Style Inspiration: Modern Safari

 

Despite years of evidence to the contrary, we Brits envisage every summer to be a scorcher: hazy park afternoons, BBQs, warm beers and tanning oil sessions in the garden (admit it). Granted, rain often ruins our hopes and dreams, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the necessary style preparations.
Although sports luxe, Americana and the 1990s are set to be huge trends this season, these ultra-casual looks can be a huge turn-off for the classicists in our midst. Enter the modern safari.
Sharp and simple, safari-inspired pieces can be used to create a raft of timeless, refined and comfortable warm-weather ensembles. Neutral hues are fused with utility-driven designs that exude masculinity and are able to adapt to almost every summer occasion. Garish casuals be gone – rugged pieces and classic tailoring is back on the style agenda.
It’s time to channel your inner expeditionary – think Indiana Jones, 1960s Zambia and a scene from Out Of Africa for the ultimate modern safari look.

The Palette

Dusty, sandy shades are what immediately spring to mind when building the palette for this aesthetic, with khaki, beige, cream and white not only on trend this season but also perfect for combating rising temperatures.
Complementing these neutral base tones are warmer shades of sunset orange/yellow and blood red, along with earthy brown, desert green and even a dash of camo print:

Key Piece: The Safari Jacket

The key piece within any modern safari look is, of course, the safari jacket. Historically, safari (or bush) jackets represented the central item of the British military’s tropical uniform, worn by soldiers in the African bush. Traditionally featuring four or more expandable pockets, an attached waist belt and epaulettes, they were designed to be lightweight for easy mobility but warm enough for when the African sun set.
Combining utilitarian convenience with a minimal design, the safari jacket perfectly balances fashion and function. Typically constructed from breathable cotton drill or poplin, they can be worn during balmy spring/summer days without becoming stifling, providing an extra layer of insulation when the temperature drops in the evening.
A definitive choice is the classic four-pocket, waist-grazing design in a khaki shade. Easy to wear, sharp and an excellent choice for the transition into autumn, every retailer from army surplus stores to high street stalwarts now offer their own take.
Alternatively, you can opt for a more contemporary version: contrast pockets, statement zip closures and unconventional materials are all available on the current market.
A belted or cinched waist is optional – they offer definition for muscular gents (those with the desirable ‘V’ body shape) and can even give the appearance of longer legs due to the vertical line being broken higher up the body, making them suitable for shorter men too.
However, perhaps the greatest strength of the safari jacket is its versatility. Dress it up with a shirt and slim-fit trousers/chinos for evening drinks or throw it on with a jeans and t-shirt combination at the weekend – this key piece will quickly become a go-to wardrobe staple.

Lookbook Inspiration