Camel coat outfits for an effortlessly chic winter look

The beauty of camel coat outfits is that this wardrobe staple will never go out of style. One of the most versatile pieces of outerwear, a camel coat instantly elevates anything it's paired with and can work for all occasions.

If you're looking to create a minimalist capsule wardrobe, there's one type of coat that shouldn't be overlooked - the camel coat. Of all this season's coat trends, the camel coat is the one that endures winter after winter, with camel coat outfits some of the chicest on the block. An enduring style they’ve been draped over the shoulders of some of the most stylish women in the world, from the likes of Marilyn Monroe in the '50s and Princess Diana in the '80s, and in '22 their fashion commodity remains just as high. 

Although you’d be forgiven for assuming camel coats took their name from their sandy shade, the very first iterations were actually made from the fur of a camel, and while this isn't the norm now, the name has stuck. When it comes to selecting a camel coat as your best winter coat, the fabric is all-important here, and it's worth investing in a wool or cashmere blend for softness, warmth, and ultimate style, as this is one design that can last for years. As for camel coat outfits, the possibilities for styling are almost endless. The camel coat has the potential to pull together the most casual of outfits, making even leggings and trainers feel elevated. 

Camel coat outfits: Here's how to style this timeless outerwear piece

Not sure where to start with camel coat outfits? As one of fashion's most timeless pieces, there are a host of silhouettes to choose from when it comes to camel coats. Whether you're looking for the best wool coats, or are after a classic trench coat design, these street-style influencers are serving up plenty of style inspiration for you can put camel coat outfits together with ease.

1. How to style a camel coat with jeans

One of the best camel coat outfits you can style up is with your best jeans, particularly in a mid to light blue wash. The camel and blue work beautifully together, before layering over any of this season's best sweaters for a cozy finish. A great winter outfit idea, pair your coat with mid-blue jeans and a sleek pair of low-heeled ankle boots for a directional feel. For a more casual twist, add your best white trainers - as these are in keeping with the neutral color palette. This look is ideal for those looking to curate an over 50s capsule wardrobe as this style is directional but elegant. And it's an easy look to translate to spring too - just swap your wool, tailored camel coat for your best trench coat. 

A styling tip… Choose wide, straight-leg, or flared jeans to make room for wearing with ankle boots. 

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2. How to style a camel coat with leggings

We’re always big fans of unexpected styling combinations, and, for most people, camel coats aren't a natural partner for leggings outfits, but this pairing works surprisingly well. No longer just for the gym, our best leggings have become a part of our everyday wardrobes, especially when they’re high-waisted or faux leather. We use ours as a vehicle for everything from how to style oversized sweaters, to tucking them into the best winter boots in snowy weather. So, instead of treating leggings like a sportswear item, only layering them with your best fleece, parka, or puffer, opt for a camel coat for a smarter finish.

A styling tip…. Want to dress down your camel coat? Layer your best hoodie underneath and let it peek out the top. 

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3. How to style a camel coat with a dress

What do the best midi dresses and a camel coat have in common? They’re both excellent throw-on-and-go pieces, requiring very little effort to create outfits that feel considered and put together. Midi dresses work perfectly with longline camel coats, and as long as the fit isn’t too A-line, they work great with maxis. Camel coat outfits that combine a coat and a midi dress offer a nice opportunity to play with print and texture too. Team tight-knit jumper dresses with a faux fur or teddy textured camel coat for a cozy look and use the goes-with-anything shade of camel to break up dresses with bold patterns. 

A styling tip…. Worried your coat is too long? Add a pair of heeled boots into the mix for extra height, balancing your outfit proportions to perfection. 

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4. How to style a camel coat for work

Not all workplaces require a strict dress code, but it’s fair to assume you’d always dress smarter for the office than you would when off the clock. Camel coat outfits are ideal for everything 9-5, whether you're looking for a coat to slip on over boardroom-ready pencil skirts and court shoes or a pairing for tailored trousers and a roll neck. 

To update your look from one working day to the next, swap out the self-fabric tie belt on your coat for something more eye-catching - such as one of the best designer belts, or add interest with vibrant accessories. The camel coat's neutral shade makes the perfect backdrop for a colorful scarf or your best designer bag. 

A styling tip… Store coats properly in between and during the season and they can last for years. Make sure to follow care labels carefully and allow coats to hang flat (not squashed) in your closet. If you have a wool or cashmere coat, make sure to have moth-repellent in the wardrobe the coat is stored in.

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5. How to style a camel coat for evening

Camel coat outfits are ideal for evening wear and solve many a sartorial meltdown when you're left wondering how to finish off the perfect party look. And, a camel coat is not just a sophisticated layering piece, it also works with pretty much any color. Even better, the classic shape means it’s not going to steal focus or fight for attention against silky separates or glitzy trousers. Wear open to show off your outfit beneath. 

A styling tip…. If it’s too cold to let go of your coat when you arrive, wearing it slung over your shoulders will add extra warmth without looking like you’re not intending to stay long. 

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6. How to style a camel coat for the weekend

If you wear a uniform Monday to Friday (or work somewhere with a relatively inflexible dress code) the weekend is your opportunity to fully relax into your style and have a little fun with your outfits. A camel coat is the perfect finishing flourish to fit the brief, as it will keep both very casual and smarter outfits on the right side of chic. When it comes to camel coat outfits, there is nothing that this coat can't work its magic on, whether you're wondering how to style cargo pants, or what to wear with wide leg pants, everything works well with a camel coat,

A styling tip…. If your camel coat is straight-cut, break up the colors on your top and bottom half to keep your shape defined. 

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What color goes with a camel coat? 

The great thing about a camel coat is the neutral shade goes with just about anything. It’s super versatile, giving you the opportunity to max out your cost-per-wear with the rest of your wardrobe. Of course, for the color-adverse among us, you can’t go wrong with a camel coat over head-to-toe black. The addition of the camel shade will bring a little bit of interest without stepping too far out of your comfort zone. Sticking to a similar palette of browns and beiges also works well. Layer your camel coat over shades of cream, nutmeg, mocha, and biscuit for a tonal look. If you are into bolder colors, a camel coat is a great way to temper these more scene-stealing shades. Blue sits on the opposite side of the color wheel to camel, which will really make it pop. Camel will also tone down red, which sets next to it on the color wheel. As a general rule, yellow and green shouldn’t be paired with camel unless the yellow is very bright and the green has a more olive tone. 

Are camel coats out of style?

Some trends come and go (teeny tiny micro bags and oversized collars spring to mind) while others keep on giving season after season. Camel coats certainly don’t slot into the category of transient trends, with a cemented status as a wardrobe staple alongside pieces like a crisp white shirt and straight-leg blue jeans. They’re a true classic and will make any outfit feel infinitely more chic. 

Of course, camel is a color, not a shape, and there are certain styles of coat that date quicker than others, but camel coats are not one of them. To make sure your camel coat never goes out of style, invest in a single or double-breasted coat with a straight shape that finishes below the knee, or, ideally, mid-calf. Worried this cut will swamp your frame? A style that’s belted at the waist will allow you to define your middle.