The Celebrity Traitors is back, and Claudia Winkleman’s wardrobe is once again proving almost as intriguing as the gameplay. The presenter is leaning into the gothic, country-inspired aesthetic that has become synonymous with the BBC hit, featuring 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.
A Formula That Influences the High Street
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.
Episode 5: Balloon Trousers and Layered Knits
For episode five, Claudia stepped outside her comfort zone, styling a pair of balloon trousers from Comme Des Garçons with the luxury label’s matching Buckled Cotton Shirt. On the high street, try M&S’s balloon trousers with H&M’s tie detail black shirt.
In a characteristically layered look, Claudia wore a Johnstons of Elgin Clan Grey Argyle Cashmere Tank over a Thierry Colson Slava Puff Sleeve Cotton Blouse. A Next £32 vest paired with Sezane’s ruffled shirt creates a similar ensemble. Her slim black trousers look identical to this style from H&M, while Office loafers are a cheaper alternative to her Church's Buckle-Detail Fringe Loafers.
Episode 4: Preppy and Punk-Inspired Looks
Claudia opted for a black pleated midi skirt from Le Kilt with a pink Comme Des Garçons Cotton-Poplin Shirt, completed with Grenson black brogues. One of her most punk-infused looks yet saw her wear a Chopova Lowena Arabesque Knee Skirt and a Judy Clark Ebony Puff Sleeve Knitted Jumper, with H&M’s shoulder padded knit as a great high street alternative. For the mission, she shrugged on a showstopping 16Arlington Shearling Jacket.
Episode 3: Gothic Ensembles and Tartan Statements
Claudia upped the ante with a gothic ensemble, featuring a knitted vest with metallic detailing from Genevieve Sweeny (£212), worn over a With Nothing Underneath white shirt with exaggerated cuffs (£120). The dramatic brocade black skirt is a Connolly number (£1,200), with a Karen Millen style achieving a similar look (£111).
For the mission, Claudia embraced tartan in an Alexander McQueen skirt with a white ruffled lining (£649), with a take from Barbour (£159) equally stylish. She paired it with a Paul Smith wool black bomber jacket (£520), which looks near-identical to a Topshop style (£70). Adding black tights, she wore Church's brogues (£547) at breakfast before swapping to chunky black boots in the mission.
Episodes 2 and 1: Heritage Brands and Signature Basics
For the mission in episode two, Claudia opted for a Barbour waxed Marron jacket (£269.99), styled with Brora wrist warmers (£65). For the first roundtable, McKeefry styled her in a black Shushu Tong drop waist dress, with a Karen Millen dress achieving a similar look (£125), over her go-to Cos polo neck (£45).
While deliberating who to choose as her traitors, Claudia wore her trusty pair of Spanx leggings (£30). Sinead styled her in a Comme Des Garçons ruffled blouse beneath a structured blazer, with a Sezane blouse (£100) offering a more everyday take, paired with a similarly fitted Mango blazer (£49.99). Claudia’s hero winter coat hails from Scottish label SKYE By Brora, a wool bomber jacket (£545) with buckle detailing and a boxy cut, paired with vintage Vivienne Westwood trousers. The tartan style is easy to replicate on the high street, with an Albaray wool coat (£198) and Boden’s plaid trousers (£98).
