How to Style a Camel Sweater: Modest Outfit Ideas for Winter

A camel sweater is one of those pieces that makes everything around it look a little more expensive. It's warm, soft and neutral, but it has more life than beige or grey.

It goes with almost every skirt color, from black and navy to cream and burgundy. Here's how I wear mine for everyday, work and Shabbos.

Know your shade of camel

• Light camel or oatmeal. Soft and sandy. Lovely with cream, white and light grey.
• Classic camel. The warm golden tan of a camel coat. Easy with black, navy and brown.
• Deep camel or toffee. Richer and warmer, almost caramel. Beautiful with burgundy, olive and chocolate.

If you already own a camel skirt or a camel coat, a camel sweater lets you build a soft tonal look in one color.

Knits and necklines to look for

• Turtleneck or mock neck. Covers the collarbone, keeps you warm and tucks in neatly. See how to style a turtleneck.
• Crewneck. Simple and easy to layer over a collared shirt. See how to style a button-down shirt.
• Cable knit. Cozy texture for weekends. See how to style a cable-knit sweater.
• Fine merino or cashmere. Smooth and dressy enough for work and Shabbos.
• Cardigan. A camel cardigan over a shell or blouse is an easy layer. See how to style a long cardigan.

For modest dressing, look for long sleeves, a high or closed neckline, and a length that reaches the waist of your skirt when you lift your arms. A thin shell underneath helps with a looser knit. More in layering slips and shells.

Skirts that go with camel

• Black. Crisp and classic. A camel knit with a long black skirt always looks put together. See how to style a long black skirt.
• Navy. Quiet and polished for the office. See how to style a navy skirt.
• Cream and ivory. Soft and bright, very elegant for Shabbos.
• Grey and charcoal. Calm and easy. See how to style a grey skirt and how to style a charcoal skirt.
• Brown and chocolate. A warm tonal look. See how to style a brown skirt.
• Burgundy. Rich and festive against camel.
• Olive. Earthy and fresh. See how to style an olive skirt.
• Plaid or tweed. A check with camel in it ties the outfit together. See how to style a tweed skirt.

For more ideas, see winter color combinations.

Skirt shapes

• Pleated midi or maxi. Moves nicely and balances a chunky knit. See how to style a pleated skirt.
• Knit skirt. A matching camel knit set is cozy and chic. See how to style a knit skirt.
• Wool maxi. Warm and structured. See how to style a long wool skirt.
• Satin skirt. A soft camel knit with a satin skirt looks lovely for Shabbos. See how to style a satin skirt.

Layers for cold days

• Camel coat. Head-to-toe camel looks soft and very polished.
• Black or navy coat. Sharper and more city.
• Cream coat. Bright and gentle with light camel.
• Blazer. A black or navy blazer over a fine camel knit is an easy work outfit. See how to style a blazer.
• Puffer. Practical for school runs. See how to style a puffer coat.

Not sure which coat length works with a long skirt? See what coat to wear with long skirts.

Shoes and tights

• Brown or cognac boots. Warm and natural with camel. See how to style ankle boots with long skirts.
• Black boots. Crisp with a black or navy skirt.
• Loafers or ballet flats. Simple for work and Shabbos. See best ballet flats compared.
• White sneakers. Fresh on a weekend.
• Tights. Skin-tone or brown tights keep a camel look soft. Black tights work with black skirts and boots. More in how to choose tights for long skirts.

Accessories

• Gold jewelry. Gold and camel are made for each other.
• Pearls. Soft and elegant with a cream or camel knit. See how to style pearls.
• Headscarf or snood. Cream, black, burgundy or a print with camel in it all work. See how to match a headscarf to your outfit.
• Chunky scarf. A cream or plaid scarf adds warmth. See how to style a chunky scarf.
• Bag. Tan, black or burgundy.

Outfit ideas

1. Weekday classic. Camel turtleneck, long black pleated skirt, black coat and black ankle boots.

2. Office day. Fine camel crewneck over a white shirt, navy wool maxi, loafers and a navy blazer.

3. Shabbos table. Camel cashmere knit, cream satin maxi, pearls and ballet flats.

4. Cozy weekend. Chunky camel cable knit, grey knit maxi skirt, white sneakers and a cream headscarf.

5. Tonal look. Camel sweater, chocolate brown skirt, camel coat and cognac boots.

6. Rich and warm. Toffee knit, burgundy midi skirt, brown boots and a gold necklace.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Too close to your skin tone. If camel washes you out near the face, add a cream, black or burgundy scarf or headscarf.
• Too short. A cropped camel knit can ride up over a skirt. Pick a length that meets the waistband.
• Pilling. Cheap acrylic camel knits pill fast. Wool, merino or a good blend lasts longer.
• All one flat color. Head-to-toe camel needs texture, like a cable knit with a smooth skirt.

Quick questions

What color skirt goes with a camel sweater?

Black, navy, cream, grey, brown and burgundy are the easiest. Olive and plaid are lovely when you want something different.

Can I wear a camel sweater to Shabbos?

Yes. A fine camel knit with a cream or black satin maxi, pearls and simple flats looks elegant.

What shoes go with a camel sweater?

Brown or cognac boots look the most natural. Black boots, loafers, ballet flats and white sneakers all work too.

A camel sweater is warm, soft and goes with nearly every skirt you own. Keep the accessories gold and simple, and it will carry you through the whole winter.

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