Now that Christmas is something of a distant memory and the January blues are creeping in, here's something to perk you up: season 3 of The Traitors has begun. The first three episodes of the new series are already available to watch and, if you haven't spent the past two Januarys hooked on the first two series of the reality game show, what on earth have you been doing?! With hauntingly good tension, it's deliciously addictive stuff. Other than the heart-thumping round table scenes and unbearable cliffhangers, one thing we can never peel our eyes away from is Claudia Winkleman's style.
Working with her stylist, Sinead McKeefry, Winkleman has excited a national furore with her 'haute country' outfits, which viewers shopped in their thousands while watching season 2. You'll often find Winkleman marrying The Row and Burberry with ME+EM, Zara and LK Bennett, and while there's always heaps of glorious cashmere (most of it from Brora), there are also floor-sweeping coats, knits sourced from the menswear department and, of course, many pairs of Hunter wellies thrown in the mix too. There's also always major support for independent brands, particularly when it comes to some of the most Googled knitwear pieces, like the balloon-sleeve jumper from Mr Mittens and chunky scarf knitted by independent label Rose & Wül.
McKeefry and Winkleman have developed a very clever formula; Winkleman's ensembles feel entirely relatable and yet, thanks to the canny integration of fashion-forward and luxury labels, remain aspirational, too. Think Saint Laurent velvet blazers paired with Commando's velvet leggings and Winkleman's favourite Dr. Martens, which she has described as 'the best boot of all time'. Ultimately, it's gothic glam meets power dressing, and we can't get enough of it.
McKeefry told me that since the first series of the show, she's had 'friends in retail saying people are coming in and asking for ‘Claudia in The Traitors look’, and my friends in the fashion crowd have been loving it, too.' For season 2, the stylist said she and Winkleman had a clear vision: 'I think because [Claudia and I] enjoyed being back in the process, we had our inspirations and knew what our look wanted to be... Ronnie Corbett meets Princess Anne meets Madonna (in the Guy Ritchie days!)'
Given that some of season 2's final moments included a major fashion moment with Winkleman in a truly theatrical, floor-sweeping fringed coat by Saint Laurent, we can't wait to see what the rest of season 3 has in store.
Shop: Claudia Winkleman's The Traitors Season 3 Outfits
The sweeping skirt and khaki jumper
Winkleman has truly mastered the art of moody glamour, and proves it with this look that feels both rustic and high fashion. She wears a sweeping black lace skirt adorned with a floral print, and pairs it with an oversized roll neck khaki jumper from a repeat favourite brand of hers - Brora. Finishing the look with an oversized grey tailored coat, we think it's the perfect combination of countryside chic and drama.
Exact match
www.broraonline.com
Perhaps the most understated part of the look, Winkleman wears a cashmere Brora jumper in the colour mushroom. In case the exact colour is sold out, the Luxe Knit is also available in two alternative colours; pine and iris.
www.allsaints.com
All Saints is the perfect place to go if you're wanting to channel some of Winkleman's monochromatic grunge. The Rory Maxi Skirt has a similar style tulle and is also shaped for a dramatic silhouette.
uk.sandro-paris.com
The Long Coat from Sandro is almost exactly the same as the one Winkleman wears in this ensemble. It features a lapel collar, double-breasted design with six buttons so you can really snuggle up, and side pockets.
The grey co-ord
Winkleman serves up cosy-chic in this grey knitted co-ord from Emilia Wickstead. The designer is somewhat a master of combining classic tailoring with modern twist - an outfit formula Winkleman can't live without, either. The subtle geometric print adds just the right amount of texture, while the monochromatic colourway keeps it refined.
Exact match
emiliawickstead.com
Made from a cosy cashmere-like yarn, this knitted top from Emilia Wickstead features a birds eye jacquard motif in a monochrome palette. With a V-neckline, the Penn Top also has contrast black tipping at the neckline and cuffs, all that's missing is a pair of matching trousers.
Exact match
emiliawickstead.com
Of course, no co-ord is complete without the matching trousers. The Lowe Knitted Trousers come complete with the same contrast tipping and grey birds eye jacquard print.
