Sinead McKeefry, Claudia Winkleman's long-time stylist, has revealed how to recreate The Traitors presenter's signature look, offering five practical tips from vintage coats to affordable leggings.
McKeefry has worked with Winkleman for 18 years, including on Strictly Come Dancing, and says their shared history makes the styling process intuitive. "I know all her likes and dislikes," she says. "When you're in that relationship, you can just go, 'She won't wear that. There's no point bringing that.'"
The Traitors aesthetic explained
Across five series, Winkleman's wardrobe has blended punk glamour with gothic grandeur, mirroring the drama of the game and the Scottish castle setting. The look includes sharp tailoring, tartan, knitwear, theatrical capes and faux fur coats.
McKeefry says the appeal lies in its simplicity. "The styling isn't overcomplicated," she explains. "The individual items aren't scary. A tweed jacket, a good jumper, a good shirt, a tie, great boots, gloves – it's the kind of thing individually people can buy one piece and put into their wardrobe."
The high street has responded to the trend. "If you search for a kilt in any [high street] store, you'd be hard-pressed not to find one," says McKeefry, who picks M&S's black kilt (£48) as a top item this season.
Five tips to achieve the look
For outerwear, McKeefry advises investing in timeless pieces, often vintage. "When you get brands that are timeless, like Chanel, like Saint Laurent, like Westwood, then they're the places where you want to be investing," she says.
Underneath, Spanx leggings (£30) are a secret weapon. "They're so great with a blazer. They work in the evening, but you can also wear them with a massive, big oversized jumper and a big statement boot," she says.
Accessories include the now-iconic red gloves, which were originally an inexpensive Amazon find, plus cashmere arm warmers from Brora (£39) and Church's brogues (£980).
For knitwear, McKeefry favours COS's fine-knit polo neck (£45). "They have long, long sleeves that come down to your knuckles and a high, tight polo neck," she says. "Those I've got a million of, and we use them in black."
Finally, shirting adds an androgynous edge. "We always do like a more masculine look there," says McKeefry. "We bring in a lot of Bella Freud pieces – that lovely kind of androgynous tailoring."
McKeefry advises starting with pieces you already own. "If you've got the jacket in your wardrobe, just wear it with a plain T-shirt, jeans, a loafer, or a pair of trainers," she says. "Start that way, and then work your way up."
