When it comes to the hit BBC reality show “The Traitor,” the contestants’ fashion choices are just as crucial as their words and actions in shaping their fellow players’ perceptions. From Stephen’s flamboyant jumpsuits to Jade’s playful cardigans, the contestants’ outfits have become an integral part of the show’s appeal.
“Fashion has become part of the show’s attraction,” says style expert Carolyn Mair. “What we wear says a huge amount about us, and the contestants on ‘The Traitor’ used their outfits very carefully and very well.” For some, like Traitor Stephen, their bold fashion choices were a calculated attempt to distract from their true identities. “He wanted to be seen,” Mair explains. “He was choosing to be noticed.”
Similarly, Faithful Matthew deliberately packed “every jumper” he owned, believing that “How could I be a Traitor if I’m wearing nice knitwear?” Meanwhile, Secret Traitor Fiona opted for “soft, flowery, not particularly fashion-forward” clothes to cultivate a “maternal, non-threatening and nurturing persona” and gain the trust of her fellow contestants.
The contestants’ fashion choices didn’t just shape others’ perceptions – they also served as a form of self-expression and a way to feel more at ease during the high-stakes game. As stylist Sarah Thomson notes, “Whether they are a Traitor or a Faithful, if you’re wearing something that you’re super comfortable in and feel really good in, it’s going to give you that self-assurance and that little bit more confidence in how you play this game.”
From Jade’s playful cardigans to Harriet’s dramatic red ensemble, the sartorial choices of “The Traitor” contestants have become as much a part of the show’s intrigue as the twists and turns of the game itself. As the series’ third winner, Leanne, put it, “People are gonna take one look at this pink suit and they’re gonna be like, ‘She’s so girly, she’s so ditzy,’ and they’re so wrong.” In the world of “The Traitor,” appearances can be deceiving – and the contestants know it.