The checked shacket and white shirt
Winkleman's sleek grey shacket is most likely a piece from Johnstons of Elgin - a heritage brand celebrated for its luxurious Scottish cashmere and wool. And, the choice couldn't be more fitting, given where The Traitors is filmed. Paired with a white shirt and an effortlessly cool up-do, this outfit is a sartorial tribute to location and style - she nails it again.
johnstonsofelgin.com
This overshirt from Johnstons of Elgin has a combined composition of lambswool and cashmere Donegal. With a back pleat, curved hem and checked pattern, it's super similar to the one spotted on Winkleman, even down to the black buttons.
www.thehut.com
Another good alternative that's similar to Winkleman's original shacket is this one from Samsøe Samsøe. The checked pattern is almost identical, and even features dropped shoulders and a single patch pocket too.
www.net-a-porter.com
A shirt you know you'll get loads of wear out of, The Frankie Shop basics are some of the best on the market. The Lui Shirt is made from organic cotton-poplin and has an oversized fit so you can style it under a blazer or shacket.
The red satin shirt
Not one to shy away from interesting textures, Winkleman opts for a crimson satin shirt that delivers an unapologetic pop of colour and proves nails power dressing. She pairs the bright shirt with patterned purple trousers.
www.wolfandbadger.com
The Cherry Shirt from Wolf & Badger has a loose fit that's made from high silky viscose which means it feels soft on your skin. To style for the day, take notes from Winkleman and pair with wide-leg trousers, or for the evening add a midi skirt and kitten heels.
The rose motif jumper and corduroy trousers
Winkleman has truly nailed the 'casual but cool' brief and this outfit proves exactly that. The rose-printed jumper is from the men's section of a brand called Barrie. Winkleman is becoming quite accustomed to shopping in the male section, and we ought to take a lesson or two. With the jumper she wears a pair of brown corduroy trousers and boots.
Exact match
www.barrie.com
This jumper from Barrie is described as 'a stylish and comfortable approach to summer', although we think it would look just as great layered in the winter too. Emblazoned with multiple red roses and made out of a cosy cashmere, the jumper is as comfortable as it is avant-garde.
gb.weekendmaxmara.com
It's likely the pair of trousers Winkleman chose to style with the rose motif jumper are these from an offshoot from Max Mara, called Weekend Max Mara. The corduroy's have pressed pleat detailing, high-cut waistband that's perfect for tucking in jumpers, and a slightly flared design.
The faux-fur coat and boots
Last season, we can probably all agree that one of the standout moments is Winkleman wearing an enormous longline fringe coat from Saint Laurent. Taking inspiration from that masterpiece, this season Winkleman channels the same energy in a style I think I've tracked down as RAEY's Collared Shearling Wool-Blend Maxi Coat - which is now unfortunately out of stock, but here's a good alternative.
www.next.co.uk
A staple in any boho (or Scottish Highland apparently) wardrobe, this coat has similar long sleeves, split side pockets and of course that ragged vintage fur feel. Let the coat be the outfit and keep accessories minimal when styling.
www.freepeople.com
What's the first thing that sprung to Winkleman's/Sinead McKeefry's mind when styling faux fur - more faux fur of course. To go with said sweeping fur coat they chose a pair of faux fur boots that aren't too dissimilar from this Free People style. Make sure not to wear them in the rain, however.
The checked trousers and Miu Miu brogues
A standout piece from Winkleman's outfit in episode three has to be these trousers from Connolly. They feature a striking dark green and navy tartan print, and she pairs the statement trouser with an oversized grey knit, also from the same brand.
Exact match
www.connollyengland.com
Winkleman's trousers in question are in fact this pair from Connolly. With a classic waist and a slim leg fit, these wool check trousers have adjustable tabs at the waistband and dark horn Connolly buttons. Channel your inner Winkleman by pairing with an oversized knit or add a white tee and boxy blazer for something slightly smarter.
Exact match
www.connollyengland.com
Knitted and milled in Scotland, this cashmere knit feels entirely appropriate for The Traitors. With a classic crew neck and ribbing on the cuffs, hem and collar, this sweater is a little bit of luxury - and it's sure to keep you super cosy throughout winter too.
