Classic chic tunics

With the 2012 trend for clean lines and beautiful colours, you can look great without spending a fortune. Classic pieces have hit the catwalks this year, with a mixture of bold patterns and subtle pastel shades. Tunics give you the best of both worlds – comfortable to wear but always looking fantastic.

Tunics work for pretty much any body shape, which is why they are perennially popular. When they are well designed and made using quality fabrics, they are the perfect investment for anyone who wants to make their wardrobe instantly classy. There are several ways you can use this style to bring something new to the outfits you put together.

No matter what colours couture designers introduce at their shows, there is always room for the elegance of black and white. A clean, bright white tunic worn over black jeans or leggings is an easy way to look amazing without having to put in too much effort. Look for tunics that have long lines and interesting detail so that you always feel wonderful when you put it on. And black is a wonderfully slimming colour, so wear it with confidence and just switch things round – wear with long, wide white linen trousers or team with denim shorts paired with a ladies denim jacket for a more contemporary look!

Make things a little more casual by choosing tunics that come in easy-to-wear fabrics. Soft tailoring is often very flattering, and perfect when you just need to pull on something simple to wear into town or for a lunch with friends. Add some sparkle with an eye-catching necklace and pair with slimming jeans or chinos for an instant lift. Alternatively, look for something a little different, like a layered tunic, which gives an elegant, floaty look and can be dressed up with smart trousers and heels, or can be worn over shorts for a relaxing day at the beach. With a wide choice on the high street and online, there’s something to suit everyone.

And finally, take the time to look for tunics that are designed to flatter. By their nature, they have longer lines than tailored shirts and tops, but that doesn’t mean that you have to lose all sense of shape. Designs that use open collars, scoop neck, pleated gathering and hem and sleeve detail are all likely to be more flattering than a cheap, long t-shirt. Tunics are affordable, versatile and fun – and every girl should have one in her wardrobe this season.