The Traitors is Back – Stylist on Nailing Claudia’s Favourite Knits

The Traitors is Back – Stylist on Nailing Claudia’s Favourite Knits

January 23, 2025

Season three of The Traitors has taken the UK by storm, blessing viewers screens with murders, banishments, and a spooky Scottish castle. However, for many the most captivating element is Claudia Winkleman who’s typically known for her famous hairstyle, but when it comes to the hit murder mystery show it’s all about her iconic countryside-core outfits. 

Claudia’s style combines gothic charm with everyday comfort, relying on core pieces like Chelsea boots, blazers and an array of knitwear, which has led to a breakout in UK Google searches last week for terms like ‘Claudia Winkleman outfits’ and ‘Claudia Winkleman jumper traitors’.  

For YCB readers feel inspired with their knitwear this winter and to get the Claudia Winkleman wardrobe nailed to perfection, Head of Women’s Design over at FatFace, Jo Collins, shares her styling tips with us on Claudia’s most iconic knitwear – Fair Isle jumpers, turtlenecks, bell sleeves and cardigans.

Fair Isle knitwear shines brightest in jumpers and vests, thanks to its intricate, colourful patterns. To let these detailed designs stand out, it’s essential to balance them with neutral and understated layers.

“For a polished evening or work look, layer a Fair Isle jumper over a contrasting shirt, leaving the collar and shirt tails visible. A classic white shirt paired with a dark-coloured jumper creates a striking contrast, allowing the knitwear to take centre stage while the white accents break up the solid tones. This approach works equally well with Fair Isle vests, where the exposed shirt sleeves provide an extra pop of colour, enhancing the overall balance and maintaining a crisp, put-together appearance.

“Alternatively, style a long-sleeved t-shirt under the vest for a casual day look or opt for a turtleneck top underneath and style with relaxed jeans and an oversized overcoat to keep it cool and comfortable.”

Make sure to balance proportions when styling a dramatic sleeve:

“We’re seeing a lot of boho-inspired clothing making a comeback at the minute and bell sleeves are a perfect example of this. The style perfectly combines 70’s charm with the dramatic silhouettes that have made a comeback in the past few years – like the return of flared and wide-leg trousers. 

“Given the bold nature of bell sleeves, balancing the proportions of your outfit is key. You can either complement their flowy shape or create contrast for a harmonious look. Pair a patterned bell-sleeve top with simple bottoms, such as high-waisted and straight-leg blue denim. The high-waisted style not only balances the dramatic sleeve length but also seamlessly ties the outfit together. Belle sleeves look great with the skinny jeans comeback – especially when tucked in and belted. 

“As bell sleeves typically extend past your wrists, keep bracelets and rings to a minimum  – making sure you choose only a few delicate pieces that divert attention upwards with a dramatic pair of earrings and a statement necklace. 

“A belt in a similar colour to your top can help to tie everything together or matching your top and footwear can equally help to balance the outfit. Just make sure to contrast your bottom half with both your top and footwear to break the colours up.”

Turtlenecks make a versatile option for any occasion:

Turtlenecks are a versatile wardrobe staple, effortlessly working in both oversized and fitted styles.

“For an oversized turtleneck, pair it with jeans of any cut – mom or wide-leg jeans work particularly well. Tuck the sweater into belted trousers for balanced proportions and a flattering hourglass silhouette, or wear it loose with straight-leg jeans and heeled boots for a relaxed yet polished look.

“A tighter-fitted turtleneck is best paired with a baggier trouser or jean shape. Trousers give a more sophisticated look, perfect for the office, while jeans make a great option for every day. Layer with a tailored jacket or longline coat for extra warmth and to tie everything together. 

“Turtlenecks are a great option for layering, so experiment wearing one under a shirt with the top buttons undone for a sophisticated day-to-night look, or even under a cable knit jumper for an extra layer of warmth.

“Turtlenecks are also a great option for styling maxi skirts during the winter. Dress it up with a satin maxi skirt and boots or keep it casual with a denim skirt and trainers.”

Elevate a by through, layering, tucking in or experimenting with buttons:

FatFace enlisted their knitwear designer Helen Hauduc to share her tips with YCB on elevating this classic layering piece: 

“This year we’ve seen a huge increase in cardigans being buttoned in different ways, particularly either just the top button done or every single button. Experiment with different buttoning styles to give your cardigan a new look.

“Longline coats and statement jackets are a winter staple, but styling a cardigan underneath can refresh the look and break up the harsh contrast between the coat and the top you’re wearing. Opt for a cardigan in a neutral but contrasting colour and choose a lighter fabric to avoid the coat appearing bulky. Button up the cardigan for a preppy look and leave the coat unbuttoned to appear effortlessly chic.

“An easy way to give a buttoned-up cardigan a different look is to tuck it into jeans or a skirt. This will accentuate the waist and give your frame an hourglass appearance, whilst making the outfit look smarter and more put together. If you don’t want to add extra bulk around your stomach, folding the bottom of the cardigan in on itself and holding it in place with a belt underneath can give the same illusion – this also works for jumpers and sweatshirts.”

Anabel is a graduate of King’s College London and upon graduating, she set out on a journey to inspire and empower women through her words. Besides working as a digital marketing expert, Anabel is a freelance copywriter.