How Celebrities Style Tunic Dresses With Standout Shoes — From Alessandra Ambrosio to Nicky Hilton

Tunic dresses have long been a celebrity warm-weather staple—but what truly keeps the look feeling modern is how stars style them with standout shoes.

From strappy sandals and sky-high heels to boho-chic flats and beach-ready barefoot moments, the right footwear transforms these breezy silhouettes from simple to showstopping.

In this piece, we revisit Alessandra Ambrosio’s unforgettable blue-and-white tunic moment in Las Vegas and Nicky Hilton’s effortless Malibu take, along with more celebrities who prove just how versatile a tunic dress can be when paired with the perfect shoes.

Alessandra Ambrosio Elevates a Plunging Pucci Tunic With Strappy High-Heeled Sandals

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

Alessandra Ambrosio dazzles in a plunging white mini dress with blue baroque embroidery, styled with dark strappy high-heeled sandals and a metallic Sergio Rossi clutch

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

Why Tunic Dresses Shine With the Right Shoes — From Alessandra’s Strappy Heels to Selma’s Easy Boho Flats

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’s Resort Tunics: The Iconic Silhouette That Pairs Perfectly With Statement Sandals

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 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’s embroidered voile tunic dress features intricate cobalt-blue stitching, a plunging lace-up neckline, and fluted sleeves—capturing the house’s signature jet-set glamour with modern ease

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 style statement.

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.

Nicky Hilton’s Beachside Tunic Style: Barefoot Boho Meets Malibu Cool

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

More Celebrity Tunic Dresses Styled With Standout Shoes

To wrap up, here are even more celebrity tunic-dress moments, each paired with eye-catching footwear that shows just how versatile—and stylish—this silhouette can be.