The tunic is a great staple piece for any wardrobe. Whether you keep it low key or play more on the flashy side, chances are you can find a tunic style that suits your every mood. Tunics are also quick projects that provide a great basic template to really express your individuality and creativity – make it in a beautiful print, simple cotton or add your own finishing touch with beads and applique – there’s really no limit to the ways you can customize a tunic to make it truly your own.
Spring is right around the corner (and I can’t think of a better season to bring out this style) so check out great ideas for tunic projects – both wild and tame to get you in a creative mood!
First, let’s start out with the patterns. Your tunic can be either a top or a dress, long or short sleeved.
From left: Belted Tunic Dress, Ellinor Top, Ruched Back Tunic Dress, and Basic Tunic patterns.
Once you’ve picked your pattern, it’s time to pick your style, and fabric choice plays a huge part in the end result of your project. Choosing patterned or textured fabric is a great way to make your finished tunic interesting, while sticking with a luxe fabric in a solid color will insure that your tunic is timeless and transitional. There are truly a million different ways to interpret a tunic and make it speak to your individual style.
Are you a bohemian at heart? Check out inspiration for tunic projects perfect for getting in touch with your inner love child.
The Tunics
Clockwise from top left: Tory Burch, a gorgeous tunic with intricate embroidery, top by Jen’s Pirate Booty, Tory Burch, Mimi Caftan, and Alice Temperly
The Inspiration
Maybe you like to keep things a bit more simple. No worries, there are loads of great options for tunics that capture the sharp, clean lines of minimalism.
The Tunics
Clockwise from top left: Piazza Sempione, Heidi Merrick, Helmut Lang, Acne, Celine and Lemlem
The Inspiration
Inspired to whip up your own tunic? Which look will you go for – bohemian or minimal? Or maybe you’ll create a look all your own!
Jun 28, 2011, 10.02 PMby violet47
I love tunics and simplicity. A black tunic, some elegant fewerly………………go anywhere…….dress up or down
violet47
Apr 13, 2011, 02.06 AMby luanne002
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Apr 13, 2011, 02.05 AMby luanne002
“I get captivated with these ”“http://www.loudstarbazaar.com/”">Ladies tunics! What I love about them is their versatility and dressy look- would give me an edge over bohemian loloks
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Apr 5, 2011, 09.27 PMby heatherabq
Love tunics! They are easy to make,, stylish and oh so easy to wear! I just wish I lived somewhere where I could get great fabric! I’m stuck with Joann’s and Hankocks as mmy only retail source and I’m always a little nervous buying fabric online. Any great sources!
Mar 29, 2011, 10.27 AMby François Hofstede
Very very very old memories, especially when I see the Beatles sitting next to the Swami.
Mar 18, 2011, 08.55 PMby mosunajala
whaooo,this tunic are bad,beautiful,simple n lovely.
Mar 18, 2011, 02.27 PMby diyraven
ooooh this tunic-overload…..in a good way!
Mar 18, 2011, 02.09 PMby FabricUiPhoneApp
Yes, tunics are amazing versatile…I like the embellished ones better. There’s a Cynthia Rowley pattern I want to use and dress it up with an inexpensive lace collar from Vogue Fabrics in Evanston, IL.
Mar 16, 2011, 06.27 PMby freaky-philomeen
Love tunics, especially those with rich embroidery. I finished my first and definitely last Ellinor-Top just a few days ago. This pattern should definitely be moved into the ‘maternity wear’ section. I never had much of a belly except while pregnant but this model makes me look ‘at least fifth month’. Hooray to kids but no more Ellinor for me.
Mar 16, 2011, 02.02 PMby malou10
j’adore le tunique
Mar 16, 2011, 01.20 PMby sewbutterfly
Tunics, Bohemian, 70s…what’s NOT to love?!
Mar 16, 2011, 04.15 AMby bootycrewqueen
I love tunics-and I am definitely bohemian.
Mar 13, 2011, 03.13 PMby jay283
I prefer the minimal style, I’m really not into bohemian. The thing I like the most with the tunics is their versatility, casual with jeans, cute and stylish with leggings, dressy with stockings and nice shoes, wore straight or with a belt, etc. I just can’t get enough of them and I think I’ll be making one or two very soon!
Mar 13, 2011, 02.26 PMby tonierenee
I love tunics in simple or embellished style. It’s a simple sewing job that can be casual or very dressed up. And I think they look good on all shapes. I will finish one I started (before my sewing machine went down) after I return from a trip next week. It’s almost like it was meant to wait for the new machine that has lots of fancy stitching to edges with. I’ll post a photo of two when I am done.
Mar 13, 2011, 07.29 AMby Odgerel Tumen-Ulzii
i love tunics! it looks so simple but elegant!
Mar 12, 2011, 04.26 PMby fashionfreek
I love tunics too.
Mar 12, 2011, 02.11 PMby gaviccaabri
I got Ellinor as a present this week and bought some fabulous battik, so I can’t wait to start!!
Mar 12, 2011, 12.29 AMby designerroya
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE tunics!
Mar 11, 2011, 11.21 PMby gedwoods
From a designer’s perspective, I think tunics are fascinating, wonderful clothes to work on. So simple and elegant in its basic look. I tend to steer away from overly bohemian, although I appreciate the look. It’s te elegant simplicity of tunics that speak to me. And thanks for the lovely photo montage of all those different tunics – a great source for inspiration of things to come!
Mar 11, 2011, 08.46 PMby aleah
I would go for a combination of bohemian and minimal… not too bohemian, and not too simple. Chiffon, some rhinestones… fluffy with bows. :)