Aside from the jumpsuits, I don’t believe I wore anything particularly innovative during my appearance on The Traitors. The standards for men’s fashion seem to be quite low; therefore, wearing a chunky mint green sweater paired with high-waisted jeans—one of my more understated outfits—felt groundbreaking. With no styling budget, most of my wardrobe came from my own collection.
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My journey to discover my personal style began in primary school on the Isle of Lewis, located off the north-west coast of Scotland. It was during this time that I realized I was different from my male classmates, primarily through my interest in fashion. From an early age, I started altering my clothes and found myself more intrigued by the fashion choices of the girls in my class.
I would argue that my developing sexuality was reflected in my clothing choices. I vividly recall making trips to the mainland specifically for shopping—three hours on a ferry followed by a 90-minute bus ride to Inverness. My semi-annual visits to Topman felt almost sacred.
One of my earliest fashion purchases was a grey and black striped cardigan. Despite its simplicity, wearing it to school led to relentless teasing, as boys simply didn’t wear cardigans at that time. It was disheartening to feel that something I loved—fashion—was also a source of distress.
By the time I reached 16 or 17, it became nearly impossible to conceal my true self. On another trip to the mainland, I bought my first pair of skinny jeans, which were quite avant-garde for the Isle of Lewis in the early 2000s. I never showed them to my parents; I would discreetly change into them after leaving the house to meet friends. I wish I had realized then that many of my straight male peers would eventually embrace similar styles.
When I turned 18 and enrolled at the University of Glasgow, I found myself in a city where everyone had access to the same clothing, stripping me of my uniqueness. This shift led me to discover vintage fashion, particularly because, as a typical student on a budget, thrift stores offered more affordable options. The high street was dominated by dull colors, while vintage shops showcased vibrant Hawaiian shirts and striking high-waisted trousers. The fashion of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, with its bold prints and colors, captivated me. I still regret not purchasing a pale blue 70s suit I adored, despite it being £50—far beyond my means at the time.
Once I discovered my distinct style, I never looked back. I relish the fact that I can attend parties without worrying about encountering someone in the same outfit. I favor vintage shirts with dagger collars or voluminous sleeves, along with flared vintage trousers that add a dramatic flair. Although some people likened my high-waisted look to Simon Cowell’s, I simply believe this is how I’m meant to present myself.
The most challenging aspect of preparing for my role on The Traitors was not about whether I would be a traitor or a faithful player, nor how far I would advance in the game. The real concern was figuring out what to wear. Clothing can convey a lot about one’s identity, leading to quick judgments from others.
While I never intended to become a source of inspiration for men to adopt wide-legged trousers, my aim was simply to present the most authentic version of myself. Since the show aired, I have received numerous messages from men seeking fashion advice via social media, and I plan to dedicate my next three columns to sharing my insights. So, stay tuned for more tips on everything from tailoring to wedding attire—and yes, even jumpsuits.
Styling was done by Sam Deaman, with assistance from Charlotte Gornall. Grooming was provided by Alice Theobald at Arlington Artists, using products from Charlotte Tilbury and Living Proof. The knitted top costs £40.44 from sweet marianne on Depop, while the jeans are £375 from ELV Denim. The necklace is priced at £225 from Dower & Hall, the boots at £350 from Phix, and the earrings are from Stephen’s own collection.
