There is no more quintessential wardrobe staple than the camel coat, and from my point of view, nothing more chic. Bombers and puffers will come and go, the will take on checks, cut-outs and contrast sleeves, and faux fur will moult with age, but a good camel coat is forever. Practical, effortless, and endlessly wearable, it’s not hard to see why.
Whether you pair yours with the new season's and a simple , shrug it over a or use it to hide those minimal-effort joggers and tee, you can always rely on a camel cover-up to keep you on the right side of pulled-together. Scale up from your usual size to mimic the nonchalance of an off-duty A-lister, or opt for sharp shoulders and a boxy body to contrast flowing layers beneath. Really, it's high time you added a decent camel coat to your .
To save you the scrolling, I've scoured the rails to ascertain the real stars of the season, identifying the pieces that tick the box when it comes to fit, weight and finishing. Here, see the camel coats I deem worthy of prime position in your wardrobe – both now, and in the years that follow. It may be early in the season, but i'm crowning this the high-street coat of the year.
Versatility ranks high in my list of priorities when it comes to weighty investments, and the detachable base layer here means you can choose between a statement silhouette and a simpler one. Two for one, if you like. Made from 70% wool, Whistles' sharply cut classic is a weighty option that'll see you through countless cold spells.
It's cut to a classic androgynous silhouette with pointed lapels and an ankle-sweeping hem. It's the considered details that make Aligne's recycled-wool blend camel coat such a sensible wardrobe addition. The dropped shoulders offer a flattering contrast to the wide lapels, while the double-stitched belt and neat cuff straps ensure this one looks twice as expensive as it really is.
Supersized scarves are a key detail for AW24, and Sandro is one of the first to deliver a winning option. This super-cosy dark camel coat features a winding, cocooning neckline that looks best when shrugged nonchalantly over one shoulder. Made from 100% wool, it's much more than a one-season wonder.
If you're after a simple, everyday classic that'll last you several years to come, consider Mango's most timeless option. This wool-blend coat is detailed with little more than a tie-waist fastening, so is sure to outlast the trends. For something that makes more of a statement, House of Dagmar's hourglass design is ideal.
The curved and cinched waist negates the need for a belt, creating a longline silhouette that looks so flattering, whether buttoned up or left undone. Patron saint of the camel coat, Reiss delivers a winning style every single year. The Lucia is long enough to look luxuriously expensive (but also comes in a version) with wide lapels and a neatly cinched waist to create a classically chic silhouette.
Note the discreetly notched cuffs that ensure ease of movement. An asymmetric cut breathes fresh edge into the camel . Wear Aligne’s double-breasted Gilda style over dark indigo denim for a crisp new-season look.
One of our most relied-upon , Sezane knows a thing or two about crafting the classics. This neatly shaped coat is cut to a boxy silhouette that hits just on the knee for a more casual feel. Anine Bing's luxe cover-up is made from a blend of 90% wool and 10% cashmere, so you know it'll feel as good as it looks.
Left unlined, it's a great one to wear all year round: over a simple T-shirt now, and layered with knits once winter beds in. A camel Max Mara coat is such a certified classic, you'd be wise to snap this one up now (while it's unusually reduced). Inimitable Italian craftsmanship underpins the timeless design, which is made from soft camel hair and neatly tailored to that perfect, just-boxy-enough silhouette.
Cos' nonchalantly cool coat comes in a slightly darker shade of brown, which looks especially chic with supple black leather separates. It's double-faced – the hallmark of a high-street hit – and fastens neatly with concealed press-studs. The Garment's design ethos is: minimalist, but with a twist.
Eschewing trends in favour of true 'forever' pieces, the brand creates some truly special staples, like this cosy camel coat. Note the fun fringed detail at the back of the shoulders. Reformation's completely classic Kai coat will look good with anything you throw it over, from to a sleek .
It's made from a blend that incorporates low-waste Manteco recycled wool, and shaped for a boxy shit with double-breasted front buttons. The mid-beige hue is perfect for pairing with this season's key burgundy accessories. A high-street find that'll last you for years, H&M's premium camel coat is made from a generous wool blend in Italy: with 74% wool to 26% polyester, you'll really be able to feel the quality.
It's double-faced for extra warmth and weight, and is neatly cinched at the waist with a slick tie. In short, it's everyday perfection. Cut from a crisp cotton blend and sized up for easy layering, this sporty parka-style cape is the ultimate off-duty jacket for transitional days.
A drawstring tie brings a unique twist to this cosy, cocooning coat. The fabrication promises longevity, too: it's made from 80% wool and 20% Ecovero viscose, made sustainably from wood pulp. A tailored camel coat with a bit of cool, masculine energy.
This one is ideal for wearing over loose trousers and a knit, or a simple white . Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at , and , overseeing shopping strategy and content across , , and . Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including heritage and niche new to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and . When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find.
Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder.
