Go hunting for safari style

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A model wearing a safari shirt and skirt by designer Jasper Conran

Primark pocket belted safari jacket, £15

Warehouse safari suit jacket, £55, and trousers, £40

Star by Julien Macdonald satin safari jumpsuit, £60 at Debenhams

A model wearing a creation by designer Biba during London Fashion Week

Dorothy Perkins brown pleat front safari shorts, £18

Dorothy Perkins natural raffia clutch bag, £15

Principles Lustre linen safari jacket, £79, and linen pencil skirt, £49

RAINBOW brights, florals, tribal, stars and stripes – the high street is crammed with busy prints and bright colours.

But if you’re craving neutral territory, take inspiration from this season’s cool safari trend.

With a colour palette of white, beige, khaki and brown, the safari style is super versatile, making it a must-have for your summer wardrobe.

Belted jackets, crisp shorts and pocket details were a big hit on the spring/summer catwalks, as seen at Donna Karan, Stella McCartney and Versace – all accessorised with a golden tan. So take a walk on the wild side this summer.

SAFARI CASUAL

You don’t have to be heading on a safari adventure to work desert-style chic. It’s the perfect utilitarian look for your daytime wardrobe, with casual linen and cool cotton. Julien Macdonald, Biba and Michael Kors all put a casual spin on safari with belted linen jackets and pocket-detail shorts.

Try Primark belted safari jacket, £15; Star by Julien Macdonald safari dress, £50 at Debenhams; Dorothy Perkins brown, pleat-front safari shorts, £18; Long Tall Sally brown safari shirt, £29; Betty Jackson Black safari-style linen trousers, £45 at Debenhams; Wallis mink safari shirt, £20.

SMART SAFARI

Don’t limit your safari fashions to daytime or suitcase essentials. This season, safari has taken on a touch of luxe glamour.

Think floaty silk, flyaway chiffon and layered tulle, which bring an unexpected softness to the look and make it an eye-catching candidate for your eveningwear wardrobe.

Try Principles Lustre linen safari jacket, £79, and linen pencil skirt, £49; Star by Julien Macdonald satin safari jumpsuit, £60 at Debenhams; Warehouse safari suit jacket, £55, and trousers £40; Principles satin safari shirt, £55.

JUNGLE ACCESSORIES

To really tap into the colonialist costume, send your safari factor soaring with on-trend accessories.

Look for natural materials such as raffia, wood and tan leather, or bling up the look with chunky gold jewellery. Donna Karen and Jasper Conran topped off their designer catwalk creations with wide tan belts.

Try Tripp Safari medium tote bag, £49.99; Dorothy Perkins natural raffia clutch bag, £15; Wallis natural and white strap sandal £35; Dune Safari wedge shoe, £65; Internacionale chunky wooden bead necklace, £5; Accessorize safari shell hoops, £4; Freedom at Topshop oversized wooden cube bangle, £15; Evans two-tone safari belt, £10; Principles tan raffia belt, £22.

STYLE TIPS

A cinched-in waist is a safari classic styling tip, so look out for belted jackets or pull your look together with a must-have tan or raffia belt.

Soften your safari look with a floaty shirt layered underneath your jacket.

Safari jackets should be structured with pocket details – but not stiff and stuffy. Avoid over-padded shoulders and too many pockets, which will leave your frame looking bulky.

Safari plus pasty skin equals fashion blunder. Safari chic is a high-summer look best teamed with super-tanned limbs, so slap on that fake tan before you bare your bod.

This trend has a retro, 1970s feel. Update your safari look for the Noughties with a high-waisted trouser, skirt or shorts.