When it comes to travel, style sites are always touting this bikini or that maillot for your next vacation, but it's not so often they cover the needs of that more exotic venture life may bring. Until yours truly came along. This summer I may not be hitting the Hamptons or backpacking across Europe, but I am going on safari in South Africa. And among other preparations, of course there is the decision of what to pack, and even more importantly (okay, it's all relative), what to wear.
So how does one safari with style? Let me show you how.
First let me explain the basics. Keeping in mind my newfound knowledge that camouflage is illegal in certain parts of Africa, and that one must never wear black, white, or blue (as to not disturb/attract the wrong animals/insects), and of course, to keep one's skin from getting sunburnt and bitten by malaria-ridden mosquitoes, there are certain boundaries. It actually seems like a wardrobe challenge, right? Well, at the risk of being cliché, I have to say that it's actually quite easy, because the most cliché safari gear is - big surprise - the most practical. Shades of olive, khaki, brown and naturals are best, as the local ecologists warn tourists to blend in with nature (it prevents us from being overly disturbing to lions, elephants, and giraffes). So as I shop for my own gear, and add in a few luxury items I only imagine wearing out in the bush, I find myself becoming somewhat of a style guru for first-time safari goers. And here is my recommended list of safari gear with style.
SURVIVAL-MUST-HAVES:
1. A hat to protect the chic safari-goer's precious skin. This one from Urban Outfitters is oh-so-Indiana Jones girl.
2. Long-sleeve, lightweight clothing to protect from mosquitoes. James Perse makes the best shirts (top right), with cozy ribbed cotton at the side panels that hug your curves and prevent your safari shirt from looking boxy and granola-esque.
3. Sunscreen. This powder/sunscreen is a two-in-one powder and SPF 30, to keep your baggage light - and your face fresh and pretty.
4. Sunglasses. The classic Ray Ban aviator. Do I really need to explain this one?
5. Good hiking boots. I've honestly never seen any worth picturing on my site. Have you?
STYLE-MUST-HAVES:
1. Scarves. Scarves and scarves and scarves. I don't care how many you stuff in your carry on, they will never put you over the luggage weight limit, so pack them in for wardrobe versatility, sun and bug protection, and temperature control. Plus they look incredibly stylish.
2. Filson bag. If for no other reason than to break in your bag and give this classic even more of a vintagey, well-worn patina. Soooo British Colonial, n'est pas?
3. Beaded bracelet, or something with a natural feel. This Elizabeth & James version is crafty looking, but if you can buy it from a local market, ditch the designer verison.
4. And the icing on the top of the cake, the ultimate luxury in safari gear, this cropped trench (top left) from Golden Goose. At over $1000, who cares if it's your first time on safari or your 19th. No one would be the wiser.
So what are your thoughts on safari style? I would love to hear from those of you with experience.
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