The One Color That Makes Every Outfit Look Triple the Price

We have a question for you. When you think of the color that’s dominated both runways and social feeds, which hue pops into your mind? Is it kelly green? Cobalt blue? Or how about bubblegum pink? Sure, the fashion set has adopted recent color trends with zeal, but we know for a fact there’s one neutral tone that survives season after season. Spoiler, it’s not black. Before you balk, let us reintroduce you to the unsung hero of every wardrobe: camel. Of course, devout minimalists have profound faith in what this color can do, but what about the fans of a statement color? How should camel-colored pieces fit into everyone’s wardrobe?
Ahead, we’ve rounded up 18 camel outfit ideas that prove this tint is timeless and is every stylish person’s secret weapon to looking great year-round sans effort.
When you have a rich camel hue, you can keep it simple. Case in point: the look above. Opt for a crisp camel T-shirt and pleated Bermuda shorts, and you’ll look way more dressed up than you are.
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For our color-obsessed friends, if you’re still dubious about this hue, let us give you some advice. It all comes down to styling. The best possible way to make this hue feel less like a neutral and more like a statement color is by letting it be a contrast piece in your look. Opt for a head-to-toe monochrome ensemble (it can be black or any other hue that suits your fancy) and then throw on a camel coat to make it pop.
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Do you know those mornings where you roll out of bed late and are stressed about what to wear? The solution is simple—camel hues. Having an excellent camel cardigan you can throw on with your favorite slip skirt will save you on those frantic mornings.
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Nothing entirely speaks to this hue’s ability to take the mundane to the magnificent quite like this outfit idea. When styled with heels and a camel leather blazer, a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt become a look.
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Every fashionable person we know swears by two things: leather pants and a camel-hued piece. So when you combine the two in a dreamy pair of camel leather pants and style it with a knitted polo, sandals, and a shoulder bag, you’re doing something right.
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Typical iterations of camel pieces aren’t the only way you can embrace this color. Opting for a printed blazer with camel hues in it (in the form of plaid, tartan, animal print, or any other fun print) is a surefire way to make a statement.
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We’re telling you that everything looks chicer in camel. As you see here, a head-to-toe sweatpant look is elevated in a crisp camel hue, making it very clear that this color does not come to play—ever.
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You don’t have to commit to the color fully to get the same halo effect of this enduring tone. Adding a little camel vest over your oversize button-down is the simplest way to inject this color into your life and reap all the benefits.
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Feel free to quote us on this: Nothing is more classic than a camel trench coat. Whether it’s Burberry or Zara, this staple is a must-have for any wardrobe. But if you want to give your coat some edge, pairing it with a miniskirt and combat boots will give this timeless piece a trendier feel.
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Everyone has their arsenal of winter staples they swear by and live in all season long. But if you’re looking to switch up your rotation, then we highly recommend injecting a camel shearling coat into the mix. Trust us—you won’t regret it.
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There’s a reason camel is beloved by minimalists, and that’s because it gives every look that je ne sais quoi. Styling it with a black turtleneck, leather shorts, and knee-high boots may seem basic, but it’s c’est magnifique.
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To keep your neutrals from feeling stale, you’ll want to focus on styling. Make your camel, chocolate-brown, and caramel hues pop by layering them all together. Multiple sweaters, crisp trousers, a good clutch bag? A fresh combo indeed.
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Sweaterdresses, for us, are a staple worth every cent, so of course, this outfit has us in our feelings. Can you blame us, though? The styling of a camel knit dress over a contrasting neutral-toned turtleneck and colorful sandals is oh so delightful.
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The key to perfecting a sophisticated look all comes down to simplicity. When crafting an "effortless” ensemble, don’t be afraid to opt for basics—like a white blouse and camel trousers. While it may feel like you’re doing the bare minimum, it will give the illusion of rich-mom energy.
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This color is all about practicality. So if you’re looking for something you can rewear for months to come, shop for your staples in camel. Something as simple as investing in a camel puffer coat can make the winter piece feel more polished, and you can pair it with just about anything.
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Running errands? The easiest way to ensure you look your best (even if you’re only going to Trader Joe’s) is by injecting a camel-tinted piece into your look. Throw on a camel bomber jacket over a tank and sweatpants, and suddenly, you’re competing against Bella Hadid for best dressed at the supermarket.
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Are you dreaming of warmer days ahead? In your little fantasy, make sure you’re also keeping in mind that camel is a color that isn’t just for colder seasons. A camel linen dress in the summer, for instance, or a camel leather dress in the winter is certainly something to daydream about.
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You’ve made it to the end, and hopefully, you’ve realized that camel is that color because it can be paired with just about anything (ahem, like your favorite printed dresses and sandals in the springtime). But no matter if you choose to wear—whether it’s in the form of wool coats, cashmere sweaters, linen dresses, or miniskirts—this color’s versatility both in seasonality and style makes it worth wearing.
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Next: 13 Outfits That'll Make You Rethink Neutrals Being "Boring"
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.
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