A Tunic-Trouser Pairing is the Key to Effortlessly Elegant Spring Style

tunic and trouser outfits
Photographed by Greg Harris, Vogue, August 2016.

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

During the year 2020, we became particularly accustomed to wearing sets of all kinds: there’s your classic sweatsuit, cozy knitwear pairings, and, of course, pajama sets. Dressing in a coordinated fashion creates effortlessly easy outfits with little to no thought required. This spring’s version, however, takes shape in the form of long tunics and billowy trousers. According to Vogue Runway’s Steff Yotka, tunics were one of the main spring runway trends. “Long layers that drape on the body are the season’s predominant silhouette,” she reports, and a breezy tunic and relaxed, soft trouser pairing will “offer forgiveness and elegance for bodies at rest.”

On how to style the tunic/trouser, we look to a handful of spring 2021 runways. There are options from Fendi, Kenneth Ize, Jil Sander, and Marina Moscone. Minimalist in silhouette, these longline looks can be paired with any of your favorite spring accessories, from lace-up sandals to ballet flats, sculptural statement jewelry to your top handle day bags.

Photo Courtesy of Tory Burch; Jil Sander; Kenneth Ize; Plan C; Marina Moscone; Fendi

Whether you’re lounging at home, vacationing, or dressing for a return to the office, these outfit pairings can feel both casual or dressed up. And similar to the ease of the soft suiting trend, the elegant tunic and trouser combination is actually even more comfortable since there’s no tailoring or blazer required. Top off a pair of ballooned trousers or sleek leggings with tunic tops in the silhouette of your choosing—an oversized poplin v-neck, a long sheer sleeveless tank, or a crisp pleated blouse. You really can’t go wrong.

Shop 15 chic tunic and trouser pairings pre-styled for you, below.

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Sleeve, Home Decor, Long Sleeve, Linen, Robe, Fashion, Pajamas, Coat, and Lab Coat

Wales Bonner Stockwell striped cotton-poplin tunic shirt dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, Denim, and Jeans

Wales Bonner Isaacs high-rise striped wool-blend trousers

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Sleeve, Long Sleeve, and Scarf

Marina Moscone patchwork tunic dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, Suit, Overcoat, and Coat

Marina Moscone slim flare wool-blend trousers

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Dress, Shoe, Footwear, and Sock

Simon Miller Aukai rib-knit sleeveless tunic

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, Denim, and Jeans

Simon Miller Alder rib-knit crop pants

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Robe, Fashion, and Pattern

Zara printed minidress

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, Denim, and Jeans

Zara printed flared pants

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Coat, Lab Coat, Blouse, and Shirt

Cos pleated tunic

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, Denim, Jeans, and Shorts

Cos elasticated pants

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Shirt, Pajamas, Blouse, and Home Decor

Plan C striped poplin tunic top

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, Denim, and Jeans

Plan C navy wide-leg cotton trousers

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Sleeve, Blouse, and Long Sleeve

Staud Chiara natural tunic minidress

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, and Skirt

Staud Ravella natural linen pant

Image may contain: Home Decor, Linen, Clothing, Apparel, and Khaki

Co army green woven tunic

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, Khaki, Overcoat, and Coat

Co army green belted pleated canvas culottes

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Costume, Robe, and Fashion

Tory Burch embroidered balloon-sleeve tunic

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, Khaki, and Home Decor

Tory Burch cotton elastic-waist pants

Image may contain: Tool, Axe, Pottery, Vase, Jar, Plant, and Potted Plant

Fendi Sunset Shade Byssus column dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, Home Decor, and Khaki

Fendi tromp l’oeil embossed wide-leg trousers

Image may contain: Clothing, Sleeve, Apparel, Bag, and Long Sleeve

Cult Gaia Este tie-detailed printed cotton-blend gauze tunic

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, Tie, Accessories, and Accessory

Cult Gaia Kersti printed cotton-blend gauze wide-leg pants

Image may contain: Clothing, and Apparel

Bevza signature crepe-de-chine tunic

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, and Tights

Bevza leggings

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Sleeve, Long Sleeve, Sweater, and Sweatshirt

Deveaux Ripley convertible cotton-twill tunic

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, Denim, Jeans, and Khaki

Deveaux Judi cotton-twill straight-leg pants

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Coat, Lab Coat, Sleeve, and Long Sleeve

Gabriela Hearst Albon linen tunic dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, Home Decor, Denim, Jeans, and Linen

Gabriela Hearst Sonya wide-leg linen pants

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Home Decor, Blouse, and Linen

Camilla & Marc Lorne U-neck top

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Pants, Home Decor, and Linen

Camilla & Marc Lorne pants