6 Easy Ways to Get Claudia Winkleman’s Iconic Traitors Look, According to Her Stylist

Forget the catwalks, the Golden Globes red carpet, or even the "New In" section on Zara's website. Right now, the proper style muse for British women is Claudia Winkleman. As the beloved host of The Traitors, The Piano, co-host of Strictly Come Dancing, and soon-to-be guest host of The Graham Norton Show, Winkleman has become a fashion force in her own right.

Across each of these programs, she masterfully balances theatrical flair with on-screen impact, subtly aligning her wardrobe with the tone of the show—while simultaneously prompting viewers to think, "I'd love to wear that."

Claudia Winkleman's Bold Style Shaped by Stylist Sinead McKeefry

Claudia Winkleman's longtime stylist, Sinead McKeefry, often hears directly from viewers via Instagram. Take the patchwork Loewe jacket worn on a recent episode of The Traitors: from the front, it appeared relatively understated—but turn it around, and it revealed a dramatic trailing, buckled back. "That was a piece Claudia sent me," McKeefry explains. "It really is a special piece, although I did get a lot of messages asking, 'How's she going to sit down in it?'"

While Winkleman's signature look feels distinctly her own, it's McKeefry who's charting the sartorial course. A Central Saint Martins-trained designer and former contributor to The Face, she has since become one of the most sought-after stylists in British entertainment. Her client roster also includes Fearne Cotton, Stacey Dooley, and Rose Ayling-Ellis.

McKeefry's "Highland Goth" Style Sparks a Fashion Wave Inspired by Heritage Boots

It's McKeefry we can thank for introducing "Highland goth" into the fashion lexicon—a term now synonymous with her creative direction for Winkleman's wardrobe in season three of The Traitors. Her moody, textured ensembles have struck such a chord that every time Winkleman appears on screen, online searches for her outfits surge. It's little surprise, then, that Winkleman was tapped as a face of M&S—a campaign McKeefry also styled.

For this season, there wasn't a particular person on the mood board—but there was a shoe. Specifically, a field sports boot from heritage outfitter Purdey, which McKeefry spotted in the brand's catalog. Crafted from burnished dark-brown leather and finished with double straps, the boots were styled with knee-high socks and tasseled garters.

"I saw that boot and thought, that is my inspiration," McKeefry explains. "I loved the buckles, the laces, the tassels—the interplay of leathers and wool, the brown tones against moss green. I wanted to build entire looks around that."

A Luxe "Old Money" Wardrobe Inspired by Aristocratic Muses and Dickensian Drama

The result is a wardrobe rich in cashmere, tartan, and tweed, yet full of unexpected details: a flute-sleeved blouse emerging from the cuff of a velvet blazer or a sweeping lace gown layered beneath a plain cashmere jumper—subtle contrasts that elevate the drama.

If the overall aesthetic carries a touch of "old money" grandeur, that's entirely intentional. Among McKeefry's inspirations is Amanda Harlech—the aristocratic muse of the late Karl Lagerfeld—whose refined eccentricity helps shape the mood. So, too, does Princess Anne, whose timeless equestrian style, McKeefry says, "is always part of the mood." Perhaps the most unexpected muse, however, is Fagin—the Dickensian crime lord from Oliver Twist, whose 1968 film portrayal in fingerless gloves and sweeping greatcoats wouldn't look out of place on Winkleman herself.

With The Traitors filmed at Ardross Castle, just north of Inverness, McKeefry leaned into the setting by sourcing luxurious cashmere knitwear from heritage Scottish brands like Brora and Barrie. She also commissioned a bespoke signet ring from Edinburgh jeweler Hamilton & Inches, engraved with a discreet "T" for Traitors—a subtle nod to the show's identity.

Key English Labels and Signature Blazers Define Claudia Winkleman's Luxe Yet Accessible Style

English labels feature prominently, too, both storied and contemporary—from Connolly and Purdey (each found in the same century as the castle itself) to modern favorites like Bella Freud and Holland Cooper.

"It's more luxe than last season," McKeefry concedes, pointing to standout pieces like Chanel yeti boots and a Loewe jacket adorned with dramatic buckles. Still, she balances the extravagance with high-street staples—Zara, Jigsaw, and others—for those seeking the look on a more accessible budget.

For the many women who aspire to emulate Winkleman's distinctive style, McKeefry has identified six essential pieces that define her signature look.

A sharply tailored blazer is a cornerstone of Winkleman's Traitors wardrobe—so much so that she wears no fewer than three in the first episode alone. The first to appear on screen is a classic(ish) tweed number by Bella Freud. "It felt a bit more modern because of the cut," explains McKeefry. "It's not cinched at the waist, which keeps it from veering into Country Casuals territory."

For evening looks, McKeefry traded tweed for something richer—velvet. One standout piece is a burgundy velvet jacket with contrasting pink trim, custom-made for Winkleman by Knatchbull, a Savile Row tailor dedicated exclusively to womenswear. For those seeking similar elegance without the bespoke price tag, McKeefry suggests high-street options from Reiss, Whistles, and Jigsaw.

Spanx Leggings and Biker Jeans: The Silhouette Secrets Behind Winkleman's Versatile Style

McKeefry is unabashedly evangelical about Spanx leggings. "They're brilliantly made, with great structure," she says. "They create the sharper silhouette that we want for some of the looks."

