TUNIC TIME!

IT TAKES TUNIC TO TANGO!

I was never a fan of the long caftan . . . it seemed like a splendid idea, but when pressed to wear one, even in a tropical paradise, I found it to be too much fabric!

The tunic (i.e., abbreviated caftan, hitting at the mid-thigh) is a far better alternative. I absolutely adore a long sleeve or three-quarter sleeve minidress, either with heels in the city, or with chic flats at the beach.

Phillip Lim has some lovely offerings in this department. His 3.1 Phillip Lim Beaded Paisley Print Dress is pictured here (top right, courtesy neimanmarcus.com). I particularly like this frock because of its versatility - after a summer of barbecuing on Fire Island, this vibrantly patterned dress will transition easily into fall, with a pair of knee-high flat boots and some navy opaque tights.

Mara Hoffman has really gotten it down to a science (see shell print jersey dress at upper left, available at shopbop.com), as does Tory Burch (whose quintessential tunic top with deep v-neck is shown at right in all its runway glory).

Trina Turk's Margarita Dress, pictured at left and available at Nordstrom, is a demure take on the trend.

These simple, patterned tunics are so fab we want to snatch up a half dozen of them, right, gals?

Channeling the tie-dye vibe in an utterly refined manner, Balmain conjures this dreamy bell sleeve tunic dress (pictured at right; photo courtesy nymag.com/fashion). This frock is so elegant, we almost feel bad wearing it to the beach! No matter, it looks equally as divine for cocktails in the Meatpacking, paired with a lovely ombré clutch and sky-high Manolos.

The patterned white tunic is classic, but if you prefer a splash of color, the options are equally limitless and lovely. Try this Rory Beca ruffled hem v-neck dress [left], in a vibrant pink, burgundy and red monochrome wave print, available at shopbop.com.

But please, dolls, no terry! Wearing a towel is NEVER chic.