Final answer:
The correct answer to the description of an overgarment slightly shorter than a straight skirt is a tunic, which has historical significance and varied styles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Garments
An overgarment that is worn over and is slightly shorter than a straight skirt is called a tunic. A tunic can cover the chest, shoulders, and back, and it extends to a length somewhere between the hips and the knees. This term dates back to various historical periods and cultures. Tunics have been worn as a key garment in societies around the world and can be of various lengths and styles, often reflecting social status and fashion trends of the era. Tunics can be made from a variety of materials and may be adorned with decorative elements.
Throughout history, the term has evolved in its usage and styles. From the Unku Tunic of the 17th century made from camelid fiber and metallic thread, to the All-T'oqapu Tunic from the time span of 1450-1540, tunics have been significant in the fashion world. Even in early Rome, women wore what was known as the stola, which was a long dress worn over a tunic, usually sleeveless made traditionally from wool.
The four options presented were: blouse, tunic, camisole, and petticoat. Here, the correct answer to the description provided in the question is tunic.