Photo: Digital Vision/Valueline/Getty Images
What woman doesn't want to sashay through a crowd in a great tunic dress, heels and the confidence that comes from knowing she looks fabulous? To achieve this effect you have to learn how to rock your tunic dress with ease and style.
Defining "Hosiery" and "Tunic Dress"
"Hosiery" is a word that confuses many women. Hosiery includes stockings, tights and socks. Stockings and tights are used interchangeably, but stockings are sheer, whereas tights are opaque. What about tunic dresses? Typically, a tunic dress is a dress that is shorter in length, hitting at the upper thigh or higher, is often made of some type of knit and can be worn with skinny jeans or leggings or on its own with some type of hosiery.
The Basics
So, can hosiery be worn with a tunic dress? Absolutely! But keep in mind a few guidelines. First, this look is best executed if a tunic dress is not too short, (at least 2 inches past the crotch), and if it is paired with stockings or tights. Second, patterned or textured stockings or tights look amazing with this type of dress because they add a dose of flair and more edge to the look. A variety of designs and textures are available, from daring fishnet styles to more sophisticated tuxedo-stripe options. The sky is the limit, so you can really have fun with this!
Adding Color to the Equation
Adding color to the mix makes this even more interesting. The easiest color stocking/tight to pull off regardless of the color of the tunic dress is black. But if your style sensibilities are more creative or eclectic, consider neutrals like gray, brown or navy, as well as non-neutrals, like red. If you land on the extreme end of this spectrum, pairing multi-colored stockings/tights with a tunic dress really makes you stand out from the pack. This is best executed with a dress that is neutral in tone so the colors of the hosiery do not clash with the dress. Regardless of the style chosen, never, ever wear stocking or tights with visible runs or holes.
Get Your Look Right
Can you wear socks with a tunic dress? Well, it depends. A few women can rock socks with heels and a tunic dress, but it's so easy to get this look wrong. Wearing socks with any dress is hard to execute, but for daring fashionistas, knee-high socks with a tunic dress can be quite haute. To avoid a fashion mishap, take baby steps first to get comfortable pairing a tunic dress with different types of stockings and tights before graduating to socks. A final caution: If a tunic dress is very short, (near the crotch or higher), it is better to skip the hosiery altogether and opt instead for pairing it with skinny jeans or leggings.
