Model behaviour: Tyra Banks does boho chic with floor-length, lace maxi dress at NYC lunch date

She may be a successful model and television presenter, but Tyra Banks has always advocated a healthy relationship with both food and friends.

So it's nice to see her living by her own advice as she dined with pals at New York restaurant Bar Pitti in Manhattan's West Village, yesterday.

The America’s Next Top Model host dressed down for the gathering, which saw her wear a black and white maxi dress with lace detail and open-toe sandals.

Lady who lunches: Tyra looked effortlessly chic as she met pals for a casual NYC lunch

Wrapping up in a leather jacket, her hair was casually centre-parted and make-up was kept minimal for a natural, day-time look.

The 39 year-old was clearly enjoying a day off as she spent much of the afternoon sitting al fresco with her friends, before heading to Da Silvano Restaurant for dinner.

The star, who was formerly a Victoria's Secret model, looked happy and comfortable in her skin.

Nice to see (through) you: The 39 year-old spent the day al fresco with pals

But there was a time when she wasn't so at ease with her body - particularly her generously proportioned rear.

Popular as one of the curvier runway models in her day, Tyra told US Weekly last month: 'I was at the height of my success when I was at my biggest. So then I go, "Why am I shedding weight for press when, like, I told the world to kiss my fat ass and had Emmys and Top Model was at its peak and I was on Time magazine's top influential people two times in a row - all with a big ass!"'

Good times: The model laughed and joked as she relaxed during a rare day off

Earlier this week Tyra took to social media on Saturday to share creative snaps of herself as Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne and Kate Moss.
Expalining her motivation she said: 'I've put my own spin on #NYFW w/ a photo tribute in which I LITERALLY transform into some of the fiercest #SuperModels ever.'

Dressing down: Tyra's casual attire reflected her casual mood in Manhattan's West Village, yesterday

A few days earlier Tyra also took to Twitter to congratulate 24 year-old Nina Davuluri, who became the first-ever woman of Indian heritage to win the annual Miss America pageant.

Tyra Banks tweeted, “Congrats to @NinaDavuluri, first Indian-American Miss America! Proud of you, girl! Love, TyTy”

Less is more: The TV presenter still looked radiant in her low-key look