By day, Winkleman pairs them with a checked overshirt and Hunter wellies; by night, they're elevated with a Jigsaw blazer, a blouse from The Vampire's Wife, and Bottega Veneta boots. The leggings even appear in one of her most unforgettable ensembles—a floor-length faux fur coat by the now-defunct brand Raey, worn with Chanel's iconic yeti boots from the Autumn/Winter 2010 collection.

McKeefry also champions Holland Cooper's Biker jeans, which offer a similarly sculpted silhouette thanks to their ultra-stretch, second-skin fit.

"Claudia has always worn wrist warmers," McKeefry recalls, sharing how the presenter once bought pairs for the entire Strictly Come Dancing team.

When I mistakenly call them "fingerless gloves," McKeefry laughs and sets me straight. "Claudia is allergic to fingerless gloves." Her favorites come from Brora and Johnstons of Elgin, typically in a range of earthy tones.

While Winkleman might not fully endorse Fagin's fingerless gloves, much more luxurious interpretations of his tailored coat have made their way into her Traitors wardrobe. McKeefry chose masculine, military-inspired styles from Connolly, The Landskein, and Brora to capture that distinctive edge.

"The shape of it is just incredible," McKeefry enthuses, referring to the now sold-out blonde houndstooth coat by Johnstons of Elgin that Winkleman layers over a Purdey tie-neck blouse, cable-knit vest, and slim-fit trousers. "You buy that coat once and hopefully pass it down through generations. Just imagine the lucky grandchild who inherits it, worn and weathered with character."

What makes Winkleman's on-screen wardrobe so captivating are the unexpected visual touches McKeefry incorporates. A seemingly classic jumper might be intarsia-knitted with skeleton bones by Japanese designer Kapital or adorned with oversized roses from Scottish brand Barrie.

Understated Knitwear and Bold Footwear: McKeefry's Mix of Tradition and Edge for Winkleman

Alongside these statement pieces, there's plenty of understated knitwear from Brora, Purdey, and Connolly—often worn oversized and layered effortlessly with eveningwear. McKeefry's favorite look from season three pairs a Brora rollneck jumper and matching wrist warmers with a grey maxi coat by Irish label The Landskein, topped off by a floor-sweeping lace gown. It might seem unconventional, but "Claudia really owns it," McKeefry insists.

McKeefry isn't fazed by outfits that spark mixed reactions. She points to the two-tone Miu Miu x Church's brogues Winkleman pairs with tartan trousers. "They're definitely Marmite—you either love them or hate them," she admits.

Chunky boots add an instant cool factor to any outfit. Recently, Winkleman's go-to has been Bottega Veneta's Lug boots, which McKeefry styled with leggings and blazers. "What's really great about these boots is their oversized proportions," she explains. "They give the looks a modern, fashion-forward edge."

Exclusive Dr. Martens Chelsea Boots: A Custom Creation Reflecting Winkleman's Style Impact

Meanwhile, Winkleman's Dr Martens Chelsea boots proved so popular during the last series of The Traitors that McKeefry took it a step further—asking the brand to create a high version in brown exclusively for them. "They made it especially for us," she reveals. Such is the influence of Winkleman's style. Now, it's just a matter of campaigning for Dr Martens to release them for everyone else.

Why Claudia Winkleman's Look Works for Everyone

The appeal of Claudia Winkleman's style is its accessibility and timelessness. It doesn't rely on extravagant or overly trendy pieces but rather on well-chosen, flattering elements that highlight individuality.

• These six expert tips can be adapted to various body types, ages, and personal styles.
• The key takeaway is the balance—bold eyes, understated lips, and clothing that mixes structure with softness.
• With minimal effort, you can embody the confident, chic aura that Claudia naturally exudes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Claudia Winkleman's iconic Trailers look?

Claudia's Trailers look is a chic, effortlessly cool style characterized by vintage-inspired pieces, layered textures, and a mix of edgy and feminine details — all curated to create a standout yet approachable outfit.

Who is the stylist behind Claudia Winkleman's Trailers look?

Claudia's Trailers look is crafted by her personal stylist, who understands how to blend timeless elegance with modern trends to reflect her unique personality and on-screen presence.

What are the key elements to recreate Claudia's Trailers look?

According to her stylist, the key elements include statement outerwear, textured fabrics, bold accessories, tailored fits, and layering that adds depth without bulk.

How can I easily incorporate Claudia's style into my wardrobe?

Start by investing in versatile statement jackets, mixing patterns like florals with stripes, opting for rich fabrics like velvet or silk, and accessorizing with retro-inspired jewelry or oversized glasses.

Is Claudia's Trailers look suitable for everyday wear?

Absolutely! The look is designed to be wearable and adaptable. It balances trendy with timeless pieces, so you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion.

Conclusion

Claudia Winkleman's iconic "traitors" look is effortlessly chic, playful, and unmistakably her own. By following these six easy tips straight from her stylist—focusing on bold eyeliner, statement accessories, and tailored pieces—you can channel her signature style with confidence. Whether you're aiming to elevate your everyday look or make a statement at your next event, these insider tricks make it simple to capture the essence of Claudia's timeless and edgy aesthetic. So go ahead, embrace the traitor within, and let your style speak volumes, just like Claudia's!