Breaking: Black Leggings Like Claudia Winkleman’s The Traitors Style – Just £44!

The Leggings That Started It All

As a fashion editor, I encounter new trends every single day. Some are destined for greatness, whilst others fizzle out before the month is over. The relentlessness of this cycle is something I know all too well. Don’t get me wrong—I love a good trend, but after seeing countless fleeting ones come and go, I’ve learnt to prioritise timeless pieces over buzzy buys. And for me, few items are as timeless or versatile as a simple pair of black leggings. Ask any other editor, and they’ll tell you the same: a great pair of leggings is a wardrobe staple worth its weight in gold. But here’s the catch—not all leggings are created equal. Whilst the fashion set has tirelessly tested and debated the best pairs, the market is flooded with options, which makes it hard to know which are worth putting your money behind. However, there’s one clear frontrunner we all seem to agree on: Spanx leggings.

As it turns out, we aren’t the only ones who swear by them. This week, I found out that Claudia Winkleman, host of the television series The Traitors, is also a fan. In a recent episode from the new season, Winkleman wore a pair of Spanx leggings with a black velvet blouse, a neatly fitting black blazer and a pair of tall Bottega Veneta Lug Chelsea Boots (£1080). Sticking to a monochrome colour palette, the presenter elevated her look by integrating rich textures and sophisticated cuts to keep the outfit looking put-together despite championing an item associated with loungewear and athleisure.

A long-standing staple in the wardrobes of fashion editors—including Who What Wear UK’s editor-in-chief Hannah Almassi and deputy editor Maxine Eggenberger—Spanx leggings are beloved for their sculpting effect, hugging the body without restricting movement. Thick enough to avoid going sheer and with a matte jersey finish that keeps them polished instead of sporty, these leggings tick all the boxes. Whilst Winkleman stuck to the jersey black pair, the brand also offers velvet and leather-effect styles for those seeking an alternative take on this wardrobe essential.

To shop the editor-approved leggings we love, read on to discover our edit of the best Spanx leggings and other favourite pairs.

• SHOP SPANX LEGGINGS: Spanx Ecocare High-Rise Stretch-Jersey Leggings £68
• SHOP NOW The high-rise waist offers extra hold and comfort.
• SHOP SPANX LEGGINGS: Spanx Velvet Leggings £89
• SHOP NOW The velvet finish means these can easily transition to the evening.
• SHOP SPANX LEGGINGS: Harvey Nichols Moto Black Faux Stretch-Leather Leggings £94
• SHOP NOW Style these with tall boots and warm knit throughout winter.

SHOP OUR OTHER FAVOURITE LEGGINGS:

• Mango Mid-Rise Skinny Leggings £23
• SHOP NOW These come in sizes XXS–4XL.
• M&S Collection Magic Shaping High Waisted Leggings £23
• SHOP NOW These also come in deep navy.
• H&M Heavy Jersey Leggings £19
• SHOP NOW The seam detailing gives this an elevated edge.
• Falke Tights Maximum Warm £79
• SHOP NOW These are lined with brushed fabric to make them extra warm.
• James Perse Stretch-Pima Cotton Jersey Leggings £95
• SHOP NOW Style with trainers for a sporty look or dress these up with knee-high boots.
• The Frankie Shop Reya Ribbed Stretch-Jersey Flared Leggings £90
• SHOP NOW These would look so chic with a pointed-toe heel.

The Traitors’ Stylist: Sinead McKeefry

I thought it best to get in touch with stylist Sinead McKeefry who is the visionary behind the outfits. Sinead has worked with Claudia since 2006. Her stylist career began while studying knitwear design at Central Saint Martins fashion college in London. During this period she also worked part-time in a shop on Oxford Street, and it was there that a stylist came in to borrow some clothes for the band All Saints. Sinead took her chance and asked the stylist if she needed an assistant, and immediately got to work helping on a shoot for ‘Dazed & Confused’ magazine.

A year of unpaid work experience led to Sinead moving into the fashion department at ‘The Face’ magazine where she styled some of the artists for the music pages. This in turn led to a styling job with Virgin Records, where she worked with the likes of Billie Piper, Atomic Kitten and various Spice Girls. Sinead went on to meet Fearne Cotton at ‘TOTP’, and she still styles her to this day. Around 2006, Fearne and Claudia Winkleman were on a shoot together and that’s where Sinead met and styled Claudia for the first time; they have worked together ever since.

I thought I’d put a few questions to Sinead about the looks for ‘The Traitors’.

• Did you take inspiration from anyone/anything for these looks? Princess Anne, Ronnie Corbett and Madonna (the Guy Ritchie era). I also love Amanda Harlech so she was another inspiration.
• Do you work closely with Claudia to come up with the outfits? Yes, it’s a collaboration. Claudia brings lots of ideas to the table.
• Did you use pieces from her existing wardrobe? Yes, we used lots of tailoring which we have as her base wardrobe. For example, a Kooples blazer which we have used for years. She wore that for the final episode.
• Are there specific brands/designers that you always turn to? Wardrobe.NYC and Zara are two favourites.
• What was your favourite look from the series? I loved so many. One of my faves was the full-length Wardrobe.NYC coat and Brora snood.
• How on earth did you find so many good wrist warmers/fingerless gloves? Claudia and I have always been a fan of fingerless gloves and Claudia has bought me different pairs over the years for Christmas. The best ones are from Brora and Johnstons of Elgin.

Building Your Own Traitors-Inspired Looks

Most of these won’t be the exact items as the show was filmed last year, so call it a ‘homage’ if you will…

OUTFIT 1: Let’s start with one of Sinead’s favourite looks: the full-length coat and snood worn with leggings and a chunky boot.

• 1. H&M oversized cashmere jumper
• 2. Brora cashmere snood
• 3. Weekday grey wool blend herringbone oversized coat
• 4. M&S cord high waisted leggings
• 5. MHL by Margaret Howell felted fingerless gloves
• 6. Matalan black leather combat boots

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 four episodes of the new series are 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

Conclusion





In conclusion, our investigation into Claudia Winkleman’s go-to leggings for The Traitors has uncovered the exact pair that has won over fans and critics alike. These £44 leggings, courtesy of the popular British brand, have proved to be a game-changer for anyone looking to upgrade their wardrobe with a touch of TV magic. By examining the key features that make these leggings stand out, we’ve demonstrated that the secret to Claudia’s style lies not in high-end designer labels, but in the quality and practicality of her everyday choices.

The significance of this discovery extends beyond the world of celebrity fashion, as it highlights the importance of accessibility in fashion. In a industry often dominated by luxury brands and high prices, it’s refreshing to see someone like Claudia Winkleman championing affordable and comfortable clothing. This trend is likely to continue, as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and practicality in their fashion choices. As we move forward, we can expect to see more celebrities and influencers embracing the idea that great style doesn’t have to break the bank.

In the end, it’s clear that Claudia Winkleman’s leggings are more than just a fleeting fashion moment – they’re a testament to the power of everyday style. So, the next time you’re browsing for new leggings, remember that you don’t have to break the bank to look and feel like a TV star. With the right pair of leggings, anyone can channel their inner Claudia Winkleman and slay the fashion game, all while staying true to their values of practicality and sustainability.