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Thanks to the perfect blend of scavenger hunts, high-stakes drama, psychological warfare, crying (a lot of it), and contestants unlike those usually found on reality TV shows (we’re looking at you, Island of love), Traitors became a hit for the BBC.
Now it’s officially back on our screens, and the third season will once again dominate WhatsApp groups and social media feeds. But in addition to playing games and divisive characters, it is Claudia WinklemanHeavy knit wardrobe that steals the show.
Fans of Traitors adapt as much to her preferred style as to the program itself. The Winkleman effect has caused countless pieces to sell out (see that the chunky red sweater she wore in season two). With the help of her stylist Sinead McKeefry, the presenter carved out a niche for herself – think monochrome partitions, fingerless gloves, boxy silhouettes and oversized cuts.
Recommending chunky wools, tweeds and velvets, Winkleman’s wardrobe perfectly complements the moody feel of the show, from the gothic Scottish castle to the tense round table setting.
I’m talking to The Independent last year, McKeefry shared some tips for replicating Winkleman’s look on The Traitors. “If it is Traitors the country chic look you want, enjoy it really well a coat where you feel comfortable,” says McKeefry. “Once you get somewhere, sometimes it’s nice to still feel connected.”
McKeefry adds that “you have jeans already in your wardrobe”, but chunky boots and knitwear can elevate your look. As for replicating Winkleman’s enviable knitwear collection, McKeefry’s advice is to go for traditional designs, “because those things never go out of style” and “definitely stay away from logos”.
“I love anything with patterns, I do Fair IsleI love argyle,” she adds. When it comes to styling, she suggests that “country, twee pieces can be elevated with skinny pants, pointy boots or fingerless gloves,” which bring “a bit of a punk aesthetic” to the look.
So if Claudia Winkleman is watching Traitors are on your 2025 mood board, I’ve found all of her looks so far in the show’s third season – plus, alternative high street offerings.
No stranger to statement knitwear, Claudia wore this sweater from Japanese menswear brand Kapital with a pair of olive green leggings and chunky brown ankle boots in the second episode of season three. The Fair Isle design is timeless, while the skeleton detailing adds a touch of edginess. With a designer jumper costing more than £400, opt for this more affordable jacquard cardigan from H&M (£27.99, Um.com) or this brown fair isle knit from Asos (£32.99, Asos.com). Size up for an over-the-top look à la Winkleman.
At the beginning of the third season, Claudia returns in one of her most prominent looks. McKeefry styled a statement black wool cape from Season 2 of Luxury Family Affair with a pair of red leather gloves. Get a similar look for less with Cos’ elegant merino wool robe (£135, Cos.com) and Accessorize’s Red Leather Fingerless Gloves (£11, Accessorize.com).
A classic Winkleman look, in the first episode, the presenter opted for a country chic herringbone jacket from Holland & Cooper. Keeping the color palette moody, the blazer is styled with a black skinny turtleneck, black tights and black suede ankle boots. Achieve a similar vintage-inspired look with the Joules Plaid Wool Blazer (£149, Marksandpencer.com), H&M’s wool-blend style (£80, Um.com) and a houndstooth blazer by & Other Stories (£175, Otherstories.com).
This French designer bag is back in style – and it’s more affordable than you think