Wrap Belted Coats - The Camel Coat

While a camel coat makes a classic chic statement, the style is malleable enough to be either a trendy boyfriend jacket or traditional trench. Its place in fashion history, on the backs of Katharine Hepburn and Grace Kelly, and Ali McGraw and Kate Moss, give it a solid pedigree, and the color — a range of shades between tobacco and fawn — has a richness to it that, quite frankly, makes you look rich.

"Camel looks indulgent like winter white but has the pragmatism of gray and black. It's the best of both worlds. ... A camel coat evokes throwaway glamour," says Michael Kors, who for many seasons has used camel as a core of his fall collections.

You can wear camel with any color in your wardrobe, including black, which makes a camel coat a good investment piece, but one that you don't have to spend a fortune on, says Stephanie Solomon, fashion director of Bloomingdale's. She says she owns three styles — a zip-front, a peacoat and belted version — and she's had each for at least 20 years. They come out of the closet every time she wears the black pants, black shirt, black heels combo.

The belted wrap coat will be loved by many women who like to show off their waistlines and hated by just as many who have no waist! These neutral base colours in varying camel, biscuit tan, cappuccino and grey shades are touted as the understated investment colours of the winter 2009 season.

Right - Classic Camel Belted Wrap Coat - Max Mara - Fall 2009.

These wrap coats are star turns at the Max Mara Collections.

Centre Left - Max Mara dark tan coat with epaulets.

Centre Right - From www.longtallsally.com - Hayworth Coat And Bergman Sweater. Items worn by Lisa Butcher. This stylish, double breasted wool mix coat with contrast hot pink satin lining comes in sizes; 10-20 and in Camel at £150. The super-soft cashmere mix, roll neck with shell floral etched buttons, sizes; XS-XL. Charcoal is £40.

Far Right - Sleeveless Camel Coat - Michael Kors Catwalk.