What does the word classic mean to you? One dictionary defines it as “serving as the established model or standard”, while another suggests that it’s “simple and harmonious; elegant”. We think that describes the camel coat perfectly; its appeal is timeless.
Its latest reincarnation began in 2010, when it filled the pages of print publications and online blogs alike, and was worn by everyone from trendsetters to followers. It featured in work by fashion photographers like Scott Schuman and Tommy Ton, and on the catwalks of that year. Vogue urged: “If you buy only one coat this season, make it camel”, and: “Invest now, you’ll wear it forever”. It seems as if the writer had also researched the definition of classic!
Unlike the fast demise of some other must-haves, this one has lasted. Of course, it has never really left us, so scouring vintage shops and fairs could be very rewarding. This time around, though, it has been patronised by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Carine Rotfield, former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, both wearing Max Mara, while New York stylist and designer Natasha Goldenberg threw her oversized garment over brightly striped Carven trousers.
As Goldenberg demonstrated with effortless flair, the camel coat continues to make a statement in all its manifestations, whether it’s with the addition of those blocks of colour, or with leather, denim, or more formal attire. Whoever you are, or whatever you are (even if you’re a bit of a chameleon), there’s a way for you to wear camel.
Try classic styling with cuffs, a deep collar, roomy pockets and faux horn buttons. Team with a lightweight sweater and tailored trousers, and add a simple gold necklace for class. Switch to a linen version in mild weather, and for evenings, wear it over deeper colours.
If, however, you’re keener to re-invent camel for today, add vibrancy with bright red, or contrast with dark brown. A striped top, in whichever shades take your fancy, will do the trick, too. White will give depth to the muted shades of camel – how about a shiny white handbag? Black patent would have a similar effect. For style alternatives, choose a belted three-quarter length option, with brown buckle and buttons, or go for one with a fake fur collar.
Let’s turn to that dictionary one more time. “Formal, refined and restrained in style” fits well, but we prefer “having lasting significance or worth; enduring”. That just about sums up the camel coat, a true classic.
The featured photo is comes courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar
Emily Luciano wears a camel coat with layered tops of beige tones, and cropped black cigarette trousers. She finishes the look with a chunky oversized scarf and punk-esque black heeled boots.
Coat: Forever 21, Top: Vince, Trousers: Zara.
Erica Hoida is totally glam in this gorgeous winter style, consisting of thigh high suede boots, a matching suede jacket with belt detailing, and a classic camel overcoat. Give this look a try and be sure to achieve immediate sophistication!
Coat: Sezane, Suede Jacket: AllSaints Sweater: Faith Connection, Boots: Stuart Weitzman, Bag: Chloe.
You absolutely must have a camel coat this season! Karolina shows the timeless elegance of this piece, wearing it over a chic white blouse and a pair of black denim cut offs. Throw on a beanie to get that Christmas feel!
Coat: House of Mackage.
Sasha Simon wears this gorgeous overcoat style camel coat with distressed black skinny jeans, a knitted polo neck sweater, and a pair of statement heels to inject some colour into the outfit.
Brands not specified.
Barbora Ondrackova rocks a classic everyday look here in a pair of leather leggings and an oversized camel coat. This contrast of the tight fitting leather and the deliberately structured coat makes for a cool, androgynous style which we love!
Coat: Topshop, Top: Proenza Schouler, Leggings: Balenciaga.
Kat Tanita is sleek and sophisticated in this gorgeous classic camel coat, worn with black jeans and over the knee suede boots for a chic everyday style. Wear this look with a leather bag and shades to complete the outfit!
Coat: Tempo, Sweater: Vince, Jeans: Paige, Boots: Stuart Weitzman, Bag: Proenza Schouler.
Camel coats are an absolute must have this fall! Zoé Alalouch is wearing this gorgeous Sezane piece over a knitted sweater, paired with distressed denim jeans and a pair of suede chelsea boots.
Coat: Sezane, Jumper/Jeans: Mango, Boots: Zara.
Beatrice Gutu looks ultra chic in this retro outfit consisting of a maxi camel coat, distressed high waisted jeans, and a pair of classic Adidas Stan Smith sneakers.
Coat: Missguided, Turtleneck: Zara, Jeans: Asos, Sneakers: Adidas.
Kayla Seah rocks this double breasted camel jacket.
Coat: Sezane, Blouse: The Kooples, Jeans: Acne, Sneakers: Common Projects, Bag: Celine, Bracelet: Jenny Bird.
Alexandra Guerain is wearing a classic Miss Guided camel coat
Anna Vershinina is wearing a camel long sleeve belt woolen coat from Sheinside
Blair Eadie is wearing a camel oversized maxi coat from Mason
Veronica Ferraro is wearing a long camel coat from Asos
Cindy Van Der Heyden is wearing a long robe camel coat from Mango
Camel Coat Trend 2015: Caroline Louis is wearing a camel coat from Zara
Johanna Olsson is wearing a classic camel coat from Selected Femme
Nika Huk is wearing a classic camel coat from Zara
Camel Coat Outfits: Jacey Duprie is wearing a camel coat from Zara
Caroline Louis is wearing a camel coat and shoes from Zara, ripped jeans from Frame Denim, Chambray shirt from TopShop and the red bag is from Chanel
Classic Camel Coat: Chriselle Lim is wearing a camel coat from Aritzia
Crystal Yeoms is wearing a camel coat from Tara Jarmon
Annie Ericson is wearing a camel coat and ripped black skinny jeans
Charlotte Hellberg is wearing a camel coat from & Other Stories
Shea Marie is wearing a long camel coat from Forever 21
Magdalena Knitter is wearing a cashmere camel coat from LeBrand
Paulien Riemis is wearing a camel coat from Massimo Dutti
Lisa Olsson is wearing a wool blend camel coat from BikBok
Petra Tungården is wearing a classic camel coat
Tine Andrea is wearing shoes from Alexander Wang, blazer from Hugo Boss, top from Zara, Camel coat, sunglasses from RayBan and the clutch is from Acne
Anouska Proetta Branson is wearing a vintage camel coat, crop top from H&M, skirt from Folkstersuede, shoes from Office and sunglasses from Mink Pink
Levi Nguyen is wearing a camel coat and jeans and top from Mango and shoes from Zara
Doina Is Wearing Shirt From Addison, Jumper From Aber Crombie & Fitch, Suit Pants From Escada, Air Max Trainers From Nike and Camel Coat From MaxMara Coat
Arty Filles Wearing Camel Coat And Top By Zara, Jumper By COS
The Daileigh Wearing Camel Coat, H&M Jeans, And Lauren Marinis Shoes
Stella Wants To Die In Camel Coat And Black Skirt
Stockholm Street Style Camel Coat From Filippa K, Bag From Celine Velvet Jeans From Citizens of Humanity Cashmere Knit By Caroline Blomst And Shoes By Minna Parikka
February 2014 Street Style From The Sartorialist
Barefoot Blonde In Coat From SheInside And Dress From Helmut Lang Photography By Jessica Janae Photography
Camel Coat Street Style Paris Fashion Week Photography By Diego Zuko For Harpers Bazaar
