A little safari may be just what your wardrobe needs this spring. It's practical, versatile and very much in style.
With its natural colors, soft tailoring and earthy materials, the safari look is the calm in a storm of color blazing through women's fashions.
And for those who already have some classic neutral pieces in their closets, an animal-print this or a woven-straw that will provide an instant update.
Gucci Jewelry Among the styles to choose from: belted safari jackets; khaki shirtdresses; canvas totes; wooden bangles; linen shirts with pockets; chunky "statement" necklaces; bamboo-handled handbags; espadrilles, and more.
And it does not have to cost a fortune.
"It's allowing people to pull the look into their current wardrobes. They can take some of their basic pieces, add a new crisp denim or linen jacket and then pull in some accessories, such as an eye-catching belt or necklace," said Deborah Tangelder, owner of Get Heeled, a women's shoe boutique, and the Perfect Gift on Goodrich Road, Clarence Center.
"This is a runway look that is actually livable. You see it and say, 'I could do that, I could pull that off.' It's practical, and it makes getting ready for any occasion more fun," she added.
The safari look was a popular trend on the runways. Donna Karan, Michael Kors and other designers showed it, and now safari influences can be found everywhere from specialty boutiques to Target.
Among the things you'll see:
Belted jackets and other pieces that hint at rather than scream "safari."
Picture this: A salmon-colored linen swing coat which is gathered at the waist and paired with a metallic copper brimmed safari-style hat, a straw bag and cropped pants, Tangelder suggested.
Think "Pretty Woman" meets "Out of Africa," she said.
Shimmering, crisp linen in white, natural and tan. A linen shirt with two buttoned pockets from Chico's features a metallic coating, for example. It's worn untucked over white pants and a chino- colored microfiber tank and is accessorized with an acrylic- and shell-beaded necklace.
Shots of color. Banana Republic shows a purple silk blouse with a khaki button-front skirt, tan suede belt and white sleeveless silk top, for example. Lime green or orange also provide pops of color.
Nor is the safari-inspired look necessarily worn head-to-toe, said Brass Brooch Meg O'Rourke, of Suzn O', in Snyder.
It can be something as simple as a raffia belt worn with a linen skirt, a fitted jacket with patch pockets or a neutral-colored shirt with brown beading, she said.
These also are pieces that can move forward into next year as well, she said. Nothing too trendy.
And the look is easy on the eye.
"You'll have a neutral-colored top with three-quarter length sleeves and beaded trim which is directly opposite to the season's preppy brights, O'Rourke said.
A rule of thumb: If your top is belted and fitted, wear it with wide-leg pants (cropped or full-length). If the top has some swing, keep the bottom piece narrow.
When it comes to the safari look, often times, a single piece will do it.
In his new collection for Target, New York City-based designer Rogan Gr
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