The Traitors season 2 has came to a spectacular end on Friday 26 January, and while I'm still gutted it's over (that finale, though), I'm experiencing an equally huge sense of loss at no longer being able to swoon over Claudia's outfits each week.
In an attempt to fill the void and help build a capsule wardrobe, I reached out to the lady behind the countryside chic that's touched the nation: stylist Sinead McKeefry. And what a joy she is. Just minutes into our chat, I was introduced to Sinead's brilliant sense of humour and hearty laugh, and immediately understood why she has such long-standing clients. I was also instantly struck by not only how knowledgeable she is, but how generous she is with her expertise.
Sinead's love of fashion is infectious, her skill unquestionable, and her desire to help people feel good in what they wear inspirational.
Combining classic wardrobe items in a way that transforms even the simplest of items into something stunning, Sinead has captured the imagination of many, and has now, deservedly-so, amassed a growing army of admirers - myself included. Each week people have been searching how they took can get Claudia Winkleman's Traitors outfits – something Sinead is very happy about.
"The thought I'm inspiring people to be a bit creative themselves, and to think, actually, we're all really good at just putting on that black jumper and black jeans every day and running out the house," Sinead tells me. "To know people are stopping and thinking about what they're wearing, and it's making them feel good - that means so much to me."
But all is not lost when it comes to our weekly fix of Sinead McKeefry fashion, with The Traitors season 3 confirmed, it's only a matter of time before we're all once again scouring the web for her latest chunky knit recommendation. But, well, I'm impatient and couldn't wait that long, and so I asked if she would mind sharing her wardrobe must-haves in the meantime – and much to my delight (and bank balance's dismay) she very kindly obliged...
1. Cashmere jumper
"A cashmere jumper, possibly a navy," Sinead says. "It feels amazing against the skin, can be layered and obviously has that quiet luxury feel to it. You can wear it jeans, but equally with an inspiration piece from say, Le Kilt – that cashmere just brings it right down. It makes it feel cool, and a little less contrived, but it's still got that elegance to it.
"You can wear it with faded old ripped jeans, with a great pair of well-fitted trousers with a flat shoe, with heels – it's just that key piece that's going to work with so many different elements of dressing.
"Cashmere is a luxury, but you can go to places like Uniqlo and get really good cashmere. Mens cashmere as well, look in the menswear department."
Shop navy cashmere jumpers
RRP: £99 | This pure cashmere jumper from M&S was mentioned specifically by Sinead during our chat. And it is, as she suggests, from the menswear department. The v-neck design is from the Autograph collection, knitted from pure cashmere, it will elevate any look.
RRP: £89.90 £79.90 | Another brand recommendation from Sinead, Uniqlo has a number of cashmere jumpers, but this navy turtleneck option is our favourite. The extra neck coverage is perfect to stay cosy in the cold weather, and it's in the sale.
RRP: £349 £239 | This Brora cashmere jumper is on the pricey side, but an investment piece you can reuse time and time again. The brand is a favourite of Sinead's, and it's not hard to see why. Made from the finest fibres, this will feel like pure luxury against your skin, and it's O-shaped neckline will flatter any shape.
2. Statement boots
"Footwear is so key – a statement boot is great investment piece," Sinead tells me. "I bought the Givenchy buckle boots about eight years ago, and I still have them, I still wear them. You can put them with leggings, jeans, tights, a plain black kilt and cashmere jumper - they can really just elevate any look.
"In every high-end high street brand, like Zara, you'll find a boot with good detail on it – something that adds a little bit of interest. Or ones like the DMs we've used on The Traitors (that no-one can actually get right now) – even that is a statement. It might not be the biggest statement in the world, but it makes you feel pretty cool if you've got a pair of boots like that. I'm 50, I mean business – and I want what I wear to make me feel like I mean business, and this style of boot does that.
"Thinking past winter, if you want to crack out your leg in summer or springtime and you've got a gorgeous long floaty dress, your navy cashmere jumper over the top and a great pair of boots - everyone's going to think you look fabulous."
Shop statement boots
RRP: £59.99 | If your budget can't stretch to Givenchy or McQueen for a pair of statement boots, this gorgeous pair from Zara will make a statement loud and clear. With buckles on the front, rubberised toecap, back pull tap and chunky track sole, these are beautiful and affordable option.
RRP: £579 | Givenchy's stunning ankle boots don't come cheap, but goodness, what a thing of beauty they are. Sinead's personal choice, she bought a pair back in 2016 and they are still going strong. The silver studs and four buckled straps will instantly elevate any look.
RRP: £229 | Claudia has been seen in classic DMs multiple times now, so much so getting hold of the very pair she wore is borderline impossible at the moment. But Dr Martens make some of the best Chelsea boots around, so if these aren't available in your size, there's lots of other gorgeous looks to choose from.
3. Trench coat
"I bought a really amazing trench coat from Reiss about five years ago, and it was really fluid – just so flattering," Sinead shared. "For me, personally, they were more flattering than Burberry trench coats, but you can go to Zara, you can go to Reiss for trenches – I got a beautiful mustard yellow one from American Vintage. Again, quite fluid.
"If you've got a black or navy one, they are great for taking you through the winter. They can be layered up with snoods, with your cashmere jumper and statement boots. Some of them are just really nice as well to wear over t-shirts, and coming into spring it's just really nice to have a gorgeous trench coat.
"I'm not a massive statement necklace person, but I will layer gold. And I think gold against those gorgeous beige, taupey, creamy colours of trench coats is just really chic – and it doesn't need to be Burberry."
Our best trench coats article features a range of designs for all budgets.
Shop trench coats
RRP: £1,890 | If your budget will stretch to Burberry's price tag, it's one our fashion team think is worth the investment. As trench coats go, they don't come much better or classic than this – it's slim silhouette shape being ultra flattering and Vintage check lining just oozing chic.
RRP: £338 | Sinead mentions Reiss as a place she's previously bought a trench coat, and with offerings like this one, we can see why. Sinead speaks of hers being fluid and really flattering, which is the feeling from this simply stunning white Etta trench.
RRP: £84.99 | H&M's trench coat offering proves you don't always have to spend big. We recently had this very coat in the womanandhome offices, in beige, and it was a firm favourite. It looks and feels like it should cost more than the price tag, and this classic black just elevates the look even more.
4. Leggings
"Go on to Wardrobe.NYC and invest in the fantastic range of leggings. Some are plain, some have zips – I totally love the ones with zips at the back – some have a little kick flare at the bottom. They are investment piece, but how many times have you tried to find the perfect black trouser? They are made from bonded lycra, and really suit every shape.
"I love these leggings because they work in so many ways – I've used them on The Traitors in the day, but also as parts of different outfits on Strictly as well. They've got a really slick silhouette to them, they're uber-cool, I mean, Wardrobe.NYC really is quite the label at the moment. These leggings are a really gorgeous investment piece that you'll feel amazing in – you won't regret it."
Shop leggings
RRP: £400 | If you're looking, as Sinead says, for the perfect trousers, these leggings are the perfect solution. The weight of the fabric ensures a smooth finish, and side zips at the hem are adjustable for the perfect fit.
RRP: £450 | High waisted, water resistant and with a beautiful silhouette, this ankle slim design is perfect for pairing with wellies on a rainy day, or for sliding into some eof the best knee high boots on a special occasion.
RRP: £450 | It's hard to beat a classic black legging, and Wardrobe.NYC does them very, very well indeed. No doubt these are an investment buy, but for how long they'll last and how amazing they'll make you feel when wearing makes them worth every penny.
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