Something Simple to Hide Behind

My problem, you see, is the bum.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Weight Watchers spokeswoman

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Losing weight may be a science, but camouflaging a bum--now that’s an art.

A long, loose-weave sweater surrounded with a belt in the same color does the trick, drawing attention to the waist.

So does a tunic, which bypasses the area altogether.

Originally a gown-like garment worn by men and women in ancient Greece and Rome, the tunic is sometimes worn bloused over a tie at the waist.

But the more modern look is in the form of a long blouse, shirt or vest, or even a short A-line dress. And one thing that makes tunics so appealing, designer Dana Buchman says, is that they hide the hips and bottom.

“Recently we’ve come off a lot of skimpy, body-fitting shapes,” she says. “Now we’re in a period of wearing a tunic with slimmer pants, which looks great on a huge number of body types.”

They can also be worn with leggings and skirts of many lengths. A tailored, sleeveless tunic with matching pants or slim skirt and coordinating blouse is fine for business. A sheer tunic with bodysuit and flowing pants carries the evening. And leggings or fleece pants and popovers are perfect for casual weekends.

“Depending on how you accessorize,” says Linda Larsen German, merchandising director of Liz Claiborne, “you can create a mod feeling.” Consider bright colors, perhaps an orange snakeskin and chain-link belt and big sunglasses framed in orange.

Buchman likes to update the tunic and its simplicity by using a fabulous fabric.

“As we move toward spring, it might come in a heavy washed silk and can function as a jacket,” she says. “By summer, we might do a floaty chiffon in a more shirt-like shape.”

A cayenne tunic in washed raw silk with stand-up collar and welt pockets is about $240 from Dana Buchman. In the less expensive line, Dana B. & Karen, a sueded silk twill tunic in coral, with long sleeves and notch collar, is about $180.

“We do a lot of different versions,” Buchman says. “Sometimes the shape is modified to hang from the shoulders and is unconstructed. We also love tunics that are a little more shaped and structured and can be worn open over a tank or knit top. They’re like a jacket, but they have the soft, easy feel of a shirt.”