Marks and Spencer’s new autumnal range features some cosy, chic and country-core styles that we think Celebrity Traitors icon Claudia Winkleman would be proud of says senior fashion writer Eve Rowlands
I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait for the new series of Celebrity Traitors to return to our screens next week after a monumental first series in 2025 – with our favourite TV host, Claudia Winkleman, at the helm, no less. While I’m absolutely buzzing for the new twists and turns, drama and gasps of the new series, I am also chomping at the bit for the reveal of the show’s host’s enviable designer-country-core-gothic-inspired wardrobe (see here for my roundup of her looks from The Traitors season 4).
The new series is set to begin on October 1 (8 pm, BBC One), making it the perfect way to settle into the cooler autumnal evenings. With a new season – weather-wise and on telly – in full swing, the high street is currently overflowing with cosy jumpers, chunky boots, plaid, and more that we think our Claud would be all over. In particular, at Marks and Spencer.
So, inspired by past looks of the 54-year-old on the mystery show, I went to my local M&S to challenge myself to create some looks that would receive the seal of approval from the Celebrity Traitors host and her long-time stylist, Sinead McKeefry. It was a success, if I do say so myself – and the ensembles are all under £100.
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Working with what was in stock at my local store, I came up with about four looks that made me feel cosy and weather-appropriate, and that oozed the androgynous style the TV star is so famous for. Expect checks and plaid, cosy, textured jumpers, wax car coats, ruffles, and more – devastatingly, though, I couldn’t find a mallard-decorated knit (if you know, you know).
This jumper screamed out to me when I was wandering around my local M&S and reminded me of the famous Yeti coat look (from designer Raey) mixed with the sheep-ish £1,290 designer Isabel Marant Moka Sweater. Costing £55 from the brand’s Per Una range, the Fringe Detail Relaxed Jumper with Wool comes in XS to XL, and features fringe tassels all over the body and arms – both front and back – and has a lovely relaxed fit, ideal for layering. Personally, I would have liked it a little longer to cover the tops of my legs.
It is cut with a crew neckline and comfy long sleeves, which is ideal for slotting something like this Pure Cotton Checked Shirt, £24, underneath, buttoned up with the collar poking over the top (very Claudia, if you ask us) for a little pizzazz.
For anyone who’d rather have something with a little more neck protection – a la Claudia – this Lipsy Cream All Over Fringe Knitted Jumper from Next, £54, has a similar style with all over fringe and a turtle neck design.
As she’s known for her love of Spanx leggings (£80) and chunky Dr Martens 2976 Chelsea or Bottega Venetta boots, (£1,080), the alternatives I found in store were these Jersey Slim Fit Ankle Grazer Trousers, £19.50, which did the job nicely, alongside the Cowboy Block Heel Knee High Boots, £60. The boots were so comfortable, with my only gripe being that they weren’t very large-calf-friendly; they were quite tight on my calves and had limited stretch.
When teaming this look with the brand’s Cotton Rich Waxed Tie Neck Car Coat, £90, it’s an ideal breakfast greeting and first-challenge fit, wouldn’t you say?
Leaning into the country-core style we often see during the course of the show, this Nobody’s Child V-Neck Longline Jumper with Wool, £69, layered over the Nobody’s Child Checked Collared Shirt, £65, is a great casual look that instantly looks put together when buttoning up the shirt to the top.
The woolly texture of the jumper neatly complements the soft checks of the shirt, which is loose and long enough to be worn confidently with leggings and boots. Adding a wool coat, like this Checked Double Breasted Longline Coat (£90), with its brown flecks, adds a cosy touch that would be topped off with a thick woven hat (like this from Etsy, £51.27) and some fingerless gloves.
Swapping out the trousers for a Checked Midi Circle skirt pays homage to the kilt-style skirts Claudia has worn on the show. While the checks are small and not quite as prominent as what the TV star has previously worn, the skirt’s shape has the same elegant swish and subtlety that makes it work with other patterns – like in the shirt worn here. For anyone wanting more of a tartan-style print, this ASOS DESIGN tailored midi kilt in brown check with a button detail (£35) is a great option, featuring traditional pleats and a side zip fastening.
Stumbling on this gorgeous M&S £36 Wool Blend Cable Knit Jumper, I was instantly reminded of the Mr Mittens knitted red oversized jumper Claudia wore in Series 2, Episode 9. While I didn’t have an equally chunky olive scarf (this Regatta Women’s Aleena Shawl Scarf | Khaki Green, £28, is a great alternative that’s just as cosy), the Cotton Rich Waxed Tie Neck Car Coat echoed the original look’s green hues and helped me complete a look worthy of the Queen of TV.
For something worthy of her roundtable looks, which often feature ruffles, lace, statement silk, or a power suit, I found this gorgeous Lace Collared Ruffle Shirt, £55, which ticked several boxes. With a feminine button-through front that’s covered in romantic ruffles, it has a sheer, lace design (and comes with an under-vest) and long, cuffed sleeves. We can see it pairing nicely with an emerald-green or purple velvet suit and loafers.
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