Camel is back in a big way this autumn/winter, with shades ranging from far-from-boring beige to desert hues to deliciously crisp toffee tones. This shade stamped its irresistibly neutral mark on many AW14 collections featured at the fashion weeks held earlier this year.
Louis Vuitton and Ami went for head-to-toe sandy hues, combining tailored pieces with wardrobe staples like sharply-cut blazers and tan brogues to create simple silhouettes and a classic aesthetic. Versace took it a step further, toeing the line between statement and overboard by sending models down the runway in neutral overcoats paired with camel suede gloves.
Some designers approached the colour in a more subtle way. Valentino and Alexander Wang opted for the ultimate camel classic – the expensively cut wool overcoat with sharp lapels and deep pockets – while Fendi favoured snug knitwear in deep shades of toffee paired with tastefully dark pieces to highlight the contrast. Meanwhile, Prada and Agnes-B took the middle ground when it came to the sandy fashion trend – checked shirts with khaki corduroys complemented by sandy desert boots.
And if the catwalks aren’t enough to persuade you, perhaps the blogosphere will. Numerous style bloggers – like American menswear enthusiast Adam Gallagher, who posts under the name of I Am Galla – have been seen channelling a more modern vibe when trying out this trend, by pairing camel blazers with ankle grazing jeans, or rolled up trousers.
Left: £64, Burton Right: £90, Topman
Dabble on the camel side of life by adapting the trend to suit your personal taste. For the more reserved fans, splurge on a camel coat. From its remarkable ability to smoothly take the wearer from a day at the office to a formal work function, and its neutral colour that’ll pair as easily with separates as black does with white, it’s the only item worth investing in this season.
Left: £65, Next Right: £95, Levi’s at House of Fraser
There are many varieties of coats to choose from – the peacoat, the duffle, the blazer-esque cut and the overcoat – as well as various lengths.
Left: £22, Burton Right: £25, Next
If you’re looking for a way to match camel in with your other AW trends, such as monochrome, utility-chic and jewel tones, go for wardrobe staples. The first to spring to mind is knitwear – the jumper, the sweater and the pullover. Camel knitwear would complement any navies, burgundies and hunter greens you may already have in your wardrobe. Try the roll-neck for a particularly strikingly fashionable look.
£25, Burton
Alternatively, camel-toned trousers would also transition easily into your wardrobe. Vary the cut, fit and texture such as ankle grazer, the slim-fit and corduroy, to prevent the trend from becoming too stale.
Left: £32, TU at Sainsbury’s Right: £14, Red Herring at Debenhams
And if you’re after a quick fix, opt for tan shoes – desert boots for smart-casual functions and brogues for formal events – or twist a scarf in a dark camel-khaki around your neck. A woolly bobble hat in speckled camel stripes would also work, and help against the near-arctic conditions we’re currently experiencing in the North East.
So, whether it be a luxurious wool coat, or a wonderfully soft cashmere jumper or carefully chosen accessories, the enchantingly enticing camel hue is guaranteed to give any outfit a final trendy flourish.
