Traitors is back on our screens, and while we're obsessed with the celeb drama, we're also once again coveting Claudia's wardrobe. Styled by Sinead McKeefry, nobody wears a legging and boot combo quite like Ms Winkleman (the fingerless gloves are a debatable choice, but we move).
Now, I don't know about you, but leggings aren't the first item that comes into my head when I think of a polished, well-put together outfit. For going to the gym or a pilates class, of course, they're practical. And while athleisure has become the backbone of most of our wardrobes thanks to Covid, meaning it's totally acceptable to wear leggings without any kind of workout involved, sometimes you just want your outfit to give a bit more.
So, get ready to take a leaf out of Claudia's book as well as the street style set's. You don't have to just wear your leggings with a hoodie and trainers — they have so much more potential! Add a hat, some autumnal layers, and before you know it, your staple black pair are actually starting to look pretty high fashion...
Military outerwear and a romantic blouse
For the first Celebrity Traitors mission, Claudia switched up her regular black leggings for a tan pair, which work perfectly with this Herringbone tweed jacket. The military style pockets and high neck are balanced out by the streamlined shape of the leggings and knee-high Hunter boots, and the Chloé blouse layered underneath adds a feminine, dramatic touch to the overall look. Sinead, we salute you.
Bomber jacket and knee-high boots
Bomber jackets are having a moment — we love this wearer's leather style. The pilot-style peaked hat adds interest to the all black ensemble, and the leggings tucked into the patent pointed-toe boots are seriously chic.
Leather jacket and roll-neck jumper
This outfit is super easy to recreate but looks so good. A chunky roll-neck jumper underneath a classic brown leather jacket, finished off with leggings and boots. It's giving off-duty supermodel, old school Claudia Schiffer energy — what more could you want? Extra style points for this wearer's long-handle burgundy handbag.
Everyone's clicking on...
Peplum blouse and T-bar heels
Peplums are polarising, but they work perfectly with a pair of leggings. The voluminous skirt shape is balanced by the sleek, tight bottom-half. We love how this wearer has matched hers with a cropped jacket to really show off the capri-length. The gold embellished T-bar heels take the whole outfit to another level — this is going straight on our autumnal moodboard.
Midi skirt and leather gloves
This outfit is seriously Miu Miu inspired. A sheer midi skirt can feel unwearable on the day-to-day, so we love how this wearer has styled hers with a pair of stirrup leggings underneath. Combined with her shirt, jumper and jacket, this is a masterclass in how to layer without looking bulky. Finished off with a pair of statement blue leather gloves? This might be the most stylish way to wear leggings we've ever seen. Take note!
Windbreaker and ballet flats
The high neck shape of this sporty windbreaker jacket is complemented nicely by the capri-length leggings. The Tabi ballet flats add an unexpected twist, making this one for all the fashion-forward girls on the go.
Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.
Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent.
