Journey into the wild with the timeless safari trend. Lisa Haynes shows how to be a style adventurer

FORGET spotting the Big Five; simply go on the prowl for this season’s safari trend instead. Because the foundations of this look – muted tones and animal prints – are so timeless, safari is revisited on the catwalks year after year.

If you’re worried about investing in a high summer trend and not having enough mileage in your clothing, don’t. Rev up your jeep because, with some styling reinvention, the components of safari can work just as well for autumn.

Khaki cover THE ultimate in utilitarian chic, khakis are the no-fuss approach to fashion. Think of this practical green tone as summer’s alternative to black.

Ideal for the urban jungle, sleek khaki separates and dresses are a cool twist on stuffy officewear. Avoid unflattering game ranger linens and opt for fluid silk-like fabrics for comfort.

Keep your body shape in mind when it comes to detailing on khaki. Avoid pocket detailing in places where you don’t want to add bulk to your frame and look for ruched ties if you want to pull in your silhouette at the waist.

If you want to dial up your khakis for afterdark, add statement jewellery, like wide cuffs or an oversized necklace.

AUTUMN RE-SPIN: Recycle your khakis for next season’s military trend.

Toughen up pocket shirts and dresses with lashings of black leather and heavy overcoats.

Animal camo FOR a bolder take on safari, be inspired by the Big Five with animal print. Ignore elephant grey until autumn and make a leap for big cat-inspired pieces. The bolder the print, the bigger the impact. If you want to stay semi-camouflaged, look for muted leopard prints with subtle spots.

For a twist on the traditional leopard colourway, try zebra stripes in cool black and white. For a low contrast print, try exotic snakeskin, or be adventurous with bold giraffe splodges (heightening benefits not included).

Animal print is the perfect accompaniment to just about any colour. If you can’t shake off the image of Bet Lynch, work an accent print via your accessories, whether it’s a statement scarf, shoes or clutch bag.

AUTUMN RE-SPIN: It’s a classic leopard print takeover next season. Wear it teamed with dark colours for a mega-luxe look that you can wear day or night.

Neutral navigation PULL together a base camp of neutrals in offwhite, stone and tan. While temperatures are still desert-like, make like a safari explorer by layering sheer shirts and lightweight knits over cargo shorts – with this all-neutral palette, you’ll create a flattering tonal look.

Keep your pieces stripped back and unfussy.

Whether it’s a tan leather jacket or white shirt, opt for a collarless style for a clean, modern look.

The addition of accessories will really take your look into safari territory. Try a panama hat with a tan leather band, or bat back the rays in a raffia visor to really look like you’re spotting cheetahs in the African plains.

Go hands-free with a tan leather satchel bag, but make sure the leather is pre-weathered.

You want it to look as if it’s accompanied you on endless dusty jeep journeys carrying your zoom lenses and big cat checklist.

AUTUMN RE-SPIN: Staples like a tan leather skirt are perfect for next season’s 1970s trend. Wear with black opaques and polo-neck jumper or printed blouse for some retro styling.