Safari Chic

Safari Chic
A model wearing a classic Safari Chic look.
Decade of origin	1960s (high fashion codification)
Key motifs	Safari jacket ("saharienne"), Bermuda shorts, utility pockets, belted waists, animal prints (as accents)
Key colours	Khaki, beige, camel, tan, olive green, rust
Key values	Adventure, elegance, functionality, exploration, naturalism
Related aesthetics	Americana Military Chic Vintage
Related brands	Yves Saint Laurent, Abercrombie & Fitch, Willis & Geiger
Iconic figures	Yves Saint Laurent, Ernest Hemingway, Veruschka

Safari Chic is a fashion aesthetic inspired by the clothing worn on safaris, blending utilitarian, military-inspired garments with a sense of elegance and adventure. The style is defined by a specific set of garments, most notably the safari jacket, and a color palette of neutral, earthy tones. It evokes a romanticized vision of exploration, combining practical, functional design with a polished and sophisticated sensibility. While its origins are rooted in the practical wear of British colonials and big-game hunters in Africa, the aesthetic was elevated into high fashion in the mid-20th century, becoming a timeless and recurring trend.

History

The foundational garment of the Safari Chic aesthetic, the safari jacket, has its origins in the Khaki Drill uniform worn by the British military in the early 20th century. Its lightweight cotton fabric and functional design with bellows pockets and a belted waist were ideal for warm climates. This practical style was adopted by wealthy Westerners, including figures like Ernest Hemingway and Theodore Roosevelt, for safari expeditions in Africa, popularizing it as a form of leisure and adventure wear.

The aesthetic was definitively brought into the world of high fashion by designer Yves Saint Laurent. He introduced his version of the safari jacket, the "saharienne," in his 1967 runway collection. A 1968 Vogue Paris feature, with a famous photo of the model Veruschka wearing the lace-up saharienne, cemented its status as an iconic and chic fashion item, transforming it from purely functional gear into a symbol of liberated and adventurous femininity. Since then, the style has become a recurring classic, reinterpreted by numerous designers in subsequent decades.

Fashion

The Safari Chic look is built around a specific formula of garments, colors, and materials that create a polished yet practical "elegant adventurer" look.

Clothing

The centerpiece of the aesthetic is the safari jacket, or saharienne. It is typically made of cotton or linen in a khaki or beige color and is characterized by its four large pockets and a belted waist. This is often paired with Bermuda shorts in a structured, straight cut, or with linen trousers. The overall silhouette is tailored but comfortable.

Color Palette and Prints

The color palette is strictly composed of neutral and earthy tones. The core colors are khaki, beige, and camel, often worn in a monochrome ensemble. These are sometimes accented with shades of olive green or rust. While the clothing is typically solid-colored, animal prints (such as leopard, zebra, or snake) are a key part of the aesthetic, but they are almost always used as an accent in accessories like a belt, a bag, or footwear, rather than on the main garments.

Footwear

Footwear is typically practical and flat. Sandals, particularly those with multiple straps, braids, or velcro closures, are a common choice. Accessories are often minimal, with an emphasis on natural materials like leather and wood. A wide-brimmed hat, such as a pith helmet or a Tilley hat, can also be included to complete the explorer look.

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