Safari chic

Yves Saint Laurent introduced his first safari jackets in the late sixties, and they've been a fashion staple ever since. Almost every summer it‘s showcased on the international catwalks of Paris, New York, London and Milan , eventually trickling down to the high street stores.

 The safari look is the fashion world's cockroach: no matter what you do to get rid of it, it keeps scuttling back. Which is amazing when you consider how completely daft it is, when dressing to go to work, to dress as if you are about to jump in the back of a Jeep and drive around looking for buffalo. So, when it comes to this particular style of dressing, remember that a little goes a long, long way.

 

Shirt dresses, dresses, jackets and slim-fitting skirts are a key feature of safari style and should be teamed with loose-woven linen, cotton or even chiffon tops in earthy, natural shades. Mix loose linens with animal prints to update the trend.

 Although it isn't sizzling, you can keep warm by layering with parkas and tribal-print tops. New Look is great for cheap, casual separates. You can even adapt the look for the evening by ditching the sandals and shorts for a sexier print dress.

Natural, earthy tones look spectacular when teamed with leopard or zebra prints and they work particularly when you team them with basics such as infantry-inspired jackets, cargo pants and safari shirt dresses. Accessorise your look with bangles, particularly ethnic or wooden styles -layer different styles for a really modern look.

 If you are worried about what styles suit you, here are a few pointers: Delicate wrists and long fingers should wear minimal styles which won't make them look out of proportion. Small hands should go for ornaments that won't overpower them with too much clutter. Broader hands can choose chunkier, beaded bracelets as well as a chunky cuff. Once you've your safari look styled to perfection, you might just feel tempted to go on the hunt for a prey of your very own.

Key pieces:

SEXY SHIRT-DRESS This is an easy garment to wear - it's very comfortable but gives you that dressed-up look. You could accessorise with African-inspired chunky beads and wooden wedges, or add a dash of colour with a scarf tied around the neck. Neutral shades of stone, khaki and chocolate are a must.


SENSATIONAL SHORTS I think city fitted shorts will stay fashionable for a long time. A pair in natural khaki worn with a fitted cotton or linen shirt is relaxed yet formal enough for the working environment."


JAUNTY JACKET The safari jacket is a real classic. It has always been around and will continue to be, it will ensure you look like the coolest intrepid explorer in the city.


ACCESSORISE One of the key aspects of this look is the addition of wooden beads and bangles. Statement

pieces such as wooden bangles can be stacked up and big wooden beads dangling around the neck are a big part of the look and add to the effect.





"Chanel gave women freedom but Saint Laurent gave them power.„ Pierre Berge





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