The origins of this dress might derive from Ancient Greece, where the word “tunic” signifies “a covering”. In fact, from historical books, we know that the main garment for both men and women was a type of tunic, made of two large rectangles of cloth fastened together with brooches or pins and gathered at the waist with a belt. This silhouette was easy to make, looking elegant and gracefully on all body types, emphasizing natural beauty.
Moreover, a tunic dress made of two rectangular pieces of white fabric, keeping openings for the head and arms, were wearing citizens of the Ancient Rome. It was here that the tunic got its major popularity and became everyday wear, inventing new ways of wrapping the belt around the waistline and introducing decorative elements. After the fall of Rome, this garment was forgotten.
Nevertheless, in Europe, this dress had a revival in the Sixties of the last century with the hippie movement, the free spirits of the children of flowers, who wanted to return to freedom of life, so they took the tunic dress from India as their basic piece for everyday wear.
However, it was thanks to Cristobal Balenciaga who in 1955 re-modeled the tunic dress into a fashion dress, bringing this style dress to the fashion arena. Some years later, another great designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced the tunic dress in the bohemian lifestyle, decorating it with lacing, ethnical motifs, and stunning decorative applications.
The KAFTAN dress today can be of any length, from mini- to long-, with openings on the sides or with an integral skirt all the way to the bottom, with different types of collars (round-split, deep-cut V-neck, boat or even a stand collar).
The biggest popularity today, no matter the age and nationality, has the tunic models with long bell or kimono sleeves long mid- to long- length.
A tunic dress that is long enough to cover hips can wear with a belt. If you choose a slim belt or a rope, then wear it loose fit around the waistline. If you prefer wide belts, then wear them high on the waistline, like a corset, on letting it go down loose on the hips.
Taking into consideration that tunic dresses are often made of colorful prints or have already decorative ornaments around the neck and on the sleeves, it will be enough accessorizing with a pair of hoops earrings or one massive ethnic style jewelry on the neckline.
A tunic dress of any length will go perfectly well with cigarette pants, leggings, and jeans. A pair of high heels will bring sex appeal to the entire outfit while wearing flats (sandals, ballets, and cowboy boots) will keep an earthy casual look. A floppy hat with a wide brim and a straw bag will finish the look.
Best wishes,
Nadiya
MetropolitanMe Blogger