The "real-way" model shows off a work-worthy take on the printed tunic.Moe Doiron / The Globe and Mail
Apart from the loincloth, the tunic is possibly the oldest garment, so it's no wonder that it remains a staple for designers, especially during the steamy summer months. This season, tunics abound in prints too pretty to sport solely on the beach. Follow these steps to take them to the boardroom without breaking a sweat.
1. Making the tunic work-appropriate is a cinch - literally. A wide belt slung low around the hips (as at Isabel Marant, above left) adds the shape you need to make it look less casual.
2. With so much print and volume on top, opt for a pair of trousers in a solid shade on the bottom. White or navy are fresh this season as long as they're in cool cotton blends rather than heavy wools. Don't worry about whether the pant is full or slim: A belt will pull those proportions together.
3. Leave those flip-flops by the pool, please. They are never a wise idea at the office. Instead, elevate the look with a pair of heels in a neutral tone to offset all that busy print.