How does safari suit in hunt for a new look?

This long-lost style is back to colonise a clothes shop near you – and there's not a pith helmet in sight.

WHEN sleeveless belted jackets, khaki tailoring, subtle military details and sophisticated utility looks came streaming into the high street, the message was clear: safari is back.

This time around, however, that intrepid explorer look is gone, replaced with a more relaxed, sexy and chic appeal, courtesy of button-up skirts, belted shirt dresses, sporty all-in-ones, linen separates in cool neutral colours, city shorts and an uncomplicated palette of white, beige, khaki and brown.

"It makes a refreshing change to a season full of figure-hugging silhouettes," says Edinburgh stylist, Laura Wilton. "Flattering and versatile, it suits all body shapes and can be paired with sexy animal prints, raffia accessories and stacks of bangles for that exotic look."

On the catwalk, Bottega Veneta included tobacco-coloured blazers, flared khaki trousers, cool white shirts and cropped beige short suits, while MaxMara focused on khaki linen safari shirts, paired with baggy white trousers, cinched with striped belts. And belted jackets, crisp shorts and pocket details were a big hit with Donna Karan, Stella McCartney and Versace. And it's everywhere on the high street.

At Dorothy Perkins, chocolate cargo pants, khaki belted shirt-dresses and turn-up shorts dominate; while Gap havs opted for leaf-green and stone separates, with city shorts, classic blazers and combat trousers.

Marks & Spencer has well-cut, safari-style button-front skirts, and Warehouse and Debenhams have both opted for the dress version.

"It's a great look for daytime," says Laura, "and the utilitarian look works well in the office, with separates such as belted linen jackets and knee-skimming, pocket detail shorts."

Primark, Jenners and Next have some of the best belted safari jackets which pay homage to the trend – but don't make you look as if you've just returned from safari. And bypass that pencil skirt staple in favour of safari shorts from Dorothy Perkins, Betty Jackson, Wallis and Principles.

Or opt for safari glamour. This season, safari has taken on a touch of glamour, with floaty silk, flyaway chiffon and layered tulle. Julien Macdonald's satin jump suit for Debenhams, Principles' satin safari shirt, Linea's beige linen jacket and French Connection's play suit are some of the best around.

"And don't be afraid to inject a pop of colour into the neutral palette," advises Laura. "Also, a cinched-in waist, courtesy of a tan or raffia belt, is much more flattering. Stick to jackets which are structured – but not stiff. And avoid too many pockets which often leave you looking bigger."

And lastly, don't forget the accessories. Stamped metal cuffs or necklaces, stacked wooden bangles, raffia bags or belts, tan heels and sexy animal prints all effortlessly conjure up the spirit of those faraway places.