A Tunic Worn Two Ways

Over the past few summers, the hot weather has meant wearing physically less clothing. As I have become more comfortable with my body, I’ve started wearing shorts and showing my legs and arms – something that my past body insecurities prevented me from doing. I learned that loving my body meant not being afraid to show it. But I gained true freedom when I learned that I didn’t have to show it in order to express my love for my body.

Through this process of learning to express my body love through fashion, I learned to embrace breezy pieces that don’t hug my body. For me, it was a journey to wear pieces that didn’t show my curves but I’m so glad I did. The Leda Tunic from On The Plus Side is one of those summertime breezy pieces that is perfect for a cool summer day.

Equipped with front pockets, an uneven hemline and a bold striped pattern, this tunic has a lot of visual interest. It’s constructed from a lightweight fabric and it’s also fully lined. The lining made me comfortable that it wasn’t see-thru and the lightweight fabric didn’t make it feel too heavy for summer.

Because I gravitate towards items that hit right above the knee, the cut of this tunic on my 5’1†frame made this a perfect substitute for a dress on someone my height. I’m a size 20 and I’m wearing the 1X.

Not only is it empowering for me to wear something that’s not curve-hugging but add horizontal stripes and I felt like a real-breaking badass in this tunic worn as a dress especially bearing a little thigh in the process. Pair with some mirrored shades and modern clogs, this look is totally me.

Another fashion rule I love to break is to mix patterns. For my second look, I added the jersey leggings from On The Plus Side in new shade, Fantasy and paired them with cheetah print wedges. Although this fabric photographed somewhat red, in person, the shade is closer to a soft burgundy. It gave me nautical vibes and I felt ready to set sail. Now if only I knew someone with a boat!

The fabric of these leggings is so soft and I loved how snug they fit on my body. Sometimes I’ll put on leggings and they are baggy in the waist. These were a tight fit in the best way possible. I’m wearing the 1X. The Fantasy shade also comes in capri length leggings which I would definitely recommend for a hotter summer day. The full length is totally transitional to fall.

Now let’s talk pattern mixing. Maybe it’s because I’m Italian, but Cheetah print to me is a neutral. And while I could’ve easily gone more traditional with white shoes, I love idea a pop of cheetah accenting the red, white and blue look. If you are just starting to experiment with pattern-mixing, adding a patterned shoe is one way to ease into it. My shoe closet (yes, I have a whole closet of shoes) contains everything from holographic wedges to striped rainbow pumps. When I keep my clothing minimal, I love to bold it up with my shoe choice.

If you want to go bold this summer, you don’t have to wear shorts and crop tops. I’ve found a lot of freedom in reclaiming breezy pieces. Whether paired with leggings or sans pants completely, tunics, like the Leda, are a part of my summertime fashion essentials.

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