Griffin Nagel/Peacock
Whether or not you’re a fan of The Traitors, the show’s style is instantly recognizable. From the moment host Alan Cumming welcomes the reality star-studded cast to Ardross Castle, fashion becomes part of the show.
The creative force behind Cumming’s iconic wardrobe is stylist Sam Spector. E! got the chance to speak with Sam about the fabrics and textures that define Traitors style, how each episode’s mood board comes together, and the No. 1 piece you can wear to bring a little castle-worthy drama into your own closet.
While tartan may feel like the most obvious nod to Scotland, where the show is set, Sam tells E! the styling goes much deeper. Texture, fabric, and material play a huge role in capturing the natural landscape and mood of the setting on screen.
“We use a lot of tweeds,” he shared. “There are Chanel-like tweeds in a bunch of the episodes. I used faux moss to channel the terrain, the hills. There was one inspired by Moai, Easter Island Moai, so I used stone as inspiration, and the outfit was supposed to look like stone. I’m always inspired by fabrics and textures, and for television, playing with textures helps a lot theatrically.”
Walter Baker Elodie Tweed Jacket
Ornate coin buttons and padded shoulders detail the posh silhouette of classic tweed jacket framed with a festive braid trim and fully lined for a high-quality finish.
AREA STARS Clover Short Sleeve Tweed Minidress
Sweeten your day with this shimmery metallic-tweed minidress framed by pretty puff sleeves, polished buttons and a box-pleated flared skirt.
The show’s aesthetic has started to influence everyday fashion, but not every piece automatically reads Traitors. The key is knowing which details push a look from common accessory to glam and castle-coded.
“A beret is perfect right now for Traitors-coded items, but tartan mixed in,” the stylist explained. “I think it has to be tartan mixed with a Traitor, because a beret could be Emily in Paris too. If you want to differentiate the two, you have to add tartan.” We found an option below that we think strikes the perfect balance.
Kangol New Heritage Flat Cap
So it’s not quite a beret, but this flat cap has a timeless touch to it it. It features a plaid, knit fabrication with a fun pom pom detail at top for a fun, preppy finish.
Sam said each Traitors episode starts with its own visual roadmap, setting the tone for Cumming’s looks.
“The mood boards are generally per episode. Each episode has its own vibe, mood board, and inspiration. We start with three to five pages of a mood board, and that’s just inspiration. Then we do one that’s what we can get or what we need to make to look like that mood board. There are different iterations of a mood board, and then another page that’s what we’re ordering or making. It’s all over the place, but it works for us.
There were keywords like a glamorous James Bond villain, but Scottish. Scottish apparel was always an influence. It’s always a mix of glam, Scottish, and villainy. More recently, the missions have been inspiring each of the outfits.
We have meetings with producers where I’m told about the missions, and then I’m inspired by each mission and develop looks from that. There are staples. Tartans are always involved. Now we’re adding a lot of jewels for theatrical elements so you can really see them on camera. We bejewel by hand a lot of what we do.”
We found styles that echo the mood, texture, and drama of the show below.
The Iconic Brooch
Add a dazzling touch to any look with this teardrop-shaped pin adorned with colored crystals.
Gem Pendant Necklace
This gem pendant looks so luxe. You’ll feel ike royalty when you pair it with tartan or tweed.
Avec Les Filles Tweed Bow Crop Jacket
This cropped tweed jacket adorned with a bow is finished with contrasting trim. It feels like something a glam Traitor (or Faithful) might wear.
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