lovely makeup…

bohemian tunic for women

What is a long tunic?

Easy to slip on and comfortable, the tunic is a garment that has been around for a very long time. The term tunica first emerged in ancient Rome, as this outfit served as the basic clothing for men of that era.

So how do we define a tunic? It’s not a specific type of clothing but rather a category of garments. This term can refer to all loose-fitting, long garments that are put on over the head and at least cover the arms. When it's long, it typically reaches mid-thigh and covers the lower back and your backside, much like a short dress.

The term 'tunic' can refer to:

  • a short, loose-fitting dress,
  • a loose blouse,
  • a long men's shirt worn as a dress,
  • an oversized t-shirt that stands out on its own…

👉 The tunic is also a key element of the bohemian clothing culture. It made a comeback in the late 1960s, thanks to famous stars like France Gall, Jane Birkin, and Françoise Hardy. The bohemian style draws its inspiration from the outfits of that era, which witnessed the emergence of the hippies and a genuine liberation in the fashion world!

➡️ Discover a wide range of bohemian-inspired tops and tunics by visiting our dedicated online shop! We are committed to offering you stylish, high-quality clothing at great prices all year round!



Our Top Tips for Wearing a Tunic in Style

The tunic is a garment that can be very flattering, provided you choose it carefully. Here are some tips to help you find the one that will enhance your figure beautifully!

chic women's tunic

How to Choose the Perfect Tunic Length?

If it’s too short, your tunic could be a bit of a bother in everyday life. If it’s too long, it might overwhelm your figure and not be very flattering.

Here’s a simple tip for figuring out the ideal length: when you put on your tunic, let your arms hang by your sides. If the garment falls at the tips of your fingers, it’s perfect!

How to Define Your Waist with a Tunic?

This type of clothing can really give you a slender and feminine silhouette. To achieve this, go for ¾ sleeves, which will create an optical illusion that makes your waist appear slimmer.

If your favourite tunic doesn't have ¾ sleeves, you can roll up your sleeves instead. You can also tuck one side of your tunic into your trousers to create an asymmetrical style that will elevate your look.

beach tunic

Finally, by wearing a leather belt with your tunic, you'll accentuate your figure while adding a touch of style to your outfit!

How to Match the Right Colours for It?

Even for someone experienced in the fashion world, combining colours is a delicate art that requires careful attention. To avoid a mismatched look, here are two very simple rules:

🔸 If your top is light, pastel, or features faded patterns, opt for light-coloured bottoms. Wearing overly bright colours with patterns may lead to a clashing look.

🔸 Choose colours that you like and that enhance your complexion. There are plenty of tutorials online to help you find the shades that make you shine. Sometimes the easiest way is to go through your wardrobe with the help of a trusted friend or family member who can assist you in figuring out what suits you best.

What type of trousers should you wear with a tunic?

When you wear this type of clothing in the mid-season or during winter, it's crucial to pair it with trousers. Here are a few examples to help you out.

women's denim tunic

With straight jeans for a classic and elegant look

Because they flatter most body shapes, dark straight-leg jeans are really popular. They pair perfectly with a lovely, colourful tunic inspired by boho chic style.

You could also go for a skinny fit pair of jeans, which you can wear with heels or boots.

Currently very trendy, flare or wide jeans are perfect for teaming up with an oversized, long shirt. Pair them with heeled wedge sandals, and you'll have a look that’s stylish and right on trend!

Can you wear a tunic with leggings?

This is a question often asked about tunics and mini dresses. Indeed, leggings don't always have the best reputation among fashion enthusiasts. This is largely due to the fact that many of them are of poor quality: they tear easily, are too thin, and their fit isn't flattering.

It’s definitely possible to pair your tunic with leggings, provided you choose wisely. They should be of good quality, opaque, and fairly thick. If you prefer, you can also go for a jegging: this is a type of jean that resembles leggings but will give you a lot more style, as they are actual trousers!

👉 This look may not be ideal for curvy women, especially if your tunic is too short, particularly at the back.

A Simple Tunic for Summer!

Looking for a light outfit for your holidays? If your tunic is long enough that you can bend down comfortably, you can wear it on its own. Consider accessorising with a slim belt, some jewellery, and a lovely pair of lightweight sandals to complete your summer look!

tunic dress

What jacket to wear with a tunic?

When wearing a long tunic, it's best to choose a shorter jacket or cardigan that sits at your waist. This will create a harmonious and elegant silhouette. For example, it could be:

  • A denim jacket,
  • A leather biker jacket,
  • A bomber jacket,
  • A cropped cardigan…

👉 Remember to coordinate your colours well! If your top has patterns, it's better to opt for a plain jacket. 😉

women's tunic jacket

What Shoes to Pair with an Outfit Featuring a Long Tunic?

Are you wondering how to pair shoes with this type of outfit? I've put together a handy selection of shoes that are just perfect for the occasion!

Wedge sandals for their bohemian vibe

In summer, wedge sandals are the perfect footwear for those who want to look stylish without sacrificing comfort. In fact, they allow for more freedom of movement than high-heeled sandals or stilettos, while still flattering your figure in the same way as those shoes.

👉 Don’t hesitate to create a colour reminder by choosing shoes that match your tunic, or even the shade of your hair, for a complete “total look” effect!

bohemian wedge sandals

Ankle boots with heels for a casual chic look

By choosing classic ankle boots with a slight heel, you won't go wrong! They are suitable for any occasion, whether it's a night out with friends or a job interview, and they'll enhance your silhouette beautifully!

👉 If your tunic has a bohemian style, with warm patterns and colours, a pair of natural leather ankle boots will be perfect!

boho women's boots

Over-the-knee boots for a sexy look

If you're on the lookout for an outfit to go out in that gives you a unique and unparalleled style, consider pairing your tunic with thigh-high boots. They'll elongate your legs and make you look more glamorous than ever!

What accessories and makeup to choose to enhance your boho-chic outfit?

To create a personalised look that truly reflects you, it's essential to pay attention to the details. Here are some final tips to perfect your outfit!

Enhance Your Tunic with Accessories

Because they allow you to express your tastes with elegance and subtlety, jewellery is a great way to achieve a style that reflects you. With a tunic, and to maintain a bohemian look, you can wear:

  • Layered bracelets,
  • Colourful and ethnic earrings,
  • A long pendant, like a lariat, which will help to elongate your silhouette,
  • Unique handcrafted jewellery from designers…

bohemian chic jewellery

Carry a Bohemian Chic Handbag

Wondering what handbag to wear with a boho tunic? You have plenty of options to choose from, including:

  • A fringed bag,
  • A beautifully embroidered leather bag,
  • A tote bag,
  • A vibrant messenger bag…

👉 A customised handbag will pair perfectly with this type of look!

Choose a Light Makeup That Complements Your Outfit

Finally, to add a stylish and feminine finishing touch to your look, I recommend that you pay attention to your makeup. A subtle and well-chosen makeup will give a chic vibe to your outfit. For instance, if your tunic features red, don’t hesitate to wear a lipstick in a similar shade!

👉 You can also choose a bohemian chic hairstyle! Discover plenty of inspiration by checking out this article from our blog!

Hippie Chic Tunic Style

Long tops are now completely effortless for you! I hope this article has helped you to incorporate them into your wardrobe and make them your own!

Do you have a tunic that you don't wear much because you find it a bit too baggy? I might be able to help! I’ve posted a complete tutorial on the blog to show you how to tailor a tunic easily: feel free to take a look! 😉

Need a bit of inspiration? Explore stylish ways to wear a long tunic for any occasion. View Our Tunic Styling Inspiration