Exact match
www.harrods.com
Of course, no preppy outfit is complete without a pair of brogues. The exact ones Winkleman wore are from a collaboration between Miu Miu and heritage British footwear brand Church's. The brogues feature a curled fringe, buckled monk strap and are stamped with the iconic Miu Miu logo.
The Spanx leggings and blazer
Back in season two of The Traitors Winkleman made a case for the humble leggings, including a velvet pair from Spanx that sold out almost immediately. Now, it seems Spanx leggings are making an appearance in the styling of season three, and prove that leggings, can in fact, scrub up rather well if there's a blazer and a shirt from The Vampire's Wife involved.
Exact match
spanx.com
Despite the reputation of leggings as being only used for activewear, Winkleman proves they can be dressed up, too. This pair from Spanx are made from a breathable recycled EcoCare nylon, and it has flexible yarns meaning the Seamless Leggings are comfortable for all-day wear too.
www.jigsaw-online.com
This is a blazer that's similar to Winkleman's, and from the same brand. With a wool-blend and twill weave, this blazer will feel just as home in the Scottish Highlands as it will on the streets of London. Plus, it has so many practical elements, like jet flap pockets, under collar and full inner lining.
The statement cardigan
This statement cardi added a dash of drama to Winkleman's look. Layered over an on-trend sheer shirt, she shows us how to wear the translucent trend without being freezing cold (or nearly naked). Plus, of course, another great pair of black boots were thrown on for good measure.
www.mytheresa.com
The exact cardigan Winkleman is wearing is now sold out, but the brand does have this similar style still in stock.
www.mytheresa.com
Through using her budget wisely, McKeefry told me how she was able to buy these black Bottega boots. Money well spent, I would say.
The embellished jumpsuit
Winkleman stunned at the second round table in a black velvet jumpsuit from Sandro, which is now unfortunately out of stock. The luxurious one-piece features a pearl-embellished neckline, adding a touch of opulence, while the crisp white cuffs create a striking contrast, and nod to Winkleman's penchant for tailoring.
www.nadinemerabi.com
As Winkleman's original Sandro style is out of stock, this Nadine Merabi jumpsuit is a dead ringer for the Sandro iteration. Featuring a similar pearl droplet neckline and internal shoulder pads, style with monochrome loafers for the full Winkleman-inspired look.
The chic cape and cashmere
Last season, Winkleman made a strong case for why a cape should be a staple of any winter wardrobe and she continues to do so in season 3. Plus, it adds a bit more drama to any look than a classic coat. This time, she paired it with her signature fingerless gloves, and I've found some similar styles below.
www.ralphlauren.co.uk
Winkleman's chic tweed cape adorned with 'mission' on the back is custom made from Luxury Family Affair, but this Ralph Lauren option immediately caught my eye as an alternative (and it's in the sale).
Exact match
www.broraonline.com
Underneath Winkleman's cape, she wore this cashmere jumper from a brand we already know she loves - Brora. Made from a unique flecked yarn that almost looks like it could be tweed, this cashmere-classic knit isn't likely to be in stock for long.
Exact match
www.broraonline.com
To match Winkleman's jumper, she also chose to accessorise with the matching pair of fingerless gloves. This style of hand-warmer make up a large part of Winkleman's wardrobe - and this pair is particularly chic.
The jumper and jeans
Kicking off with an outfit we all often wear, Winkleman stepped out in a classic jumper, jeans and boots combo, but with her true-to-style Traitors gothic grunge spin. On the back of this Kaptial Fair Isle Bone Jumper is a skeleton print that really makes a statement, although unfortunately Winkleman's exact knit was so popular it's sold out, so we've linked a good alternative.
www.endclothing.com
Taking inspiration from Winkleman, who we know doesn't like to shy away from shopping in the men's department, this jumper from Jamieson's of Shetland features a similar Fair Isle design to Winkleman's (sans skeleton of course).
