My friends at Saint and Sophia recently gifted me this gorgeous safari jacket. It is the perfect short trench that is timeless and literally goes so well with so many items. If you’re looking for a classic piece to add to your wardrobe, a safari jacket for women is it!
What is a Safari Jacket?
A safari jacket, also known as a bush jacket, was designed specifically for going on safari in Africa. I actually went on a Safari when I visited South Africa, by the way. Safari jackets are light-weight and made of cotton or poplin. Traditionally, they are a khaki color, with a belt and lots of pockets. In the 19th century, European soldiers wore these light-colored jackets when they were in warm climates.
The earliest reference of a safari jacket came in the 1930s. In 1939, Abercrombie and Fitch actually advertised safari jackets, shorts and pants. Safari jackets gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s thanks to designers like Yves Saint Laurent.
Why I Love Women’s Safari Jackets
The thing I love so much about my jacket is the color. The classic beige trench-style safari jacket will always be in style. I worked at the Banana Republic back in the early 2000s for almost 6 years, and this is a style I would see every year. Sometimes they are longer or shorter. Sometimes they have more or fewer pockets. But, the general style is always around. Another thing I love about this particular safari jacket is the tie at the waist. When you find a piece with a cross-over front and tie waist, it instantly creates an hourglass shape, which is so flattering. I also love the extra details with the buttons and pockets.
{Stacey’s Look: Jacket; Jeans; Booties; Bag (similar; similar)}
Where to Find a Quality Safari Jacket
When it comes to clothes, most of the time I suggest splurging on the classic pieces. This is one example. Spending a bit more on this safari jacket for women makes sense because I am certain it’s a piece you will hold onto for a long time. I tend to choose less expensive items when it comes to current trends. But I always spend more on quality pieces that I know I will have forever. Handbags, shoes and jackets generally fall into my quality over quantity category.
If you’re looking to add a quality safari jacket to your wardrobe, you can find them in a variety of price ranges. As I mentioned above, a lot of high-end designers bring this style back year after year. But you can also find a lot of great mid-range price points for this jacket, such as mine. The quality is amazing, but under $200, I think it’s still quite affordable.
How to Style a Safari Jacket
Styling safari jackets for women is actually so easy. They look great with slacks, jeans, or even shorts. Just today, I learned more about the history of this trend and the fact that soldiers used to wear full safari suits, with either shorts or trowsers. Given this item’s history, clearly I think you can wear this as a matching set. I actually think shorts look so great with safari jackets.
I opted to pair them with grey jeans for a super neutral look. I added a bold lip for a little bit of color, but left the rest of the look really neutral. I did add an animal print bag, as I like the added texture and also a bit of a play on the safari theme with an animal print. I personally don’t think my jacket would look as good with a dress or skirt since the length hits right at the hip. However, if it was slightly longer or shorter, I do think it could work well with the right pencil skirt or bodycon dress.
If you’re interested in adding a safari jacket to your wardrobe, here are some of my favorites. If you’re looking for other fall and winter fashion, click here or here.
9 Safari Jackets I Adore
[show_boutique_widget id=”1111826″]
View Comments (1)
Great tips! I always like to plan my outfits a head of time.