Maybe it’s my obsession with The Traitors talking, but this season, I have tartan on the brain. While I normally style my plaids for the holidays and then sadly bid them adieu once the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, in 2026, I’ve decided I’m going to rock ’em all winter long.
Luckily, it looks like my favorite brands have been joining me in binge-watching a bunch of celebs deceive each other in a Scottish castle, because I’m spotting dresses, pants, skirts, and even activewear awash in plaids. To give you some styling inspo, I’ve pulled together an outfit for every situation, whether you’re schelpping to the office, celebrating your bestie’s birthday, or traveling to a wedding. Ahead, scope out six winter outfits that’ll ooze Traitors vibes, no matter where you’re headed.
This comfy-chic dinner ‘fit
When I’m going out to dinner, I’m 100% picking out an outfit that allows me to get my grub on, AKA, a loose-fitting dress that looks put together but feels just as comfy as the sweats I begrudgingly took off. My go-to brand for these situations? Hill House Home’s nap dresses. When I’m wearing Hill House, I like to juxtapose the ultra-girly dress with edgy pieces and textured details, like this fur-and-leather moto jacket and chunky black platforms.
Glam night out style
Yes, you can—and should—wear tartan for your next date night or GNO, and this ‘fit is all the evidence I need to present. The key to making a moody plaid look more party girl than bagpiper’s kilt? Choosing a skirt in an on-trend silhouette, like this Reformation mini.
Hold up, our work here is not yet done! A basic top will do—I’m thinking the viral Intimissimi sheer cashmere top, as seen on everyone from Kate Hudson to Kendall Jenner, so long as you pair it with elevated accessories, like this Mango faux fur coat, crocodile boots, and a tennis necklace.
A put-together but casual weekend ensemble
While I’m certainly one to spend my weekends cozied up in leggings or a sweat set, one of my New Year’s resolutions was to actually put some effort into my weekend appearance, even if I’m just popping over to a coffee shop. For a look fitting of a Traitors watch party, amp up the Scottish castle vibes with a classic fisherman cable knit that you’ll wear on repeat. Don’t forget the baseball hat—just because we’re looking cute on the weekends doesn’t mean we’re messing with our hair wash schedule.
Cozy-yet-professional office attire
Dressing for the office is always a gamble. You never know when your jeans might end up feeling a smidge too tight for sitting at your desk churning through emails, which is why I prefer to wear skirts or dresses. This ASOS number has a funky yet work-appropriate edge thanks to the tie-waist details. When in doubt, I opt for a monochromatic look, complete with a chunky cardi, Cosmo editor-approved boots, blue light glasses, and a tote big enough to haul everything from my lunch to my laptop.
A sparkly winter wedding guest look
While plaid wouldn’t be my first instinct for a winter wedding or cocktail party, this shift dress has been living rent-free in my head, so I will be needing to purchase it posthaste. To amp up the sparkly factor, style it with gleaming silver accessories. And because I’m not confident in my self-tanning abilities, a pair of navy tights will not only cover up my pasty winter skin, but give the whole ensemble a Blair Waldorf-esque vibe.
Statement coat + relaxed athleisure combo
Whoever said you can’t cosplay a Traitors cast member while pulling up for early a.m. Pilates has clearly never seen this outfit. A tartan coat is a versatile essential that can be tossed on over your athleisure for gym sessions, then styled with jeans and a sweater for a lunch date. While we’re at it, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: The tops from CRZ Yoga feel exactly like my pieces from much pricier brands at a fraction of the cost.
Madison McGee is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines. For the past year, she has contributed shopping content, gift guides, product testing, and deals coverage across Hearst’s portfolio, which includes Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, House Beautiful, Elle, Town and Country, Esquire, Country Living, Oprah Daily, and more. Prior to joining Hearst, she was a staff writer at BuzzFeed and worked in book publishing. Madison is a graduate of the University of Mississippi’s journalism program, and holds a Masters in Publishing from New York University. When she’s not scouting out the best deals, she can be found reading, cheering on the Baltimore Ravens, or exploring New York City’s indie bookstores.
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