High drama, highlands and high fashion – the three things that sum up this season of Celebrity Traitors.
The show, which saw a record seven million people tune in on Wednesday, has won praise for its camp theatrics, stellar casting – and of course, its presenter, BAFTA-winning Claudia Winkleman.
Twice a week, fans across the UK settle down to enjoy the 53-year-old’s melodramatic antics – and, of course, her wardrobe.
Clues about the 53-year-old’s ‘exact outfit’ from each episode, or high street ‘dupes’ of ‘autumn’s best brown boots’ as seen on Claudia are searched for in droves.
It’s an unexpected transition for the broadcaster, and no one is more surprised by it than Claudia herself.
‘I don’t understand what happened,’ the London-born presenter has previously dismissed her growing sartorial influence. ‘I’m a 52-year-old woman who happens to like a fingerless glove.’
Nonetheless, her work with stylist Sinead Mckeefry has made her a modern style icon.
‘Claudia Winkleman on The Traitors is a reminder that true style is about knowing yourself – and leaning all the way in,’ luxury stylist Angela Kyte told the Royale.
The show, which saw a record seven million people tune in on Wednesday, has won praise for its camp theatrics, stellar casting – and of course, its presenter, BAFTA-winning Claudia Winkleman
Claudia has previously counted the late Scottish comedy legend Ronnie Corbett, Princess Anne, Madonna when she ‘suddenly found countryside through Guy Ritchie’ and ‘someone who is going for a golf sale’ among inspirations for her Traitors looks.
Part of the success is undoubtedly due to her presenting a ‘cohesive aesthetic,’ which means she isn’t chasing trends.
For the inaugural season of Celebrity Traitors, her Ms Keefry has seamlessly blended ‘gothic romance with British eccentricity’ for a look that stays true to her overall ‘character’ without deviating from the script too abruptly.
‘It perfectly mirrors the show’s moody Highlands setting, but more importantly, it’s distinctly hers, unapologetically consistent, effortlessly cool, and instantly recognisable,’ Ms Kyte, a sought-after style and image consultant, explained.
‘In an era of constant trend-chasing, Claudia’s ability to commit to a cohesive aesthetic has elevated her from TV presenter to modern style icon.’
Fashion expert Rochelle White also lauded the genius decision to tailor Claudia’s on-screen wardrobe around her fuss-free personal style because it’s ‘relatable to many’.
The BAFTA winning presenter is a fan of Topshop – with a soft spot for a pair of black jeans that are ‘falling apart’ – and wears Doc Martens when she’s not at work, with Claudia preferring ‘an ancient long black coat or one of my son’s puffers’ in the chillier months.
According to Ms White, Claudia’s off-screen persona is not ‘that far off’ from the tartan-clad mistress of ceremonies that presides over game play on The Traitors.
Clues about the 53-year-old’s ‘exact outfit’ from each episode, or high street ‘dupes’ of ‘autumn’s best brown boots’ as seen on Claudia are searched for in droves
Part of the success is undoubtedly due to her presenting a ‘cohesive aesthetic,’ which means she isn’t chasing trends, luxury stylist Angela Kyte told the Royale
‘Her items are a mix of luxury and high street fashion, which I would assume her and stylist Sinead McKeefry work together to curate,’ Ms White explained.
‘I would also add that it is all high fashion with a mix of dramatic, theatrical elements and timeless pieces from days gone by such as the Victoria era, including oversized jewels and gloves.’
‘Through all of this, I feel that she brings elements of her own personality which is relatable to many.’
These versatile additions to her darker base outfits elevate her style, Ms White added.
So, what can fans hoping to recreate Claudia’s signature looks on The Traitors learn from what Ms Kyte described as an ‘unexpected masterclass in confident, character-led dressing’ without fretting over what’s trendy?
‘First, she understands proportion,’ the style expert said. ‘Long coats, high collars, and wide-leg trousers elongate her five-foot-four frame without overpowering it.’
Sticking to a signature colour palette – comprising black, cream, and deep jewel tones – creates ‘visual consistency’ and screams sophistication.
Mixing and matching textures can create depth and dimension, even in monochrome looks, Ms Kyte said.
Fashion expert Rochelle White also lauded the genius decision to tailor Claudia’s on-screen wardrobe around her fuss-free personal style because it’s ‘relatable to many’
She also noted Claudia’s hair and beauty, including her signature heavy fringe and kohl-rimmed eyes, elevate her outfits and ‘serve as visual anchors’.
Claudia has previously described the aesthetic as a ‘bit woman on the verge of something ugly in a castle left with just a bottle of spray tan and eyeliner’.
Like her fashion choices, Claudia’s makeup look for the Traitors isn’t current or Instagram-approved but is a brilliant example of how ‘breaking the rules can lead to something far more powerful’, according to salon owner Karina Dubinina.
‘Her signature style on The Traitors has become iconic, and what might be considered beauty “mistakes” on someone else, she totally owns and turns into a personal aesthetic that feels intentional, confident and undeniably her,’ the founder of Backstage Salon said.
She added: ‘Claudia is a brilliant example of how breaking traditional beauty “rules” can lead to something far more powerful: a distinct, unforgettable personal brand.
‘On The Traitors, her aesthetic is dialled up to gothic glamour, but it’s still unmistakably Claudia – the fabulous full fringe, dramatic tan, pale lips, heavy eyemake and all.’
Ms Kyte agreed that Claudia embodies her aesthetic completely.
‘The way she moves, speaks, and styles her hair all feed into the same story. It’s this total commitment to her own look that makes Claudia not just fashionable, but iconic.’
