Claudia Winkleman Has Declared It A Cashmere & Kilt Autumn – Here’s How I’m Shopping The Trend

I may have started watching Celebrity Traitors for the Alan Carr-centred high-jinx, but I’m staying for Claudia Winkleman’s pitch-perfect autumnal ‘fits. From her lug-soled Bottega Veneta boots, through to her embrace of all things tartan, my aquaphobic queen has captured the vibe of cosy season perfectly and I am impressed. While her sartorial oeuvre is strong, there’s one combination that feels particulary cool, namely: her Prada pleated skirt paired with a cable knit, both in delightfully dreary charcoal greys (worn in episode 5).

Of course, Winkleman far from invented this pairing, in fact, it looks suspiciously like my own secondary school uniform. But, that doesn’t put me off, rather, what better evidence to suggest this is the perfect back-to-school ensemble?

The scholastic pleated skirt trend has been gaining popularity for seasons now; Chopova Lowena’s kilts are fashion editor catnip, Prada’s grey, pleated skirts are beloved both on and off the catwalk and COS’ recent collaboration with Le Kilt was an instant sellout success. The obvious choice would be to pair with a shirt (à la Thom Browne), but a knit (preferably cashmere) makes this even more wearable.

I’ve cobbled together the look easily for a day in the Grazia office with my own pieces by wearing a COS, navy, pleated mini skirt with an &Daughter knitted vest. I added a ME+EM striped top and Dear Frances knee-high boots, and I hope I’ve done Winkleman’s legacy proud. Thankfully, if you don’t have your own cashmere and kilt pairing, there are plenty of iterations out there – best paired with boots and an oversized winter coat in my humble opinion.

Daisy Murray is Grazia’s Fashion Commerce Editor. Previously ELLE UK’s Fashion Site Editor, Daisy has interviewed fashion icons such as Sarah Jessica Parker, profiled designers like Cecilie Bahnsen, and written features on vintage shopping and hypey trends alike. Find her on Instagram and TikTok here.