The Traitors inspired wardrobe update
Have you been watching this season of The Traitors? Claudia Winkleman’s outfits have been setting the socials on fire, and with good reason. It’s time for a (not too spendy) Traitors-inspired wardrobe update!
Let’s start with Claudia’s outfit themes and influences:
- British heritage designs, prints and brands. Bit Brora, bit Peaky Blinders.
- Classic punk & gothic. Alex McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Comme des Garcons, Dr. Martens.
- European catwalk designs. Miu miu, Prada and more. Plus some vintage Le Smoking era YSL.
Yes, lots of fun to be had. But can you be faithful to these iconic looks on a budget?
Well of course you can, if you know where to look. Let’s get started.
The black contrast trim mini dress
- Roman black bow mini dress, ยฃ40.00.
Love this dress! This is one of the easiest ways to get the look all in one go, and you want to pick something that sits somewhere between Wednesday Addams and designer Bella Freud. A pinch of vintage, and a dash of whimsy.
Just add opaque tights or black leggings, a masculine black blazer and a pair of chunky-soled boots or lace-up shoes to complete the outfit.
The Roman Originals shop has a large variety of contrast trim black dresses, sizes 10 to 20, so I’ve included a few more personal favourites below.
- Roman tie neck contrast trim dress, ยฃ42.00.
- Roman contrast zip collared knit dress, ยฃ42.00.
- Roman scalloped button down knit dress, ยฃ45.00.
Failing that, team a black pinafore with a white blouse or crisp shirt. You might already own something like this, or be able to find it second hand for a steal.
The stand-out edgy tartan piece
Joe Browns have really come up with the goods here, in sizes 6 to 26, with lots of nice details including buckles, studs and pleats. They also have a pair of punk-inspired skinny trousers in the same red print, which are a lot of fun.
- F&F Tesco grey check ponte skinny fit trousers, ยฃ18.00. Sizes 6 to 22.
If a red mini kilt is not quite your thing, there are plenty of other excellent tartan and plaid options on the high street, including midi and maxi skirts in a range of colours (ASOS womenswear is a great place to start). If in doubt, pick a dark, muted base shade such as charcoal as it’s easier to mix and match.
Not into tartan? Choose a different heritage weave such as small checks, houndstooth, tweed, or herringbone pattern. These often turn up in second hand sales, as well as on the high street.
The sleeveless jumper / knitted tank top
Iconic. These are the ‘sold out practically everywhere’ styles. Don’t worry, I’ve got you.
- Laura Ashley grey & white wool blend tank top, ยฃ38.00, Next.
Not far off the soft grey designer telly version stylistically, but infinitely more affordable. Very wearable neutral colourway.
- Land’s End burgundy CashTouch sleeveless jumper, ยฃ39.19 at Debenhams
The smooth extra layer that we see so often in Claudia’s TV wardrobe, and close to something she recently wore. This rich wine/burgundy colour is perfect for autumn – just stick a white shirt or patterned ladylike blouse underneath it and you’re good to go.
- Seasalt Cornwall Percella Fair Isle knitted vest in teal, ยฃ75.95.
This beauty from Seasalt Cornwall should last you for many years, and their whole Fair Isle collection is stunning. Yes, it includes matching fingerless gloves too, amongst other things.
The dramatic collar white shirt
Stick it under a knitted vest, jumper, waistcoat or pinafore. Boom.
- Wrangler drama collar longsleeve shirt, ยฃ70 at Wrangler. Also at ASOS.
It’s almost impossible to find a cotton dagger-collar shirt without paying designer prices, but this off-white Wrangler one hits the spot. Wear under any jumper for eye-catching detail, or team with a black tie, slim-leg trouser suit and sharp loafers.
Other iconic Traitors-style white shirts have included tie neck and pussy-bow blouses, and frill collar or Victoriana inspired versions. The versions above are easily dressed up and down for everyday looks, without looking like you’re staggering home after a big night at The Blitz Club. IYKYK.
The punky, chunky longsleeve jumper
Big, voluminous, and the star of the show.
The black Cos looped knit jumper from the show sold out many moons ago, but there’s a fun alternative at Urban Outfitters. I’d wear this with a plain black thermal top underneath it once the weather turns chilly.
Pick a textured roll neck knit too, maybe in a size bigger than you’d normally wear to get that OTT volume look. Olive or khaki will give that Barbour and Burberry look, without the price tag.
- Klass purple stripe feather knit jumper, ยฃ32.00. Also at Coast.
- M&S chocolate brown textured crew neck jumper, ยฃ28.00.
Play with colours, textures and patterns. The dark brown M&S jumper is like mohair, but in a softer, non-itchy fabric – pair it with a print for a chic but punky outfit.
The quirky accessories
Take your outfits to the next level with interesting accessories. Don’t hold back, have at it!
- Weekday black faux fur trapper hat, ยฃ34.00.
An eye catching but beautifully cosy hat. Bound to sell out in two seconds flat, nice alternatives at Urban Outfitters and Marks & Spencer. Look for one with a subtle string or button fastening so you can wear the sides up in autumn and down in winter.
Add a pop of colour, raise the quirky factor, and keep warm. The deep red leather gloves in the picture are the exact ones Claudia Winkelman’s worn on screen, and can be yours for just under ยฃ30.
A few more options below…
- Accessorize argyle pattern wrist warmers, ยฃ10.00.
- Elle black speckled tie with removable diamante tie pin, ยฃ7.99.
- M&S hooded triangle scarf, ยฃ30.00. Sorry, out of stock. Nice alternative at River Island though.
- Wolf & Badger brushed kelp green beanie hat, ยฃ28.00
And one more, just for fun.
Just the right amount of cosy, and just the right amount of quirky. Burgundy wrist warmers in a soft, fluffy knit.
What’s next?
Would you like to see some more affordable Traitors-inspired wardrobe updates? Let me know!
We haven’t even got started on the coats and jackets, suiting, shoes, boots or evening wear.
