Tribal passions:It's time to take a walk on the wild side of style

The tempratures are yet to soar but fashion is well and truly ahead of Mother Nature and is already turning up the heat for your summer wardrobe. Inspiration comes from far-flung climes as the trends turn tribal. Ethnic chic comes to the fore (yet again), but you can look thoroughly on trend by updating last year's musthaves with edgy accessories and splashes of bold colour. Team with khaki and leopard print for that African Queen look or opt for funky prints and neon brights to stand out from the crowd.


Styling by : Georgina Heffernan
Photography: Adrian Heffernan

Clothes from a selection at Rococco boutique, Clerys, and House of Frazer

.

TRIBAL GATHERING: Get on board with global chic.

　

AS THE new spring fashions hit the shelves, the temptation to buy an entire new wardrobe is hard to resist. But the easiest way to update an outfit is to modernise your look with the latest accessories. Pick between pretty boho looks or open your wardrobe to global influences with ethnic embroidery and tribal jewellery hitting the high street.

 International catwalks have adopted an air of jet-set chic with the four corners of the globe providing the backdrop.Gucci, Matthew Williamson and Missoni all took the fashion world on a far-flung adventure with elements of African tribal brights, Indonesian Ikat prints and Egyptian gilt-edged detailing.

You don't need a round-the-world ticket to channel the global vibe.Africana - forget traditional safari khakis, if you want to make a statement go wild with vivid tribal prints. From workwear to evening glamazon, Africana is your visa to get spicy with your style. Seek out traditional tribal prints in modern shapes for a 2011 urban twist on this globe-trotting look and pile on bold statement jewellery in abundance.

The tribal look is instantly recognisable and therefore easy to adapt on the high street, which is why you'll be finding a lot of earth tones, wooden accessories and striking prints in your favourite fashion stores. Monsoon has a great range of dresses, from shifts to maxis, which means sister store Accessorize is the place to go for accessories.

DAYTIME TRIBAL: This season's tribal trend may be tipped towards the "glamazon" but you don't have to do full-on drama.For a relaxed Africa-inspired look, either work with earthy tones as a base and inject flashes of eye-popping colours like yellow, orange, green or flamered, or try a tribal print top or dress in more muted hues.

SUNDOWN SAFARI: Unleash your wild side with tribal-by-night. Think colourful zig-zag prints mixed with sparkling embellishment details on necklines and waists..Turn to strong tribal prints in vibrant colours and team with towering strappy heels. If you're working a trend-led evening dress, stick to luxurious fabrics like silk but if you're going for separates, turn up the heat by choosing eye-catching feather or sequin detailing.
.
TRIBAL TRINKETS: Stacks of print wooden bangles piled high on wrists and  necks make a bold style statement. Even a plain dress, or skirt and top combo, can be brought to life with this season's tribal statement extras.So turn your outfit into an accessories jungle! Break the rules and don't be afraid of clashing tribal-inspired prints, leopard spots and loud colours.

"Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary." Cecil Beaton

.

.

Safari chic

Yves Saint Laurent introduced his first safari jackets in the late sixties, and they've been a fashion staple ever since. Almost every summer it‘s showcased on the international catwalks of Paris, New York, London and Milan , eventually trickling down to the high street stores.

 The safari look is the fashion world's cockroach: no matter what you do to get rid of it, it keeps scuttling back. Which is amazing when you consider how completely daft it is, when dressing to go to work, to dress as if you are about to jump in the back of a Jeep and drive around looking for buffalo. So, when it comes to this particular style of dressing, remember that a little goes a long, long way.

 

Shirt dresses, dresses, jackets and slim-fitting skirts are a key feature of safari style and should be teamed with loose-woven linen, cotton or even chiffon tops in earthy, natural shades. Mix loose linens with animal prints to update the trend.

 Although it isn't sizzling, you can keep warm by layering with parkas and tribal-print tops. New Look is great for cheap, casual separates. You can even adapt the look for the evening by ditching the sandals and shorts for a sexier print dress.

Natural, earthy tones look spectacular when teamed with leopard or zebra prints and they work particularly when you team them with basics such as infantry-inspired jackets, cargo pants and safari shirt dresses. Accessorise your look with bangles, particularly ethnic or wooden styles -layer different styles for a really modern look.

 If you are worried about what styles suit you, here are a few pointers: Delicate wrists and long fingers should wear minimal styles which won't make them look out of proportion. Small hands should go for ornaments that won't overpower them with too much clutter. Broader hands can choose chunkier, beaded bracelets as well as a chunky cuff. Once you've your safari look styled to perfection, you might just feel tempted to go on the hunt for a prey of your very own.

Key pieces:

SEXY SHIRT-DRESS This is an easy garment to wear - it's very comfortable but gives you that dressed-up look. You could accessorise with African-inspired chunky beads and wooden wedges, or add a dash of colour with a scarf tied around the neck. Neutral shades of stone, khaki and chocolate are a must.


SENSATIONAL SHORTS I think city fitted shorts will stay fashionable for a long time. A pair in natural khaki worn with a fitted cotton or linen shirt is relaxed yet formal enough for the working environment."


JAUNTY JACKET The safari jacket is a real classic. It has always been around and will continue to be, it will ensure you look like the coolest intrepid explorer in the city.


ACCESSORISE One of the key aspects of this look is the addition of wooden beads and bangles. Statement

pieces such as wooden bangles can be stacked up and big wooden beads dangling around the neck are a big part of the look and add to the effect.





"Chanel gave women freedom but Saint Laurent gave them power.„ Pierre Berge





*SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE DAILY FASHION, BEAUTY AND CELEBRITY BLOG POSTS.