Go hunting for safari style

7:00am Saturday 10th May 2008

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WALK on the wild side this summer with the practical yet chic safari trend. We reveal the key looks and the best buys.

By Lisa Haynes

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 (23 Euros), Star by Julien Macdonald safari dress, £50 (78 Euros) at Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins brown, pleat-front safari shorts, £18 (28 Euros), Long Tall Sally brown safari shirt, £29, Betty Jackson Black safari-style linen trousers, £45 (70 Euros) 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 (125 Euros) and linen pencil skirt, £49 (79 Euros), Star by Julien Macdonald satin safari jumpsuit, £60 (93 Euros) at Debenhams, Warehouse safari suit jacket, £55 (85 Euros) and trousers £40 (62 Euros), Principles satin safari shirt, £55 (85 Euros), Linea beige linen jacket, £99 (160 Euros) and trousers, £69 (110 Euros) at House of Fraser.

JUNGLE ACCESSORIES

To really tap into the colonialist costume, send your safari factor soaring with on-trend accessories. Look for natural materials like 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 (22 Euros), Wallis natural and white strap sandal £35 (66 Euros), 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 (15 Euros), Principles tan raffia belt, £22 (35 Euros).

STYLE TIPS

Don't be afraid to mix in a splash of block colour to your safari get-up. Jasper Conran added sunset orange to his designer take on safari chic.

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 + pasty skin = 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 70s feel. Update your safari look for the noughties with a high waisted trouser, skirt or shorts.

STOCKISTS

Accessorize - 0870 412 9000

Debenhams - 08445 616 161/www.debenhams.com

Dorothy Perkins - 0870 122 8801/www.dorothyperkins.co.uk

Dune - www.dune.co.uk

Evans - 0845 121 4516/www.evans.co.uk

House Of Fraser - www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Interncionale - www.internacionale.co.uk

Long Tall Sally - 0870 990 6885/www.longtallsally.co.uk

Primark - www.primark.co.uk

Principles - 0870 122 8802/www.principles.co.uk

Topshop - www.topshop.com

Tripp - www.tripp.co.uk

Wallis - 0845 121 4520/www.wallis.co.uk

Warehouse - 0870 122 8813/www.warehouse.co.uk

FASHION TARGETS

Hit the fashion mark with this year's Breakthrough Breast Cancer campaign. The new range launches on May 2 and includes swimwear, lingerie, casual wear and accessories from M&S, a limited edition shopper bag by Topshop and the iconic target T-shirts as modelled by Emmerdale's Roxanne Pallett. All products carry at least a 30 per cent donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Visit the site at www.targetbreastcancer.org.uk

LA SENZA GOES SPORTY

Working on that bikini body? Head to La Senza who make turning up the fitness factor a more fashionable affair with their new sporty Spirit range. Whether you're a gym lover, yoga fan or high-impact runner, you'll love the stylish performance range, which includes support undies, as well as supplex t-shirts and tank tops with hidden support, gym pants, jackets and hoodies. La Senza Spirit is available exclusively at stores in Bluewater, Brent Cross, Oxford St, Glasgow, Silverburn, and Edinburgh and online at lasenza.co.uk.