Style Desk: Summer safari

Gladiator sandals:
You might not wear these on a cross-country expedition, but you'll wear them all summer in the city.

Tiyana's tip: If you're petite, flat gladiators tend to make you look shorter. The beauty of these wedges is that they elongate the foot and leg with a good amount of height, and the colour is close to skintone so it blends with your leg rather than cutting it off. Wear them to the office with white trousers and a nipped-waist jacket. Or pair them with tailored shorts or jeans if you've got weekend plans.
Nine West, $115. Sizes 5–10. ninewest.ca,
1(866)993-9378.

Animal-print swimsuit:
The desert theme translates beautifully in two-tone for the beach.

Deborah's tip: If you're small-busted but sporting a little tummy, this is a terrific choice because the solid-coloured torso slims, while the patterned bodice makes your bust look fuller. And if you can match the browns with a chocolate-hued skirt, this one-piece number could definitely be worn out, aprés-beach, in the evening.
Swimsuit, Christina, $88.
Sizes 8–16. sea-swimwear.com,
1 (800)463-7946.

Savannah-style wrap dress:
This dress is pure Meryl Streep in Out of Africa.

Tiyana's tip: Oh, the trusty wrap dress! You can't beat its waist-cinching flattery. The brown is moody and deep enough to wear all summer with your peep-toed sandals (wear gold to brighten things up), and once fall hits, team it with a cardigan, cocoa-coloured tights and boots.
Esprit, $120. Sizes 0–12. esprit.com,
1(866)4-ESPRIT).

Animal-print bangles:
These graphic bracelets are a quick and simple way to add a little safari style to your summer wardrobe.

Deborah's tip: These bangles complement all the sandy safari shades, but look equally dramatic throughout the year layered on black.
From top: 1 and 2, Africharisma, $40 each. 3, Aldo Accessories, two for $20. 4, Zad, $14. 5, Africharisma, $40. 6, Aldo, two for $20.

Canvas and wicker tote:
Forget grandma's old wicker satchel. This cotton canvas bag interprets straw in a super-sophisticated way.

Tiyana's tip: While basketweaves tend to remind me of the beach, I love how this wicker mixes with canvas. Wear this one to a patio with a pretty dress and gold flats.
Nine West bag, $100. ninewest.ca, 1(866)993-9378.

Safari jacket:
This jacket reminds us of the safari-themed fashions innovated by the great designer Yves Saint Laurent in the 1960s. This new take from Michael Michael Kors strips away any unwanted trendiness, as was Saint Laurent's tendancy, and retains a sleek but casual cool.

Deborah's tip: Wear this with white in July and August and switch it up with your jeans or black for warm autumn months.
Michael Michael Kors jacket, $225. Sizes 0–16. 1(866)733-5677.