10 camel coats to buy now and wear forever

The best camel coats are versatile, flattering, and endlessly stylish. From supermodels to royalty, this piece of outerwear has been worn throughout history by the chicest women imaginable. What other coat comes with such enduring appeal?

Certainly one of the best winter coats of all time, camel coats have timeless appeal. The earliest incarnations of the wardrobe staple were swathes of fabric made from the ultra-soft hair of Bactrian camel. They were worn by wealthy Tartan and Mongolian rulers, and the material became synonymous with luxury. Though it’s now more common for camel coats to be cut from wool or cashmere (as well as polyester and other man-made fabrics), the style has retained all of its luxe status and never fails to spruce up any outfit. 

A bona fide fashion editor favourite, Max Mara’s signature honey-hued 101801 icon coat put the camel cover-up firmly at the top of the fashion agenda when it debuted in 1981. Almost forty years later, it remains as relevant and desirable as ever. But no matter your budget, there are pieces from high-end to high street that will fill the space in your wardrobe that only a camel coat can properly occupy. 

The best camel coats, as chosen by a fashion editor

The key to a camel coat with longevity is a timeless silhouette. From tailored to teddy-textured, camel coats come in many forms, with each one well-deserving a spot in your capsule wardrobe.

Of course, we couldn’t resist including the ultimate fashion-editor fave. A bonafide icon dating back to the ‘80s, it also captures the autumn/winter fashion trends 2023 perfectly. Crafted in Italy from a wool and cashmere blend, it's oh-so-soft on the skin. It has a looser fit with draped sleeves and a belt to help define the waist and streamline the silhouette. Wear from one winter to the next, styled up with a pair of the best winter boots, and you’ll be the envy of every fashionista. 

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The closest thing to stepping out in your dressing gown, a robe coat is the cosiest of cover-ups. Famously worn by Marilyn Monroe, a robe coat makes for a feminine and flattering silhouette that oozes Hollywood glamour. Mango's slightly slouchy version of the camel coat offers a trend-led take that we spotted in Milan Fashion Week street style shots, and it will last far beyond this season. A much more affordable option than MaxMara but with a very similar feel, it's a foolproof autumn purchase.

The best puffer jackets for women offer both style and warmth for the frostier months. When combined with a sophisticated camel hue, this jacket pretty much offers everything you could want from a winter coat. In a flattering longer cut that's fully padded with a built-in hood, it's no match for windy weather. Whilst wool styles are brilliant for building a capsule wardrobe for work, the padded design gives this piece a more casual aesthetic that can be styled with some chunky trainers or furry boots.

This simplistic design from Zara has a relaxed fit for that borrowed-from-the-boys look, ideal for layering over chunky jumpers. Double-breasted styles are always a smart choice for autumn outfit ideas for women over 50, and the oversized lapels give it a modern edge. Made from 50% wool it will keep you cosy during the transitional months, and the true camel hue means you can rely on this piece still being on trend when next winter comes.

No conversation about camel coats can be complete without the mention of the best trench coats. A wardrobe staple in itself, when realised in camel tones it makes for a piece guaranteed to be worn forever. The OG Burberry trench coat is still as practical and stylish as ever. Crafted from cotton, it has all the traditional features including a storm flap, double-breasted fastening, a classic collar, and the iconic checked lining. It certainly isn't a budget buy, but if you're ready to invest in a coat now that you'll wear forever, a Burberry trench is it. 

Hobbs are pros at mastering contemporary and timeless pieces that help form the backbone of a winter capsule wardrobe and this coat is no exception. We love the unique collar-less design that sets this apart from other belted camel coats, whilst the A-line shape and panelled finish make for a truly flattering fit. Made from 100% wool, it will keep you warm no matter the weather - just finish it off with one of the best scarves for women.

While the refined nature of the camel coat lends itself to smarter occasions, it can work for off-duty wear too. Case in point: this parka design. The best parka coats are just as timeless as trenches, but with a slightly cooler edge. With handy oversized pockets and a slouchy hood, this piece is sleek without being too formal. Made from a wool blend it isn't waterproof, but it has a range of practical elements that will keep the winter chill out. For a workwear piece or a weekend take on the camel coat, this item can do it all.

If you want your camel coat to have a rebellious spin, then consider opting for a leather jacket. One of the biggest Paris Fashion Week street style trends, colourful and brown pieces have been declared firmly in for this season, so there's no time like the present to invest. With handy zip pockets and a classic round neckline, it has a sophisticated appeal. Made from 100% leather, this simple staple will last a lifetime if cared for properly. 

Chilly mornings and evenings call for snuggly, comforting layers in which to envelop ourselves, and this is where the teddy coat excels. Though the texture can sometimes verge on nubbly, this version is irresistibly soft with a smoother touch than some other teddy fabrics, making it a winner in our books. The statement collar and button-up front work to make this playful fabric more chic, all for a delightfully reasonable price. One of the toastiest coats out there, it will work with any outfit, but works especially well layered with one of the best Christmas jumpers this season.

This tailored camel coat will lend a smart finish to any outfit and stand out amongst your outerwear collection. If our Reiss coats review hasn't convinced you to invest in one of the brand's jackets, this camel number certainly will. With a high collar design that will keep you extra warm as well as hidden buttons for a sophisticated finish, this premium piece will look right at home when styled with affordable designer bags.