Safari chic

Discover a chic new look — a look that delivers the romance of faraway lands, the excitement of exploration and the color combinations of exotic cultures and creatures. We call it "modern safari," and it's a direction many designers have taken this spring. You'll see it everywhere, from earrings to footwear and more, across lines ranging from Michael Kors to Diane von Furstenberg to Stephen Dweck.

Indeed, "the global wanderer was an inspiration on many spring runways," affirms Neiman Marcus style director Ken Downing. Of course, modern safari isn't a look to be taken literally. (It's not a costume, after all!) Rather, it's a masterful melange, a "mix of prints and bold, chunky jewelry," Downing says. It's a little global, a little groovy. And while the look may hark back to earlier eras, today's safari style is firmly rooted in the here and now, thanks to urban elements like bold bangles and touches of turquoise or coral, he says.
Some more guidance: Keep colors basic, as in all-over olive or the classic zebra combo of white and black. When it comes to accessories, either gold or silver will do. Accessories go the extra mile when they incorporate natural elements or textures — think straw, bamboo and beading. Easy on the animal prints, if you use them at all.

Instead embrace modern safari classics like the khaki trench or slouchy olive green trousers.

So go ahead, blaze a trail to your brave new safari-inspired style.

You'll never go back . . . until next season brings something new.

— A Study in Contrasts: Sophia Eugene's kicky, bubble-hemmed black-and-white dress ($298, A. Hooper & Co., 817-348-9911) gets the uptown treatment thanks to Cole Haan's oversize "Denney" bag in orange woven leather ($525, Stanley Eisenman's Fine Shoes, www.stanleyeisenmanshoes.com) and a multi-stranded bracelet crafted from thin ropes of braided white leather brought together by a magnetic gold-tone clasp ($180, A. Hooper & Co). (Shoes are the model's own.)

— Crocodile Smile: Small coral-colored stones provide colorful contrast to these bold bronze earrings by Stephen Dweck ($440, Neiman Marcus) and to Alice + Olivia's "lili"dress ($367 at Neiman Marcus), which boasts layers of creamy lace that capture the energy of every movement. Providing an extra layer of shine is a silk and cotton cardigan flecked with gold ($89, Ann Taylor). On her feet are Tory Burch gold and raffia "Joy" sandals ($275, Head Over Heels, www.headoverheelsshoes.com), while an oversize saddle-stamped croc clutch from Cole Haan ($425, Stanley Eisenman's Fine Shoes) ensures a place for everything that's essential.

— Sophisticated Safari: It's a little bit safari, a little bit military, but mostly just fabulous. It's Diane von Furstenberg's olive cotton "Aria" wrap dress ($365, Neiman Marcus) accessorized with must-have pieces like these resin bamboo bangles by Alexis Bittar ($125 and $140, Neiman Marcus) and an antiqued, oversize metal cuff bracelet ($680, Neiman Marcus) — worn all on one arm for maximum impact. Then there's a miniaudiere from Elaine Turner that pairs woven reeds with cheetah-print beads ($220, Head Over Heels) and the shoes de resistance, leather and gold-tone ring double-ankle-wrap sandals from Juicy Couture ($238, Head Over Heels).

— Pulp Fashion: For safari style that not only looks good but also does good, pile on baubles from Bagala Beads. These colorful necklaces and bracelets ($15-$22, Hoola Hoops, 817-283-4417) are handmade entirely from recycled materials, including magazine pages, by women in Uganda. A portion of the proceeds returns to Africa to support schooling for orphans (bagalabeads.com).

— An Adventurous Attitude: Hands down, these rough-hewn metal rings from award-winning Los Angeles jewelry designer David Tishbi ($94-$169, www.davidtishbi.com) add a shock of attitude and a dose of style to this already chic ensemble of a bark-colored Burberry windbreaker ($395, Neiman Marcus) and silk blend accent scarf ($59, Ann Taylor).

— Cargo Vroom: These army green cargo pants by twilltwentytwo ($152, Dolce Vita, www.dolcevitafw.com) are made of an ultrasoft bamboo fabric and feature circular front pockets partially surrounded by seaming detail. A simple white cotton tank ($8.50, Old Navy) and a coffee-colored wrap sweater from Anne Klein ($79, Dillard's) add to the easy, casual look. But there's one piece adding oomph to it all: a handmade statement necklace made of small aluminum squares by LaureLuxe of New York City (price on request, www.laureluxe.com).

— Out of Africa: This safari-style shirt gets the luxury treatment in chocolate brown silk with bow-accented and ruched long sleeves ($89, Ann Taylor) worn with leaf-shaped gold-tone drop earrings ($175, Neiman Marcus). A pair of ever-so-trendy Current/Elliott boyfriend capris in lightly distressed denim brings this elegant ensemble back down to earth ($206, A. Hooper & Co.).
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