CATWALK TRANSLATIONS: CAMEL COATS

If you buy one coat this season make sure it is camel.

Perfect for channeling this season’s seventies, Lauren Hutton vibe, the most versatile piece of Autumn/Winter 2010 was spotted all over the catwalks from Aquascutum to Nicole Farhi. Previously reduced to the item your grandmother told you to ‘invest in,’ the impeccable styling at shows such as Chloe brought the camel coat back to the fashion forefront. This is truly a buy now, keep forever piece that perfectly suits autumn’s minimalistic mood (pair it with navy, black, white and grey). With a variety of hues available from burnt toffee to caramel, there is even a shade to suit everyone. The most seductive element of the camel coat is that it makes you look expensive and indulgent no matter what you pair it with. For those with a high budget, the original camel coat, the MaxMara 101801, launched in 1981 is a true investment. However, for those who want a timeless piece for a reasonable price, the high street has created a number of gorgeous coats. There are a variety of styles available from mannish, double-breasted coats to luxurious dressing gown styles similar to those seen at Chloe. Here are our top five under £300.

ASOS White Elbow Patch Crombie Coat (£120)

The ASOS White collection consists of luxurious, daywear pieces and this coat is the most covetable of them all. With brass buttons, a leather trim, multiple flap covered pockets and a double-breasted front, this is quite literally perfect. The elbow patches ensure it has a vintage look, which alongside the designer quality tailoring ensure this is the most individual coat on the high street.

Oasis Camel Coat (£95)

A simple, elegant coat as seen in Vogue’s August issue. Vogue’s fashion connoisseurs Verity Parker and Emma Elwick-Bates suggest teaming it with a peter pan collar dress and lace up brogues to channel an Oxbridge student.

Topshop Ultimate Military Cape (£95)

Camel coloured and a cape? This is clearly one of the most on trend coats of the season. Topped off with brass buttons, tabbed shoulders and a funnel neck this number will work hard all winter.

Hobbs Valence Coat (£269)

This beautiful caramel coat with a belted waist and strong collar is truly reminiscent of Lauren Hutton in her prime. Team with high waisted tailored trousers, a silk blouse and bouffant hair to channel the seventies work wear look or swap the belt for a skinny black one for a Chloe-esque look.

Whistles Deanne Double Breasted Coat (£195)

The toffee shade of this coat makes it stand out from the crowd, plus the short double-breasted style is reminiscent of a school boy. The simple pockets, shiny buttons and cute collar are particularly perfect making this coat an investment buy.

This is only a very small selection of the variety of styles available and other notable mentions must go to Reiss for their feminine Bally (£285) and Very for the Twiggy Cocoon Coat (£85). These pieces will work with anything in your wardrobe, although a denim shirt and smart trousers similar to Chloe is particularly on trend for autumn.

Harriet Tisdall