Whether you're going to Kruger Park or the Phoenix Park, you should always dress appropriately when visiting the animal kingdom writes Deirdre McQuillan.
"Safari" means "journey" in Swahili, and whether you're off to the plains of Africa or simply exploring Dublin Zoo, the first rule for cool dressing is to blend into the background, so leave zany, predatory prints at home. Camouflage shades and earthy colours set the tones (and flatter fair, Irish skins). These tones can be brightened up with full skirts, white shirts and, most essential of all, sleek canvas jackets dressed up with saddle bags and chunky belts. Khaki or military greens shape up sharply with black or cream, and a classic shirtdress in sand-coloured linen or broderie anglaise is kept simple, slung with decorative coin or feather belts. Natural fabrics - linen, cotton, silk, leather - are essential out in the bush. Riding boots are the best bet for striding through long grasses. Cropped workaday-style shirts worn with green combats and cardigans are practical gear, designed for action. Bold beads borrowed from the style of Masai warriors, worn in ropes around the neck, add focus and drama. The look is low-key, low maintenance and all about adventure. Yves St Laurent reworked safari jackets and suits season after season and the trend continues to make fashion statements on and off the runway.