Conservative & Exotic: Safari Style
- Posted by: angeli.krohmal
Among many of the most incredible styles, there is a special trend that blends several incredible accents. There is comfort and simplicity, collectedness and restraint, craving for nature and a bit of relaxation with a pinch of adventurous vibe. Let's talk about safari style.
Safari wear began to form at the very end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century and its roots are not in the desire for novelty for beautiful outfits, but in the need for practicality, stability and protection. It all started with the requirements for a new uniform for the British military, who were sent to the African continent. Conventional military clothing was completely unsuitable for the extremely hot climate and yet there was a need for hard-wearing pieces that would simultaneously protect from the scorching sun, not draw attention to themselves and be comfortable for service and combat missions. So the first straight jackets and vests with several types of patch pockets began to appear, attention to wide-toed boots and the first versions of hiking boots, linen kits and shorts-Bermudas-increased. Scientists, who were already organizing expeditions to Africa and suffering from the excruciating heat, also needed such clothing.
Natural shades of beige, khaki, gray and brown, leather accessories with practical value, wide-brimmed hats and silk scarves gradually became a subject of interest among civilians because of their convenience and a fresh take on fashionable attire. In the late 30s and early 40s, the first designs appeared in the form of the Safari Jacket by Jacques Fath, largely due to real-life stories and artistic accounts of wanderings on the hot continent.
However, womens safari outfit style became really popular and fully formed only in the 60s, when the famous Yves Saint Laurent became interested in it and became its ardent fan. The designer transferred a rather rough style of British military and scientists clothes to wear on safari to the catwalks, giving it a touch of French charm, emphasizing the convenience for wearing in the city and thus making it desirable for fashionista around the world. The safari style appealed to many, so other fashion houses quickly picked up on the idea and started releasing their collections. Each one brought new interesting details, which made the style really remarkable and quite diverse, without losing its relevance. In the summer season safari style looks more winning than ever.
In many ways, the safari style is based on the trends of the military style, which is explained by its original origin. But safari has a slightly more liberated color palette, including brighter shades, such as turmeric, burgundy, olive, brown. In addition to monochrome variants can be found animalistic and even some ethnic prints, as a tribute to the African peoples, which were familiarized and studied by Europeans of the last century. An interesting fashionable solution will be to use color accents in accessories or shoes of safari style clothing. Such a palette is very well matched with the environment, not mottled with too exotic colors, and the lack of too dark shades is explained by hot sunny days, when light reflection is maximally necessary.
Differences between safari and military
In the militaristic style, darker color schemes prevail. The militaristic image can be made even completely in black, although most often a variety of shades of green, gray and brown are used. In addition, in safari you will never see camouflage and military prints. In the militaristic style can not be relaxed, often all clothes are strictly buttoned up on all buttons. The presence of much more rigid shapes and silhouettes, elements such as epaulettes, stripes, military headgear are characteristic of military. In general, if safari is a vacation at work, military is a service.
One of the fundamental elements in the safari style is the use of natural materials. This is a practical solution, as fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk are well permeable to fresh air, which is important in the heat. Leather and suede are also in demand because of their practicality and a note of brutality, necessary for this not too gentle fashion style.
In the safari style, even in the most modern and decorated versions, the main condition is comfort for everyday use. Silhouettes and styles should fit, but not be tight, and a light oversize can add a touch of relaxation to the whole outfit. Such a move can be an oversize shirt, buttoned up just a couple or three buttons. Keeping in mind that such clothes were originally created for travelers, practical elements have been preserved: pockets of all kinds are present on the vast majority of elements in sufficient quantity.
Belts of different widths and harnesses, sometimes suspenders, scarves are also an integral part of a complete safari look. The modern safari hunting clothes features many different bag options, from belt bags and crossbodies to backpacks. Rolled sleeves (both on shirts and jackets) and pants work well to create extra texture. A fair amount of accessories are appropriate for safari style today - for example, several massive bracelets made of natural materials or a necklace created in several tiers. Semi precious minerals, leather, wood, real or artificial bone - the most suitable options. Neckerchiefs can also be used for decorative purposes: you can weave the scarf into your hairstyle, tie it on your wrist as a bracelet or even use it as a belt around your waist (if the scarf is big enough).
Basic pieces of clothing:
Pants, shorts, breeches - the best safari pants should have the simplest possible cut, not restricting movement, a great option can be chinos pants. Even if you are going to wear high boots, the pants should not be slim fit. Another stylish solution is a cargo with voluminous pockets and elastic bands on the pants. Shorts and breeches are better to choose a relaxed style of free style: bermudas and palazzos of not too short length will be a comfortable solution for hot summer (the most fashionable length now - almost to the knee).
Jackets, safari coat - it can be both soft and relaxed styles and fabrics, and copies, more like an army overcoat or even a biker jacket. To emphasize the ethnic vibe in the safari attire, give preference to a suede jacket with fringe or embroidery. Jackets should be figure-hugging, but quite comfortable in movement (and don't forget about breast pockets).
Vests
Jumpsuits are one of the hallmarks of african safari clothing. The length of the sleeve can vary as much as possible. To emphasize the waist, you can use both very wide corset belts and lace belts. For an additional entourage, look out for harnesses of different variations, as well as carabiners as a decoration and additional accent on the waist.
Shirts - it can be both lightweight shirts from the business style, but free cut, on top of which you can wear a jacket or jacket, and shirts made of dense materials with rigid shapes. The second option can be buttoned all the buttons, making the image more strict. Today you can replace the shirt with a spacious T-shirt, but it is better not to make an accent on it, but to style it to achieve some layering.
Dresses - tunics and shirt dresses fit perfectly into the style of travelers in Africa. Opt for beige or olive colors and linen - as an iconic safari option of safari wear for ladies. Lifehack for comfort: the longer the dress, the more it needs slits, they look especially spectacular on the sides. If your dress is buttoned all the way down, leave as many buttons undone as you can comfortably stride.
Skirts - simple cut, A-silhouette, pleated skirts are suitable in terms of comfort and simplicity. The most comfortable length will be midi, but today in urban settings you can experiment with mini and maxi. Patch pockets on relatively narrow cut skirts will be a great safari accent.
Safari-style footwear:
Combat boots - lace-up boots made of rough leather and with thick soles are the benchmark.
High boots - the so-called jockey style without unnecessary details and often even without buckles is appropriate here. Tube boots on a flat, but massive sole made of genuine leather will be very helpful. You can also perfectly fit cowboy boots with ethnic patterns for a bold accent into the image .
Sandals - pay attention to leather, suede and textile options with various straps and weaves. The sole can be either subtle or quite thick for long walks.
Moccasins - soft shoes in a closed version or open toe are great for hot days and fairly clean surfaces.
Espadrilles - this model of shoes will add lightness and naturalistic vibe thanks to the jute sole. By the way, it was Yves Saint Laurent who introduced the fashion for such shoes, so for chic safari outfits it will be a great option.
Below we have selected a number of stylish safari clothes that fit perfectly into the safari wardrobe.
