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A pillar of the staple wardrobe Virgin Wool Coat
We don't need to tell you that the camel coat will never date. Whereas navy and black are elegant in an understated way, biscuity beige and caramel shades will always spell out luxury.
From Lauren Bacall’s sequin-lined 'Subway' design and Jackie Kennedy’s neat-as-a-pin Sixties styles, to the sumptuous wrap numbers Marilyn Monroe wore on set, camel coats have been a signifier of chic for as long as we can remember. Since 1908, in fact, when the outerwear was first created (by British brand Jaeger) from actual camel hairs, the rough strands forming a tactile but resilient nap.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and we’ve swapped this fabric for softer wool, cashmere and mohair iterations. The key shapes remain the same however. Which means: buy a camel coat now and you’ll still be wearing it for years to come.
The secret to longevity is in a timeless silhouette; so we’ve narrowed down the only 12 worth investing in. You don’t need them all, of course, but keep a couple hanging in your wardrobe and you’ll be uniformed for every occasion. From classic wrap and belted iterations, to more directional puffer styles, here’s Bazaar's pick of the best camel coats out there.
The queen of the camel coat, Max Mara ups its game every season with a new take on the classic – but never strays too far from the signatures we know and love. Made entirely from camel hair brushed to create a sateen finish, this Manuela version has a simple wrap shape and self-tying belt, but the kimono sleeves are a modern update.
From Whistles' Limited Edition lineup, this double-breasted camel coat has the most beautiful bouclé texture. The ankle-grazing hemline, peaked lapels and tort buttons are an elegant finishing touch.
When it comes to women's outerwear in 2023, the longer the better – and Loewe has more than hit that brief with this maxi camel coat. Made from wool softened with a hint of cashmere, it's cut for an asymmetric closure and topped with peaked lapels.
Reiss has dropped a myriad of winning camel coats this season. For a more relaxed take on the trend, this double-breasted style is left unlined and finished with dropped shoulders. It also comes in a cool, charcoal shade for those who prefer darker tones.
The appeal of the wrap coat is in its relaxed luxury, so the more similarities to a robe the better. With its oversized pockets, turn-up cuffs and generous shawl lapels that expose the contrast lining, Loro Piana's camel hair style certainly fits the bill.
British brand Aligne made waves a few years back with its sell-out trench. Now the label has upped its outerwear game for autumn/winter 2023 and this plush wrap coat is a Bazaar favourite – choose between staple shades of navy, charcoal or camel.
Camel coats don't have to be tailored. This tactile Mongolian lambfur iteration from Michael Kors still falls within 2023's favourite #latte colour wheel. Wear yours with wide-leg denim to further than 1970s aesthetic.
Trust Dries Van Noten to put a fresh spin on the louche camel coat. Made from wool-twill, this design features structured Juliette sleeves tempered by a clean, fastening-free wrap closure.
Australian brand Hush celebrated its 20 year anniversary this season by unveiling a brand new look. The reimagined offering includes metallic party pieces (including the style set's favourite silver trousers) and timeless outerwear like this three-button camel coat.
One of our favourites in this edit, Ba&sh's camel coat is defined by its eyelet drawstring belt. Made from a double-faced wool blend, this minimalist swing style has a concealed button placket so you can let the cinched waist sing.
We're infatuated with the generous sweeping shawl lapels on Toteme's camel coat; combined with the slit sides and wide sleeves, they look so luxurious and louche. Enhance this relaxed feel with wide-leg trousers and flats.
The camel coat of 2023? It's a technical puffer – practical thanks to its warm down and waterproof capabilities, but luxurious in its neutral hue. Burberry's hooded style nods to the brand's iconic trench with its double-breasted fastening, belted waist and buckled cuffs.
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