The Best-Dressed Women Are Swapping Jeans and a Nice Top for This Low-Key, Throw-On Alternative
No matter whether you're heading to the office or to a luxurious European resort, a tunic and trouser combo is the two-piece pairing to turn to.
Jeans and a nice top has long been the two-piece cornerstone of many a hard-working wardrobe. Its versatility is endless, after all, and it shifts seamlessly with the trends. But it may not always be the most summer-appropriate option when temperatures soar, or you're packing for a holiday. This summer's alternative? A tunic and trouser. It really is that simple. And the chicest women are using it as the foundation of their European holiday wardrobes, their off-duty looks and their office dressing alike—although the most appealing element is how easily it adapts to any personal style.
A tunic refers to a loose-fitting top, usually cut straight from top to bottom, that's longer than your usual T-shirt. Think anything from waist to ankle length. And yes, a dress of a similar fit works just as well. Essentially, the long-loved '00s concept of wearing dresses over jeans is being revived yet again in a different way, minus the denim.
So you might find a tunic that more closely resembles a shirt, a vest top or even a dress, depending on the occasion you're dressing for. And while any trouser cut works, I'd steer towards a barrel-leg, balloon or wide-cut style to make the whole thing feel far more current. Grounded with either a plain pair of flip-flops for off-duty style or kitten-heel mules for a more formal finish.
Scroll on for five tunic and trouser combinations for faff-free summer dressing, at home and away. And you may even discover along the way that you can pull the look together with pieces you already own.
Shop the Tunic and Trouser Trend
For a more minimalist take on the tunic, consider this cotton-silk blend V-neck top. Sitting just below the waist, it skims the body while acting as an easy base for many an outfit, no matter how bold the trouser.
To add a slightly tougher edge to your outfit, consider a classic cargo trouser. The longer length of the tunic will make the khaki shade feel slightly softer, while a simple black leather flip flop will keep it daytime ready. With a strong focus on fibres—they're one of the brands leading the regenerative cotton charge—Citizens of Humanity are a Fashion Editor favourite for good reason.
If you're after a slightly longer length of tunic, a boxy-cut dress makes for an excellent alternative and offers the same effect when worn over trousers. A tonal slip sits under this one to make it more modest, but I'd be tempted to swap it out for a black bra for a stronger emphasis on the sheer trend.
Linen trousers are a long-loved summer staple, but not all feel as formal as this work-friendly 100% linen With Nothing Underneath style featuring belt loops, a wide-leg cut and double pleated front detail.
Yes, you can even find strapless tunics and this Róhe style is sure to get plenty of airtime throughout the warmer months, whether worn with trousers or alone as a dress. For eveningtime, I'd look to a chocolate linen wide-leg trouser and kitten heel mule.
Elasticated waistbands are incredibly comfortable if not super chic, though they work especially well when layered underneath tops and dresses. Any of the tunics in this edit will pair effortlessly with this 100% linen barrel-leg pair.
Another dress that doubles as a tunic—this time with a tassel detail that adds a good dose of personality. It works worn alone, of course, but layered over white trousers it takes on a more laid-back feel, especially when paired with red wedge flip flops.
I own these jeans and get many a compliment on them as they serve as the foundation of plenty of great outfits and will pair with any of the tunics in this edit. Rolling the hem adds an extra dimension that only exaggerates the barrel-leg shape.
Toteme excels at elevated wardrobe staples with a twist and this belted tunic is a perfect example. The longer length combined with the round neck, high-shine satin fabric and belt creates an easily polished piece for any strict office or evening setting.
The past two years have seen silk and satin trousers slowly rise as a sleeker alternative to jeans, and this black wide-leg pair is no exception. With an elasticated wasitband, they're as comfortable as they are easy to style, especially with the tunic listed above.
