Alessandra Ambrosio, Nicky Hilton & More: How Celebs Style Tunic Dresses With Chic Summer Shoes

Tunic dresses remain a celebrity go-to for effortless warm-weather style, balancing comfort, elegance, and versatility in one breezy piece. Whether styled poolside or on the red carpet, these easy silhouettes continue to trend year after year.

Take Alessandra Ambrosio, for example. Back in April 2011, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel turned heads at the grand opening of Marquee Dayclub in Las Vegas.

Alessandra Ambrosio is radiant in a plunging white mini dress adorned with intricate blue embroidery, paired with dark high-heeled sandals, and carrying a small Sergio Rossi clutch bag

Alessandra Ambrosio looked effortlessly glamorous in her embroidered tunic dress, its plunging neckline and intricate detailing showcasing the perfect blend of bohemian charm and high-end fashion.

Summer Elegance: The Victoria’s Secret icon Alessandra Ambrosio shines in an Emilio Pucci tunic, setting the season’s high fashion tone

But let’s be honest—the real star might be that tunic itself. Doesn’t it instantly make you think of summer escapes? Of jeweled flat sandals, wide-brimmed hats, and breezy days in Santorini or Capri?

With her statuesque 5ft 8 ½ (174 cm) frame, Alessandra Ambrosio created a sleek, elongated silhouette, while Selma Blair stood out with her own chic, petite take on warm-weather style at 5ft 2 ½ (158.8 cm).

Alessandra Ambrosio stuns in a plunging embroidered tunic dress, while Selma Blair exudes effortless boho chic in a flowy printed maxi at the Marquee Dayclub opening in Las Vegas on April 9, 2011 (Credit: DJDM / WENN)

Emilio Pucci: The Legacy Behind Alessandra Ambrosio’s Iconic Tunic Dress

Alessandra’s tunic is a striking piece from Emilio Pucci, the legendary Italian designer celebrated for his kaleidoscopic prints and jet-set aesthetic. Originally priced at $3,795, the embroidered tunic is now sold out, but its vibrant, resort-ready vibe remains timeless.

Known as the “Prince of Prints,” Emilio Pucci (1914–1992) revolutionized postwar fashion with bold, geometric patterns, lightweight fabrics, and relaxed silhouettes that were ideal for glamorous travel.

His signature tunic dresses—favored by icons like Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy—embodied the spirit of Capri and the 1960s jet-set lifestyle. Pucci’s influence still resonates today, with modern tunic designs echoing his commitment to color, comfort, and effortless elegance.

Emilio Pucci Embroidered Voile Tunic Dress, $3,795

While Alessandra’s tunic appears to be made of jersey, the version that was once available for pre-order featured lightweight voile and slightly different sleeves. However, the signature Pucci print remained nearly identical. With a price tag that reflected its designer pedigree, this piece was an investment in making a statement with style.

Looking for another chic way to wear a tunic dress? Nicky Hilton offered a bohemian-inspired take in black and grey, showing how this versatile silhouette works just as well at the beach as it does poolside.

Black & Grey on the Beach: Nicky Hilton Rocks Unexpectedly Cool Summer Look

In July 2011, the barefoot, blonde heiress was spotted celebrating the 4th of July a couple of days early at Carbon Beach, where her sister, Paris, held a party.

Nicky Hilton exudes effortless beachside chic in her monochrome tunic dress, capturing the relaxed spirit of Malibu’s Carbon Beach, July 2, 2011 (Credit: WENN)

Nicky’s tunic dress channels major boho-chic vibes, with its zigzag pattern reminiscent of Missoni and beaded detailing along the sleeves and neckline.

While it may look like a high-end designer piece, it’s actually by T-Bags and was originally priced at a more accessible $275—a great example of how to achieve statement style without the luxury price tag.

Nicky Hilton poses barefoot on a sandy beach, wearing a monochrome zigzag-patterned tunic dress with beaded details, large sunglasses, and a dark shoulder bag

From Alessandra Ambrosio’s breezy beachside elegance to Nicky Hilton’s bohemian-inspired tunic look, it’s clear that tunic dresses remain a staple in celebrity fashion. But they’re not the only ones who have embraced this effortlessly chic trend.

Stepping Out in Style: More Celebrities Embracing Tunic Dresses

Let’s look at other stylish A-listers who have stepped out in tunic dresses, proving just how versatile and timeless they can be:

Selena Gomez’s Laid-Back Take on the Tunic Dress Trend

• Event: Leisurely Boat Ride in Canada
• Outfit: Selena Gomez kept things effortlessly chic in a Kyley Tencel denim tunic dress by Rails, styled as a relaxed, long shirt.
• Footwear: She opted for minimalist white sneakers, striking the perfect balance between casual and stylish.
• More Details: Selena Gomez’s effortless denim tunic dress style

Kate Middleton’s Elegant Take on the Tunic Dress Trend

• Event: Place2Be’s School Leaders Forum
• Outfit: The Duchess of Cambridge exuded sophistication in a wine-colored tunic dress by Goat, featuring a structured yet flowing silhouette.
• Footwear: She paired the dress with classic Gianvito Rossi suede pumps, emphasizing her signature refined style.
• More Details: Kate Middleton’s timeless tunic dress and accessories

Katy Perry’s Juicy Take on the Tunic Dress Trend

• Event: Macy’s Meet and Greet
• Outfit: Katy Perry turned heads in a plaid tangerine tunic dress by Staud, paired with matching Kokomo pants.
• Footwear: She styled her outfit with playful Picolo watermelon mules featuring rhinestone seeds and chunky lucite heels.
• More Details: Katy Perry’s fruity footwear moment

Kate Middleton’s Vibrant Red Tunic Dress

• Event: Children’s Global Media Summit
• Outfit: The Duchess of Cambridge donned a bright red “Elodie” tunic dress from Goat, featuring long sleeves and a gathered funnel collar.
• Footwear: She paired the dress with black suede pumps by Tod’s, adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble.
• More Details: Kate Middleton’s style choices at the Children’s Global Media Summit

Katie Holmes’ Boho-Chic Tunic Dress

• Event: Charity Event
• Outfit: Katie Holmes wore the “Ren” shift dress from Isabel Marant, a black silk crepe de Chine tunic with folk-inspired embroidery.
• Footwear: She completed the look with Tamara Mellon’s “Frontline” sandals, enhancing the bohemian vibe.
• More Details: Katie Holmes’ boho-chic style with Isabel Marant tunic dress

Brie Larson’s Sheer Embroidered Tunic Dress

• Event: Cannes Film Festival Closing Ceremony
• Outfit: Brie Larson stunned in a sheer embroidered tunic dress by Chanel Couture, featuring intricate floral designs.
• Footwear: She paired the dress with high-heeled Aquazzura sandals, adding a modern touch to the classic look.
• More Details: Brie Larson’s Chanel Couture tunic dress at Cannes

Sofia Carson’s Asymmetric White Tunic Dress

• Event: Global Citizen Festival
• Outfit: Sofia Carson wore an asymmetric white wool gazar tunic by Stephane Rolland layered over a short white organza dress.
• Footwear: She completed the ensemble with metallic silver knee-high boots, adding a futuristic flair.
• More Details: Sofia Carson’s standout tunic dress at the Global Citizen Festival

From red carpets to casual outings, tunic dresses continue to prove their staying power in the world of celebrity fashion. Whether paired with strappy sandals, knee-high boots, or elegant pumps, they remain a go-to choice for effortless style.