Finally, Celebrity Traitors is here. And it’s shaping up to be the perfect game show: high-stakes drama combined with psychological warfare and contestants from the showbiz (Stephen Fry, Alan Cara, Clare Balding and Tom Daley). But unlike many game shows, The Traitors also delivers on the fashion front.
In addition to game playing and conniving characters, it’s Claudia Winkleman’s aspirational knit-heavy, tartan-splashed and punk-infused wardrobe that repeatedly steals the show. According to the producers, this season it’s been taken up a notch, thanks to the starry A-lister line-up bringing their own sartorial A-game to the castle.
In previous years, the Winkleman effect has caused pieces to sell out (case in point, the chunky red jumper from season two or the dark green Bora knit from season three). With the help of her stylist Sinead McKeefry – who also works with her on Strictly Come Dancing – the presenter has carved out a niche for herself. Think monochrome separates, fingerless gloves, boxy silhouettes and oversized fits. Her moody wardrobe reflects the romantic and rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands and castle.
Some pieces return season after season – see Claudia’s signature pair of Spanx or her Hunter wellies. But each series, her statement looks get better and better (we don’t know how her stylist will top the Raey shearling maxi coat paired with Chanel faux fur boots from season three). But if any series promises to deliver, it’s sure to be the celebrity version.
Episode one is only just underway, and it’s already fulfilled the brief. So, if you’re looking to inject some The Traitors aesthetic into your autumn wardrobe, here’s where to shop Claudia’s looks – plus the affordable alternatives from the high street.
Episode 1
Claudia has plumped for one of her most signature looks to kick off the series: a black wool cape from Luxury Family Affair (£763, Luxuryfamilyaffair.com) paired with her favourite black Spanx leggings (£100, Spanx.com).
For a more affordable alternative, invest in this Monsoon cape (£130, Monsoon.com). Claudia accessorised the ensemble with her go-to pair of Johnstons of Elgin cashmere mittens (£90, Johnstonsofelgin.com), in the same grey colourway as seen in the first three seasons.
The monochrome look was elevated by an ivory blouse with ruffled sleeves poking out of the cape. This H&M style (£27.99, Hm.com) will help you replicate the outfit.
For the tense roundtable, where Claudia picked her traitors, she styled her signature black Spanx with a fitted black blazer – I’d recommend this Asos Design style (£65, Asos.com) as a great high street pick – and an ivory blouse with statement neck tie detailing. M&S’s design will help you nail the look (£30, Marksandspencer.com).
The knee-high boots are the star of the show with their statement buckle detailing. While I’m yet to find the exact pair, these from Steve Madden (£245, Stevemadden.com) are just as good.
The style secrets behind Claudia Winkleman’s The Traitors outfits
