How to Get the Cool and Casual Safari Look
I first fell in love with the safari look when I saw it in the Ralph Lauren style guide. He captured the romance of an exotic adventure and the nomadic spirit. A Ralph Lauren catchword is “global artisan,” a keyword for the ethnic style I favor toward. The other styles that fill my eyes with stars and take my breath away are exotic and bohemian, which fit right in with safari chic. Do you like these styles too?
The urban safari look is timeless, recurring year after year in ever modern variations during the spring and summer months, and even in fall. Since this style is classic, age doesn’t matter. Whether you add one piece or wear an entire outfit based on the safari theme, anyone can wear this. The trick is to do it your way. As I always say, show your true self!
The safari theme contrasts masculine and feminine. Its main idea is the comfort and utility of a safari vacation in the African outback. Its feminine touches are based on themes of royalty and candlelit dinners in weathered canvas tents. Overall it has a rustic feel with rich embellishments.
What follows is every element of modern urban safari style, so that you can begin to incorporate it into your spring, summer (and even fall!) outfits. I hope these ideas inspire more creativity as you look for new ways to wear what you have in a way that you love.
The Central Piece: A Safari Shirt or Safari Jacket
If you have a basic safari shirt or safari jacket, you can use them with all sorts of things that you already have in your wardrobe.
Of all the pieces that make up the urban safari look, the safari shirt is one of the most important. Defined most prominently by button-flap chest pockets, the safari shirt is derived from a similarly styled military jacket worn in the late 19th century by the British forces in India and Africa as well as by the US soldiers in the Spanish-American War.
You can dress up the safari shirt with a sweeping skirt and a concho belt for a dramatic look. Or you can dress it down with jeans and boots for a practical work look that still has style. On weekends, you can wear a safari jacket with jeans and loafers; for work, you can pair your safari jacket with a black pencil skirt and pumps.
Safari Outfits Have a Utility Theme
With comfort and utility in mind, the footwear usually consists of sandals (especially gladiator sandals), open-toe wedges or comfy boots. Shorts, utility or cargo pants, crops in relaxed forms and joggers go well with this natural, casual style. Clothing with pockets and buckles are good pieces to use in a safari outfit. Shirt-dresses also fit in well. A tan trench-coat may top it all off, or any utility jacket.
The Colors That Create a Safari Look
One way to begin creating a safari look is to start with any piece of clothing that is khaki or olive-colored.
Neutral, earth-toned colors with a tribal or animal print automatically create a safari feel.
Earthy colors and natural textures are the basis for this look. You might start with pants, shorts or a vest in olive, khaki or any shade of brown from beige to tan to dark brown. You may also use gray, taupe, ivory, and pops of red, yellow or orange. For instance, olive green with orange is a beautiful combination.
You could also start with an all-white or cream outfit and add shades of orange, green or even teal.
You may also like to try wearing something in blush or pale gold. Or, try rose-gold in silk!
Prints that evoke a safari vibe are palm prints, camouflage, tribal and animal prints.
The Textures That Create a Safari Feel
Earthy textures to use are suede, burlap and raffia. Natural fabrics include cotton, silk, canvas and crochet. You could even use faux fur.
Add leather shoes, bags, belts, and jackets. Brown distressed leather, especially, is a classic component of this look.
Accessories That Lend a Safari Vibe
This is the fun part! Extra touches are lush embroideries and exotic jewelry reminiscent of a maharaja. Accessorize with wood, gold, (faux) ivory and gemstones. Use either big, chunky beads and jewelry or else small and numerous pieces. Wear a dozen or so bracelets at once.
You may also choose from chunky gold breastplate necklaces, spiky statement necklaces and other bold metallic accessories.
Try mixing gold with white jewelry, too.
Sandals or rugged boots are the footwear of choice. Try them in brown, tan or in an animal print such as snakeskin.
A Sample Safari Outfit Using a Crochet Dress or Skirt
Start with a natural-color or brown crochet dress or skirt and add safari-style accessories. (For a more modern look, feel free to break away from the neutrals and use a crochet dress or skirt in aqua, coral, green, teal or ombre.)
To create a safari look, accessorize with bold, chunky pieces in wood, ivory, metallics and gemstones. Try adding shoes, belts or bags in animal prints.
What do you think of urban safari style? Have you tried it? Let us know by submitting your comment below.
Like this post? You might also like to read:
- Exactly How to Style the Urban Safari Look: 100’s of Ways”
- The Amazing Versatility of the Utility Jacket
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