Pass the window of clothing shop on the British high street anytime soon and you’re more than likely to spot a few distinctive items amongst the autumn/winter rails. A chunky Aran knit, a statement boot, a touch of tweed or lace – perhaps even a kilt or a cape.
Myriad factors shape fashion trends, but one influence that cannot be overstated when it comes to the current mood is Claudia Winkleman’s Traitors style. Crafted with stylist Sinead McKeefry, Winkleman’s “Highland goth” aesthetic has been a much-emulated hit – as covetable as it is camp, at once entertainingly theatrical and appealingly wearable.
“I think it’s just a really easy way to dress,” says McKeefry. “If you’ve got a great cashmere jumper, some cool jeans – nothing fancy – a walking boot, and a great tweed blazer, you kind of feel put together. You can mix and match pieces and then before you know it, you’ve got loads of outfits.”
These pieces might well be waiting in your wardrobe already – McKeefry says she gets lots of messages from women in their fifties thanking her for helping them rediscover old favourites. They’re also being snapped up on resale sites like Depop (where searches for argyle print are up 127 per cent) and on the high street.
“You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the look,” says McKeefry. “I was walking through Zara and I could see it everywhere: lace-up chunky boots, big military coats, sludgy greens and gorgeous greys and navies. It was like you could have done a whole season of Traitors in that one trip.”
Whether it’s a statement scarf or a full round table-ready look, anyone can embrace a touch of Celebrity Traitors this season. Duly inspired, some of The Telegraph fashion team – with every generation from twenties to sixties represented – set about paying homage to everyone’s favourite on-screen wardrobe.
Lisa Armstrong, 60s
I wouldn’t normally step out in something this short, but if you’re small, a voluminous cape like this one has to be worn with something slim on the bottom half. Since there were only midi kilts left on the rail by the time it was my turn at the photoshoot, I opted for black tights and pointy boots. In real life I’d wear this with leggings or slim jeans.
