Promising ruthless plotting, friends turning on friends, and cold-blooded murder, The Celebrity Traitors is back. As ever, Claudia Winkleman’s wardrobe is proving almost as intriguing as the gameplay.
Along with her signature fringe, fake tan and kohl eyeliner, the presenter is once again leaning into the gothic, country-inspired aesthetic that has become synonymous with the BBC hit. Think rich autumnal textures, sharp tailoring, tartan and statement outerwear, all styled by her longtime collaborator Sinead McKeefry.
The pair have worked together for 18 years, developing a shorthand that allows them to build Claudia’s wardrobe around the drama and setting of the show. The result is a distinctive mix of punk, prep and Highland dressing, with designer pieces sitting alongside high-street finds.
It’s a formula that has had a remarkable influence beyond the castle. Tartan, kilts, chunky boots, tweed and oversized coats have all become fixtures of the autumn high street, while Claudia’s individual pieces regularly send viewers searching for their own versions.
McKeefry described the appeal of the wardrobe as surprisingly straightforward: “The styling isn’t overcomplicated. The individual items aren’t scary.”
That makes Claudia’s Traitors wardrobe particularly easy to borrow from. You don’t need to recreate an entire castle-ready look; a great coat, chunky knit, pair of leggings or brogues can instantly give an everyday outfit that same darkly romantic feel.
We’re now halfway through the series, and there’s sure to be plenty more covetable pieces to add to the list. Here’s what Claudia Winkleman is wearing in The Celebrity Traitors, plus the best high-street alternatives.
Episode 5
BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry
BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry
Episode 4
BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry
BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry
Episode 3
BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry
Claudia upped the ante of her looks with this gothic ensemble. The knitted vest with metallic detailing hails from the independent knitwear label Genevieve Sweeny (£212, Genevievesweeney.com). The presenter wore the vest over a With Nothing Underneath white shirt with exaggerated cuffs (£120, Withnothingunderneath.com). The dramatic brocade black skirt is a Connolly number (£1,200, Connollyengland.com) – but this Karen Millen style achieves a similar look (£111, Karenmillen.com).
BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry
For the mission, Claudia embraced tartan once again in an Alexander McQueen skirt with a white ruffled lining (£649, Flannels.com). This take from Barbour (£159, Anthropologie.com) is equally stylish.
She paired the statement skirt with a Paul Smith wool black bomber jacket (£520, Paulsmith.com), which looks near-identical to this Topshop style (£70, Asos.com). Adding black tights, she wore a pair of Church's brogues (£547, Flannels.com) at breakfast before swapping to chunky black boots – potentially her go-to Bottega pair – in the mission.
Episode 2
Claudia opted for a heritage Scottish brand for the mission in episode two: Barbour. The waxed Marron jacket (£269.99, Barbour.com) combines style with functionality, boasting a waterproof, insulating and timeless design. She styled the jacket with a pair of Brora wrist warmers (£65, Broraonline.com).
For the first roundtable of the season, McKeefry styled Claudia in a black Shushu Tong drop waist dress – this Karen Millen dress achieves a similar look (£125, Karenmillen.co.uk) – over her go-to Cos polo neck (£45, Cos.com).
Episode 1
BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry
While deliberating who to choose as her traitors, Claudia wore her trusty pair of Spanx leggings (£30, Spanx.com). This is a signature Traitors look, with basics on the bottom and drama on the top. Sinead styled Claudia in a Commes De Garcons ruffled blouse beneath a structured blazer. This Sezane blouse (£100, Sezane.co.uk) offers a more everyday take, particularly paired with this similarly fitted Mango blazer (£49.99, Mango.com).
Claudia Winkleman has worked with her stylist, Sinead McKeefry, for nearly two decades
PA
Claudia’s hero winter coat hails from Scottish label SKYE By Brora. The wool bomber jacket (£545, Broraonline.co.uk) perfectly marries style and practicality, with buckle detailing and a flattering boxy cut. Sinead paired the statement wool bomber jacket with vintage Vivienne Westwood trousers, characterised by their skirt over-layer. The tartan style perfectly encapsulates The Traitors aesthetic – and is easy to replicate on the high street. Try this Albaray wool coat (£198, Albaray.co.uk) with Boden’s plaid trousers (£98, Boden.co.uk).