Take your wardrobe on a stylish journey

As summer approaches, thoughts turn to holidays abroad to escape the heat.

From spicy journeys around India, cultural trips around China or the chance to lounge on white sands on a paradise island far from the hustle and bustle of the UAE, most people will be planning at least a couple of weeks away.

However, if you’re not jetting off this season, you can still take a journey overseas - in your wardrobe. No need for a round-the-world ticket because this season fashion has gone global.

Far-flung inspirations range from Latino Mexican styling to an explosion of ethnic Indian colour. You can take the tourist approach and just add a statement accessory or trinket, or go full-on native with a top-to-toe ensemble that really captures the spirit of the destination.

Be sure to give your drab and dull clothes a vacation - the global trend is loud, packed with texture and usually adorned with accessories aplenty. This is traveller chic at its glossiest but the beauty is that most of it will work for the urban jungle - the office, your local bar or even a trip to the mall.

Time to get packing for style’s great escape…

African adventure

Safari chic isn’t exactly a new concept for the summer season but the catwalk’s latest reincarnation has got the tribal look beating to a different drum. African artisan influences were big on the spring/summer catwalks with details like ikat prints, intricate beading and woven raffia. Khakis and neutrals have taken a hike this year to make way for bold vibrant prints. Wear with a crisp white shirt or tee if you want to tame them down. When it comes to accessories, go crafty with homespun touches like fringing, beadwork and macrame detailing.

Egyptian spirit

If the idea of a monochromatic palette or being draped in gold appeals, Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra should be your summer style icon. Walk like an Egyptian in hieroglyphic prints, sphinx references and gold, gold, gold. For something quirky, the high street has even delivered Eye of Horus and Mau cat motifs. Topshop mixed its Egyptian-inspired Unique collection with Nineties New York for a hip-hop modern take. Don’t leave the house without some serious gold bling. Look for Egyptian artefact-style accessories for an authentic goddess look.

Mexicana mood

Fashion’s doing the Mexican wave this season. Grab your Margarita and burrito and add Latino touches to your wardrobe for a hot summer look. Brave the brights and hunt out aztec prints with flashes of fiery reds, oranges and yellows.

Homespun embroidery and cool crochet is another key detail if you want to go more low-key. Look for aztec or floral detailing for laid-back Mexicana at its best.

Avoid the sombrero to make your Mexican look less fancy-dress and add a touch of luxury with beaded statement necklaces, heavily embroidered bags and bright bangles.

Indian summer

Turn up the heat with an ensemble that screams exotic glamour. Take inspiration from the beautiful silk saris of India, long kaftan-style dresses in rich jewel hues like purple or green. They’re ideal to take you from beach to bars - just add heels and jewellery. Vivid scarf prints on maxis and tops are another way to experiment. From clothing to accessories, heavy embellishment is key so don’t skimp on the magpie jewels. Trinket-style jewellery in gold tones will transform you into an Indian princess in the blink of an eye.