I feel a little late to the party this time around as every newspaper I look at has a piece on how to get Claudia’s countryside style from the new series of ‘The Traitors’. But I promised a round-up and so a round-up is what I shall deliver. We will be mainly looking at pieces inspired by the outfits created by expert stylist Sinead McKeefry, as the actual ones worn by Claudia are either VERY expensive or past season. Check out last season’s post for an interview with Sinead about the inspiration behind the looks.
At this point I should say how much I’m loving the new series. I’m writing this on Wednesday morning, so I haven’t seen this week’s batch of episodes yet, but I’m Team Harry. I really want him to win, so I’m hoping he hasn’t been ousted just yet. I’m also VERY keen to see the new US version as it features some of my favourites from the ‘Real Housewives’ franchises. Phaedra! Tamra! Larsa! (I am aware only about 0.5% of you will know who I’m talking about here, but for those three of you who do, you are my people.)
Let’s take a look at some of my favourite outfits so far and how you can blatantly copy them. Note, as ever, that I’ve tried to add alternative items at various price points in the scroll bar under each look.
CABLE KNITS AND KILTS
This jumper is definitely my favourite piece of knitwear for the series so far. Unfortunately, it’s sold out (it’s by Japanese brand Kapital), but that’s good because it was way above my pay grade and I have a tendency to impulse-purchase things I can’t afford. There’s a good smiley elbow jumper from Orwell + Austen here, or you could get crafty and sew or iron on your own smiley face patches to the elbows of a more affordable M&S cable knit sweater to get a similar effect. Or, if you’re taken with that brand, buy this instead! I feel it would come in handy on bad days.
- M&S cable knit longline jumper
- & Other Stories ruffled Mulberry silk blouse
- Brora Scottish Mohair wool kilt
- Amazon iron-on embroidered smiley patch
- Barbour Beadnell waxed jacket (use code KATE for 20% off)
- Arket faux fur lined leather boots
ARGLYE KNITS AND LONG COATS
Overall, this is my favourite look – mainly because I think it’s the easiest to recreate from things I already own. A maxi coat (mine is from Jigsaw), a pair of leggings or skinny jeans, a blouse and a patterned jumper. I’ve got a feeling we’re looking at a return to argyle jumpers this year. Ganni have just launched their new collection, and one of the stand-out items is this argyle-style cardigan. Claudia’s coat is from equestrian-focused British luxury brand Holland and Cooper. If you think you recognise their coats it’s probably because Kate, Princess of Wales, is a big fan and is often photographed wearing them. She’s also a princess, so she can afford them.
- Boden ivory lace collar shirt
- Gant crew neck Argyle sweater
- Nails Inc Paddington quick dry nail polish
- Rag & Bone Nina high rise skinny jeans
- Johnsons of Elgin ribbed cashmere wrist warmers
- Barbour Abbey tall wellington boots (use code KATE for 20% off)
- Holland and Cooper Blackwatch tartan double breasted coat
FITTED BLAZER AND LEGGINGS
I am happy to report that, according to stylist Sinead’s Instagram, she picked my favourite Spanx leggings to dress Claudia in. I’ve been extolling the virtues of these for a few years now. They hold you in, but aren’t too tight, they don’t give you a camel toe and are VERY comfortable. They are the ONLY leggings I own and I’ve had them for 3 years without any thought of buying another pair. Claudia’s boots are by Paris Texas, but these from Daniel are a great dupe.
- The Kooples notched lapel single breasted blazer
- John Lewis checked blazer
- Spanx Look at Me Now seamless leggings
- LK Bennett Sonya cream crepe blouse
- Coach Prestyn leather heeled ankle boots
- Paris Texas black suede heeled Dallas boots
FAIRISLE KNIT AND CHECKED TROUSERS
This look is very ‘grandpa chic’. I think I might expand on it next week as it’s right up my strasse. Think tweed jackets, chunky knits and checked trousers. Pipe smoking optional. Brora is the queen of all Fair Isle knits and their fingerless gloves are also excellent, so that’s a good place to start.
- Brora cashmere ditsy Fairisle jumper
- Mango khaki double breasted oversized coat
- House of Bruar plaid trousers
- House of Bruar Elgin wool handwarmers
- Barbour Tempest green wellies
LITTLE BLACK DRESS AND CHUNKY BOOTS
Look! Claudia has made it OK (again) to wear your DMs with your LBD. Her amazing dress is by The Vampire’s Wife. I’ve had a look around, and Hurr seems to be the best place to rent one of these if you’re after something for a special event. They’ve got loads of styles in lots of colours. There are also quite a few similar styles in the Selfridges sale: the French brands Maje, Sandro and Claudie Pierlot do a good line in short dresses.
- Massimo Dutti double breasted tuxedo jacket
- Claudie Pierlot Polka dot-print woven mini dress
- Sandro Rhinestone embellished mini dress
- Hush Pacey leather Chelsea boots
- Dr Martens 2976 leather Chelsea boots
GRANDPA CARDI AND SILK SHIRT
Finally, another way to wear your white shirt: buttoned up under an oversized cardigan and with a pair of slim-leg trousers. I bet most of you have something similar you can use to recreate this. Check out the men’s departments for proper oversized grandpa cardigans.
- Karen Millen merino wool knit cardigan
- Boden ivory Sienna silk shirt
- Uniqlo Heatech ultra stretch legging trousers
- The House of Bruar cashmere fingerless gloves
- John Lewis stone trench coat
- Blundstone unisex classic 550 leather boots
I think next week I’m going to continue this ‘country-style’ theme and go for ‘Grandpa-chic’, it might not be for everyone, but if you enjoy a nice sweater and good pair of trousers, you are going to love it…
K x
