I have to admit, this is one trend I loved the second it hit the runways. The thing is…I would not classify this as a trend. The classic shapes and colors seen here are timeless. They work well with women of all ages too.

Safari chic is nothing new but this season there are some wonderful new twists that make the trend fresh and exciting. In 2009 we will see more structured cargo pieces are being paired with draped pieces to soften the look.

You can’t pull off safari without a hint of animal prints. How many kinds you wear at once depends on how brave you are but my rule of thumb is to wear animal prints on accessories or as accents only…. but that’s just me!

Look for African inspired jewelry made of chuncky resin, horn, antique metal finishes and unexpected materials like hemp or bamboo cord.

Cargo pockets are useful for storing ipods or lassos (think Indiana Jones). So its only natural to see pockets o’plenty on everything from pants to purses.

Finish off the look with a wide brimmed hat or fedora and the ever-so-cool aviator glasses. Its a jungle out there…might as well dress the part and look great too!

Dear Oligo Editor,

From runways to celebrities, I’ve been seeing a lot of chicks dressed up like dudes lately. I’ve tried and tried to wear my man’s clothes, but I end up looking like I’m in drag. How can I pull off the latest menswear trend without looking like I raided my boyfriends closet? Please help!—Lost in a Mans World, San Francisco

Dear Lost in SF,

Let me first pay tribute to the fashion Gods and remind you that man-inspired women’s wear was made famous decades ago by Yves Saint Laurent and the sexy tuxedo. Stop borrowing your beau’s clothes immediately, my confused friend. Baggy (and probably smelly) jeans, dirty flannels, and so-big-that-you-trip shoes are not cute nor are they fashion forward.

The inspiration behind the menswear trend is meant to accentuate femininity and highlight ones curves. When creating your look, steal only one or two pieces from the boys. Wear a man’s vest over your favorite dress or blouse. Try pairing man-inspired shoes with your jeans. Pair some wide-legged pants with a ruffly and ever-so feminine blouse. Wear a man’s blazer with some skinny jeans and heels. Accesorizing this trend is fun with a plethora of choices. Go with girlie by piling on bangles and long necklaces or finish off your look with a stylish fedora.

The beauty of this menswear trend is that it is a classic and timeless style. So your purchases will serve you well for years to come. There is no need to break the bank but a few key pieces from the list below (that you might already have) will help make your woMANly debut:

• Tuxedo trousers
• Well-tailored blazers
• Sharp vests
• Button-down shirts
• High-heeled bootie shoes
• Wide-legged pants
• Lace-up shoes
• Hats: Fedoras, newspaper boy caps
• Masculine dresses (with tuxedo belts or a front-button)
• Manly prints: dark checks, argyle, large stripes
• Menswear fabrics: Houndstooth and tweeds
• Briefcase style bags

Stay Stylish,

Oligo Editor

Got a fashion dilemma?! Email the Oligoville editors for a rapid solution at Claudette@oligoville.com

Photo credits: Elle.com, Mango.com, ThisNext.com, Flickr.