Tunic attempt #3 today, and I think I figured it out - I don't like leggings on me. I'm perfectly happy with this outfit as a tunic over skinny jeans (they're slouchy skinnies at the moment, but still slim). But with leggings it was.... not quite right.
What do you think - does the jeans make the difference? Do the rest of the proportions and fit in this outfit work?
Tanya replied 9 years ago
Love this on you, I think you totally nailed it! Really like the knitted belt.
amiable replied 9 years ago
Thanks Tanya!
The belt is actually leather with little stud-type things all through it. It doesn't really show that way well in the picture...
Daria replied 9 years ago
Agree with you, much better with jeans! Maybe this particular tunic is a bit too short for leggings, or maybe leggings are tricky in general.
Dee replied 9 years ago
I also like the jeans version better on you. But I often wear leggings under dresses/tunics so for the leggings one, I would try either longer leggings (to give it proportions more similar to the jeans look) and/or chunkier shoes/booties to balance the volume of the tunic.
Sara L. replied 9 years ago
I like the jean version better but I'm not quite sure why the leggings don't work as well. I have problems with legging outfits as well. They just never seem to work as well as I think they will.
approprio replied 9 years ago
I think you have the same problem as me. I'm top-heavy with long skinny legs. I have to be very careful with proportion when wearing skinnies and leggings.
So the first look is working just fine. There's a nice balance of shape and colour between the tunic, pants and shoes. In the second, the loose tunic adds volume to your top half while the black leggings make your legs look slimmer. The overall effect is quite top-heavy.
But you should persevere, because you have great legs. I can imagine leggings looking very nice under a more structured tunic with some definition at the waist.
AM replied 9 years ago
#1 is the winner. Really well done. I like this a lot.
Keturah replied 9 years ago
#1 is more sleek and well balanced for sure. Now I do like the leggings, because I like leggings with tunics! You have great legs, so I would definitely play with the leggings more. THe opposite side of the coin is, leggings make the legs stand out more because of how snug they are. So I think it might be something you also have to be at peace with.
Just my observations... I think it's more top heavy because there is a lot of high contrast both in silhouette (top-heavy) and in color (the leggings are a really strong black, the skinnies are softer black). Also, the leggings are a bit short and show more skin -- again contrast.
If you want to play with the leggings some more, I would be inclined to try the belted tunic with:
-a longer pair of leggings,
- leggings in a heathered color or awesome pattern -- I think that might do some good things, making it less top-heavy.
- Or a sleeker shoe in a dark color (ballet flats perhaps?)
Just my thoughts. At any rate, you wear the belted tunic very well!! Really really love it on you! And the knitted belt is awesome!
kkards replied 9 years ago
really like the jeans verision.
i agree with keturah, i think the leggings verision could work, but it needs a different shoe. i like her suggestion of a sleeker shoe, but i think you could also go in a totally different direction and try a sneaker for a sporty luxe look (maybe a pair of white cons, or a slip on.)
texstyle replied 9 years ago
Agreeing with others - #1 looks great. I'm not a fan of leggings on myself either.
Jules replied 9 years ago
Love #1! The belt and shoes really pick up your hair colour too.
Have you tried your docs with the leggings? I think they would balance the proportions. Also, I think as a general rule, the more legging that is covered, the more "dressed" (rather than gym/lounge) leggings look.
Anyway, if I had your legs I'd be wearing leggings :)
Angie replied 9 years ago
Nicely done. Both renditions look fab.