Exact match
www.hollandcooper.com
To go with said statement jumper, Winkleman opted to wear a brand who knows how to do countryside couture - Holland Cooper. She chose the colour 'washed black' and this style are designed to sit high on the waist. Did Winkleman just officially bring skinny jeans back?
www.drmartens.com
Finishing off the look with a pair of jeans and trusty brown Dr. Marten boots (similar to the style below), this is one chic look almost all of us can recreate.
The velvet blazer
For Winkleman's first round table appearance – a routine that's always nothing less than intense - she paired a chic satin shirt with a velvet blazer.
www.nobodyschild.com
This blazer from the label loved by other celebrities like Holly Willoughby and Zara McDermott, emulates the one Winkleman was spotted wearing in the first episode. The perfect winter blazer, it features a notch neckline, welt pockets and velvet-covered buttons.
www.hollandcooper.com
To go with your new velvet blazer - why not copy Winkleman's entire look by pairing it with a silky shirt? This one from Holland Cooper has an oversized bow collar, draped fit and fitted shoulders.
The very first look of season 3
The first glimpse of Winkleman in season 3 set the tone perfectly. Draped in a tailored brown herringbone blazer from Bella Freud (which was so popular it's now out of stock) and layered over a sleek black turtleneck, she exudes a no-nonsense sophistication that feels in step with the gothic grandeur of the show. And, of course, the outfit includes Winkleman's signature quirk - cosy fingerless gloves.
www.sezane.com
If you're on the hunt for a style that's similar to Winkleman's, and, much like us, you're gutted her exact Bella Freud blazer is out of stock - the Jack Jacket from Sezane makes for an excellent replacement. With single breasted front buttoning and two patch pockets, all that's missing is a black turtleneck.
www.cos.com
To get a similar look to the one Winkleman wore in episode one, this Cos Merino wool top gives the same effect with a high roll-neck collar and a neat, slim fit.
The teaser
In the teaser images offering a tiny glimpse into season 3, Winkleman is already inspiring wardrobes. Wearing her signature look of a black blazer with leggings, the presenter added a flourish in the form of a Sister Jane blouse. The ruffled top, complete with black corsage, has sadly already sold out, but there are some very similar options still available from the brand.
sisterjane.com
This style still has the ruffled sleeves and neck detail of Winkleman's original blouse but is slightly more wearable thanks to the overall sleeker silhouette.
sisterjane.com
This looks a lot like the sold-out blouse thanks to its all-over ruffles, the shade of blue and the flared sleeves.
Shop: The Pieces From Claudia Winkleman's Season 2 Wardrobe Still In Stock
www.farfetch.com
To describe Saint Laurent's fringed long coat as a statement piece might be something of an understatement. It's certainly an investment but, considering it's almost sold out, clearly one some are willing to make. Think of it as your shortcut to event dressing; it doesn't even matter what you're wearing underneath when you have a coat this glorious.
www.roseandwul.co.uk
Approximately two metres long and crafted from the most sumptuous merino wool, this scarf is made to order, and with almost every colour you can imagine to choose from. Ideal for the current cold snap, you'll wear this every winter.
www.notonthehighstreet.com
If you want a similar style that's less than £100, Lauren Aston designs these oversized scarves and sells them via Not On The High Street. Just pick your colour and place your order.
www.farfetch.com
A Burberry trench is always in style – Winkleman's is actually from the men's collection, making it slightly oversized on her and therefore a genius fit.
www.church-footwear.com
These may be an investment but they're certainly one that will last – and they'll never go out of style. Wear them every year and with just about anything.
www.johnlewis.com
If you want all the comfort of leggings but an outfit that still looks like you've made some effort, these will be your new favourite thing. Winkleman wore hers with Dr. Martens and a chic blouse.
www.broraonline.com
In many of the outdoor scenes, Winkleman can be seen sporting a pair of cashmere wrist warmers, which her stylist Sinead McKeefry said are either from Brora or Johnston's of Elgin. This pair looks extremely similar to the style seen in the first episode – and they're less than £60 for pure Scottish cashmere.
hunterboots.co.uk
In the first episode of the season 2, Winkleman is once again making wellies look chic. This pair is from Hunter.
luxuryfamilyaffair.com
The now-famous cape is from Luxury Family Affair and is available in a range of colours should you want to deviate from Winkleman's favourite black.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.